Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certificate

What Is a CFPM?

A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is an individual who has passed an accredited food safety exam demonstrating knowledge of food safety principles, hazard analysis, and safe food handling practices.

Georgia law (Chapter 511-6-1) requires at least one CFPM per food service establishment. The CFPM must be a manager or supervisor present during operating hours, not just any employee.

Approved Certification Exams

The Georgia Department of Public Health accepts certifications from the following accredited programs:

• ServSafe (National Restaurant Association) — servsafe.com
• Prometric (formerly Thomson Prometric) — prometric.com
• National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP)
• Always Food Safe
• 360training

All exams test the same core competencies based on the FDA Food Code.

How to Get Certified

1. Enroll in a food manager certification course (in-person or online)
2. Pass the proctored exam (typically 90 questions, 2 hours)
3. Receive your certificate upon passing
4. Post the certificate at your establishment

Cost: $100–$200 for course and exam Pass rate: Study the material seriously — Georgia inspectors will test your managers on food safety knowledge during inspections

Validity and Renewal

CFPM certificates are valid for 5 years from the date of issue. Renew before expiration by retaking an approved exam.

What Inspectors Check

• Certificate is posted visibly in the establishment
• Certificate is current (not expired)
• The certificate holder is a manager or supervisor, not a line employee
• The named person is present during operating hours (inspectors may ask to speak with the CFPM)

What Happens If You Lack a CFPM

Absence of a CFPM is a Priority Foundation Violation under Chapter 511-6-1 — one of the most commonly cited violations in Fulton County. It can result in a failing inspection score and is a condition that must be corrected before re-inspection.

What SpoonSeal tracks

The document(s) you upload for this requirement, with automatic renewal/expiration tracking (Current, Due Soon, Expired). Where the city publishes health-inspection results (e.g., NYC and Chicago), SpoonSeal syncs them automatically; elsewhere they can be added manually.