Do not submit an application or money to DSHS for an individual Food Managers Certificate.
Application Fees are Non-Refundable.
The state (DSHS) stopped administering the Certified Food Manger (CFM) exam on January 7th 2010. Individuals testing after that date would have taken the CFM exam through one of the online or national exam providers and DSHS does not keep these records. Please contact testing providers directly for information regarding their certificates.
Examinations offered through training programs and test sites are accredited through American National Standards Institute – Conference for Food Protection (ANSI-CFP). Certified Food Manager Certificates issued through these providers receive national reciprocity.
Food establishments permitted by a local health jurisdiction should contact that specific jurisdiction to obtain information regarding their requirements for food manager certification.
Table of Contents
Obtaining a Food Manager Certification
The food manager certification is obtained by passing a Department of State Health Services (DSHS) approved certified food manager certification examination. The food examination may be taken at any licensed training program, test site, online exam, or national exam provider. Certification is valid for five years.
County health departments, public health districts, and city health departments must accept certificates issued for passing any DSHS approved examination as meeting the training and testing requirements of the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 438.
A fee may be charged by a local health jurisdiction for a certificate issued to a certified food manager that has obtained an official certificate. This was authorized under Texas Health and Safety Code §438.046.
Classroom Training
The Certified Food Manager Training Programs offer traditional classroom (14 hours) training to managers who are new to the food industry and have need of quality training. A DSHS approved written “Paper-and-Pencil” examination is given in English and Spanish at the completion of the training. Upon successful completion of the exam, a CFM Certificate is issued that is valid in Texas. This link will provide a list of certification training programs.
Testing Sites
Test Sites provide the food manager's examination to those who have sufficient background in the food industry to take the exam. A DSHS approved written "Paper-and-Pencil" exam is given in English and Spanish at these sites. Upon successful completion of the exam, a CFM Certificate is issued that is valid in Texas. Some Test Sites may also offer training. This link will provide a list of test sites.
Online Training
The Online Exam provides the food manager’s examination to those who have sufficient background in the food industry to take the exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, a CFM Certificate is issued that is valid in Texas. Some online providers may also offer training.
Program and Exam Providers
National Exam Providers
The national examinations have been approved by the Conference for Food Protection. Upon successful completion of the exam, a CFM Certificate is issued that has national recognition. Some National Providers may also offer training.
Exam Providers
Obtaining Test Results
Candidates who have taken a food manager examination should obtain examination results from the accredited program or licensed test site where the examination was administered.
Food Manager Certificates
An official Certified Food Manager Certificate is issued to each candidate upon passing the examination. This certificate must be posted in an area that is conspicuous to the consumers.
- The official National Certified Food Manager Certificate issued by each licensed national program varies in size and issuance process. Candidates should check with the examination provider for specific information.