FAQ

Certified Food Safety Programs

Provides programs for food safety to satisfy the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) requirements.
This includes:
– food handler certification
– food protection manager certification and proctored examinations
– independent food sanitation audits and support

Food Protection Manager Certification and Food Handler Certification

What is a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) or Food Service Sanitation Manager (FSSMC)?

These are the certifications required for the Person-In-Charge of a food operation. Restaurants, caterers, retail food preparation, school or healthcare food services, are examples of food operations.  Based upon federal standards of the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), at least one certified manager must be present whenever food is handled or served.

What are the requirements for managers in Chicago & Illinois?

Illinois (except Chicago) mandates an approved 7-hour course and proctored exam for the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM).     Chicago requires an extra licensing step through the city for the Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate (FSSMC) license.  Both certifications must be repeated every five years.

Which food safety courses and exams are approved for managers in Illinois and Chicago?

Many of the programs listed on the internet are not approved by the public health departments in Illinois.  Certified Food Safety Programs only offers courses that satisfy Illinois requirements.  Exams have to be proctored (supervised) and certified by ANSI-CFP (American National Standards Institute-Council on Food Protection).  Certified Food Safety programs provides and proctors those exams – including ServSafe, National Registry of Food Service Professionals, and Always Food Safe.

Where can I get the manager training and take the proctored exam?

Come to a convenient course location in the Chicago land area

Or

Take an on-line course  and then schedule your Certified Food Safety Programs review and proctored exam.

Or

Schedule a private course for up to 30 managers by contacting us at info@ilfoodsafety.net

How do I prepare for the certification exam?
  1. Register for the course/exam.  You’ll get a confirmation and a study guide.
  2. Complete the (required in Illinois, and optional in Indiana & Wisconsin) seven hour course
  3. Take the ANSI-CFP exam with an approved proctor, such as Certified Food Safety Programs.
  4. Let us know if a Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) FSSMC license is needed, and the documents needed for your application will be provided at testing.
  5. Display your certificate for the next five years.
How do I get food safety manager certification for Indiana or Wisconsin?

*Indiana (certified food handler) requires licensing and Wisconsin (certified food manager or food safety training for small operators) requires only the testing agency certificate. The person-in-charge of a food operation must pass the proctored food safety manager’s examination approved by American National Standards Institute Conference for Food Protection (ANSI-CFP).  Certified Food Safety Programs will provide a review and proctored exam.

What is a Food Handler certificate for employees?

This certificate of training is required by the Illinois (& Chicago) Department of Public Health for any staff with food or utensil contact.  The two hour training covers basic food safety and ends with an open book quiz.  The certification must be repeated every three years.

Who needs the Food Handler (FH) certification in Chicago & Illinois?

The State of Illinois and City of Chicago require this training for all staff (except certified managers) that work with food or food utensils.  The training must be completed within 30 days of hiring.

Where can I get the Food Handler training and certificate?

Use this convenient on-line food handler course  for unlimited access over 30 days to complete the 2-hour course.

Or

Schedule a private course by calling (773) 401-3244 or info@ilfoodsafety.net

Chicago Summer Festival training

What is a City of Chicago Summer Certificate Food Vendor for Food Festivals?

This three hour training covers food safety and personal hygiene in temporary locations and outside events for food that is served to the public.

Who needs the summer festival food vendor certificate in Chicago?

One staff member with the permit must be present at all times during the service of food at the event.  The summer festival certificate is renewed each year.   The requirement for the FSSMC license is separate from the summer festival food vendor permit.

Where can I get the training and certificate?

Courses will be available after April of this year.  Schedule a private course by calling (773) 401-3244 or info@ilfoodsafety.net