Food Safety Manager Certification Examination
Issue Date: March 8, 2025 | Current Revision: March 8, 2025
Introduction & Background
Why Is It Important to Take This Exam?
As a food safety manager, you help keep people safe from foodborne illnesses. This exam checks your understanding of food safety and helps protect public health.
What Does FoodSafePal Do?
FoodSafePal created the Food Manager Certification Program to test the knowledge and skills of food managers. Those who pass the exam and meet all requirements will receive a certificate valid for up to five years.
What Can FoodSafePal Do for Me?
FoodSafePal will provide a score report to those who fail, highlighting areas for improvement. Those who pass will receive a frameable certificate. FoodSafePal will also maintain records and verify certification for employers and health departments upon request.
About the Exam
- Basis for the Exam: Based on an analysis of food safety tasks, referenced to the 2022 FDA Food Code.
- Exam Content Areas: Covers seven core areas of food safety. See the Exam Blueprint for details.
- Exam Format: 60 multiple-choice questions, including a few unmarked pilot questions that do not affect your score.
- Exam Time Limit: Up to 90 minutes to complete.
- Passing Score: Depends on which exam form you receive.
- Certification Validity: Valid for up to five years. Check with your local health department for jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Eligibility & Application
Anyone may take the FoodSafePal Certified Food Manager Exam. While prior food safety training or experience is recommended, it is not required. You must agree to the Examinee Consent Form before the exam begins.
FoodSafePal does not discriminate against exam candidates on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Testing Environment Requirements
FoodSafePal’s exam is administered exclusively online through remote proctoring. Your testing environment must meet all of the following requirements before your session will be permitted to begin.
Valid Government-Issued Photo ID Required
You must present a valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or passport) for identity verification before beginning the exam.
Private, Secure Environment Required
You must take the exam in a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted. No one else is permitted in the room during the exam session. This includes people visible in the background. Testing in an open office, common area, or any space where others are present — even if they are not interacting with you — does not meet this requirement and may result in session termination.
No Personal Belongings or Unauthorized Materials
Phones, papers, books, notes, headphones, second monitors, smartwatches, or other electronic devices are not allowed. Only your testing device and ID should be in your workspace.
Workspace and Comfort
Your workspace must include a desk or table and a chair. The room should be adequately lit, ventilated, and free of distractions to allow you to perform at your best.
Internet and System Requirements
A reliable, high-speed internet connection is required for uninterrupted testing and video monitoring. Make sure your device meets the system requirements provided by the testing platform prior to beginning your session.
Accommodations
FoodSafePal follows the ADA and provides reasonable accommodations for examinees with documented disabilities. Accommodations must not change the way the exam measures knowledge, and there is no charge for approved accommodations.
To request accommodations, email FoodSafePal with documentation from a licensed professional at least 30 days before your scheduled exam. If your request is approved, accommodations will be applied directly within the online exam platform.
Taking the Exam
- Read all instructions carefully before beginning.
- Answer ALL questions — there is no penalty for guessing.
- Only answers marked will be scored.
- No talking, electronic devices, or outside materials are allowed during the exam.
- Violations may result in removal from the exam and invalidation of your score.
Scores & Results
- Certification is not official until FoodSafePal issues your certificate.
- Scores are processed within two weeks of the exam date.
- If you fail, a diagnostic score report will be sent to help you prepare for a retake.
- Rescoring Requests: Must be submitted in writing within 30 days of receiving your score notice.
Retaking the Exam
If you fail, you must wait 48 hours before retaking the exam.
Indeterminate Scores
FoodSafePal ensures that all reported scores are valid. In some cases, scores may be classified as indeterminate due to testing irregularities, faulty exam materials, or examinee behavior. Indeterminate scores will not be reported or verified.
If your score is classified as indeterminate, you will be notified within seven business days and given options to retake the exam. If a score that was previously reported is later deemed indeterminate, you will be informed of the change.
Recertification
The only method for recertification is to retake and pass the exam. Certification is valid for up to five years. Some regulations may require recertification sooner than five years — check with your local health department for jurisdiction-specific requirements.
Appeals & Discrepancy Reporting
If you experience a disruption during your exam — such as technical issues or environmental concerns — notify FoodSafePal within 7 calendar days by emailing help@foodsafepal.com.
If you fail the exam, you may request a rescore. All rescore requests must be submitted in writing within 30 calendar days of receiving your score.
If you believe your certification decision was made in error or unfairly, you may submit a written appeal within 15 calendar days of receiving your score or decision notice. Appeals must include:
- Your full name and exam date
- A description of the issue
- Any relevant supporting documentation
Appeals are reviewed and responded to within 10 business days. All appeal decisions are final.
Disciplinary Policy
All examinees must follow FoodSafePal’s Code of Conduct to earn and maintain certification. Violations include, but are not limited to:
- Cheating on the exam
- Providing false information or misrepresenting certification status
- Misusing FoodSafePal property
- Facing legal or regulatory actions related to food safety or public health
Suspected violations should be reported in writing to FoodSafePal. Violations may result in denial, suspension, or revocation of certification. If certification is denied or revoked, the individual must wait at least three years before reapplying. If a violation poses an immediate public health risk, FoodSafePal may act more quickly.
Certification Trademarks & Use of Your Certification
After passing the exam, your certification will be recorded in FoodSafePal’s database.
As a certified Food Safety Manager in good standing, you may:
- Display your official certificate
- State that you are a “Certified Food Safety Manager”
- Use the certification marks on business cards and letterhead
Written approval is required for any use of FoodSafePal trademarks in advertising or promotional materials. Copying, altering, or misusing certificates or wallet cards is prohibited and may result in certification revocation. Need a replacement certificate? Contact FoodSafePal for a reprint. A $20 fee applies.
Reporting Security Breaches
FoodSafePal is committed to maintaining exam integrity. If you suspect cheating or an exam security violation, report it immediately to FoodSafePal at help@foodsafepal.com.
Exam Content Outline
The exam covers 60 questions across seven core content areas:
- Ensuring Good Employee Hygiene — 8 questions
- Controlling Time and Temperature — 12 questions
- Preventing Cross-Contamination and Cross-Contact — 7 questions
- Monitoring Food Flow — 7 questions
- Active Managerial Controls — 7 questions
- Maintaining the Physical Facilities — 12 questions
- Ensuring Proper Cleaning and Sanitizing — 7 questions
Questions? Contact FoodSafePal at help@foodsafepal.com or (800) 426-1344, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM CST.