Certified Food Manager Salt Lake County: How to Get Your Food Protection Manager Certification Online

If you operate or manage a food service business in Salt Lake County, Utah, state regulations require that you have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. This legal requirement helps ensure food safety and public health across all licensed food establishments.

This blog will explain everything you need to know about earning your certified food manager salt lake county online, how to stay compliant with Utah law, and how to ensure your food business avoids costly violations.

Who Needs a Certified Food Manager Salt Lake County

Under Utah’s state food safety regulations, enforced by the Utah Department of Health, every licensed food establishment must employ at least one person who holds a valid Food Protection Manager Certification. This rule applies to:

Full-service restaurants and cafés
Grocery store delis, bakeries, and prep counters
Food trucks and mobile vendors
School, hospital, and assisted living kitchens
Catering operations and banquet facilities
Shared-use commissary kitchens and ghost kitchens

Even small or seasonal operations must comply. If a Certified Food Protection Manager is not on staff, the business may face citations, fines, re-inspections, or temporary closure.

What Is a Food Protection Manager Certification?

The Food Protection Manager Certification is an exam-based credential that confirms a food manager’s ability to supervise safe food handling practices and prevent foodborne illness.

To be valid in Utah, the certification must be earned by passing an exam that is:

Accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB))
Recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP)

Once passed, the individual receives a certificate and is officially designated as a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). This certificate must be presented during inspections and is valid throughout Salt Lake County and all of Utah.

How to Get Certified Online in Salt Lake County

You can complete the entire certification process online through AAA Food Handler, a trusted provider offering ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited Food Protection Manager Certification Exams.

Here’s how the process works:

Select your package – Choose “Training + Exam” if you want to review content, or “Exam Only” if you’re already prepared.
Access optional study material – If selected, you’ll get 10 review sections and 160 practice questions.
Take the exam online – The Food Protection Manager Certification Exam is proctored remotely and available 24/7.
Pass with 70% or higher – One free retest is included if needed.
Download your certificate – The Food Protection Manager Certificate is available instantly after passing.

This flexible, 100% online format is ideal for busy food managers working in Salt Lake County.

What Topics Are Covered in the Food Protection Manager Certification Exam?

The certification exam evaluates your understanding of food safety at a management level. Covered topics include:

Causes and symptoms of foodborne illness
Time and temperature control for food safety
Proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures
Preventing cross-contamination and allergen exposure
Employee hygiene and illness reporting
Pest prevention and facility maintenance
Monitoring deliveries and rejecting unsafe food
Supervising food workers and enforcing food safety policies
Implementing Active Managerial Control (AMC)
Preparing for regulatory health inspections

The exam is multiple-choice and typically takes up to 2 hours to complete.

How Long Is the Food Protection Manager Certification Valid in Salt Lake County?

The Food Protection Manager Certification is valid for five years from the date the certification exam is passed. This applies to all certified food managers in Salt Lake County and throughout Utah.

Once the five-year period ends, the certificate expires. At that point, the individual is no longer recognized as a Certified Food Protection Manager, and the business must ensure the exam is retaken and passed to stay compliant.

There is no grace period after expiration.

What Are the Requirements for Recertification?

To renew your status as a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) in Salt Lake County, you must:

Retake and pass a Food Protection Manager Certification Exam that is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) before your current certification expires.

While Utah does not require food managers to take a retraining course, reviewing updated food safety materials is highly recommended—especially if it has been several years since your last certification.

AAA Food Handler offers convenient online retesting options, including free retests if needed.

Is the Certification Accepted in Healthcare or Long-Term Care Kitchens?

Yes. The Food Protection Manager Certification is accepted in healthcare kitchens and long-term care environments throughout Salt Lake County. This includes:

Hospitals
Nursing homes
Assisted living facilities
Rehabilitation centers
Institutional and correctional food services

The certification meets federal food safety standards outlined in CFR § 483.60, making it suitable for dietary and healthcare food service professionals. It also supports those pursuing a Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) designation.