How To Get Your Utah Food Safety Manager Certification

If you supervise a food establishment in Utah, you are legally required to earn a Food Protection Manager Certification. This guide answers all the key questions with clear explanations and expanded details so you understand exactly what’s required, how to get certified online, and how to stay compliant with Utah’s food safety laws.

What Is the Official Name of the Certification Required for Food Managers in Utah?

The official certification required is the Utah Food Safety Manager Certification. In Utah, it is legally mandated that every licensed food establishment have at least one employee certified as a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). This certification proves that the individual has the knowledge and skills to manage food safety risks, prevent foodborne illnesses, and train other food handlers on proper procedures.

This certification is not just a formality—it’s a requirement enforced by public health agencies to ensure that someone with managerial authority in your kitchen understands topics like proper handwashing, cross-contamination prevention, cleaning and sanitizing protocols, and temperature control of foods.

To be valid in Utah, the certification must be earned by passing an exam that is accredited by the ANAB and recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). Providers like AAA Food Handler meet these criteria and offer fully online certification options.

Which Utah Food Establishments Must Have a Certified Food Protection Manager?

The law applies to every licensed food facility that prepares, handles, serves, or stores food in Utah. That includes:

Restaurants and fast-casual chains
School cafeterias (K–12, universities, and colleges)
Hospital and assisted-living kitchens
Mobile food vendors and food trucks
Delis, bakeries, and grocery store food counters
Catering businesses and banquet facilities
Commissary kitchens and shared-use kitchens

Even if your facility is small or seasonal, you are still required to have at least one CFPM on staff. Failure to comply can result in citations, re-inspections, and fines from your local health department.

What Government Authority Enforces Food Manager Certification in Utah?

In Utah, food safety regulations are enforced by the Utah Department of Health, under the Bureau of Epidemiology. This department sets the certification rules for food establishments and monitors compliance across the state. Local health departments may conduct inspections to verify that your food establishment employs at least one Certified Food Protection Manager.

If your business is inspected and no valid certification is found on file or on-site, the facility may receive a compliance notice, fine, or worse—an order to suspend operations until a certified manager is employed.

What Type of Exam Is Required for Utah Food Manager Certification?

This is a question we hear a lot. A Food Handler focuses on basic food safety during daily tasks, like prepping ingredients or serving meals. A Food Manager, however, holds the responsibility of supervising food safety protocols, managing staff, and ensuring the establishment meets all regulatory standards. In Mississippi, only the manager needs to be certified as a CFPM.

Be accredited by the ANAB
Be recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP)

The exam tests whether the candidate understands essential food safety concepts at a managerial level. These include personal hygiene, hazard prevention, time and temperature control, proper cleaning and sanitizing, pest control, and more.

AAA Food Handler offers this exam online and meets both ANAB and CFP recognition standards. Their exam is accepted throughout Utah and many other states.

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

The exam covers a comprehensive list of food safety management topics, such as:

Foodborne illness causes and symptoms
How to prevent cross-contamination between raw and ready-to-eat foods
Temperature danger zones and safe cooking, cooling, and holding procedures
Personal hygiene, glove use, and handwashing requirements
Cleaning and sanitizing equipment and surfaces
Monitoring food deliveries and rejecting unsafe products
Preventing pest infestation through facility maintenance
Training and supervising food employees
Implementing active managerial control (AMC) systems

The exam usually consists of multiple-choice questions, and a passing score is typically 70% or higher.

Can the Entire Certification Process Be Completed Online?

Yes. Utah permits food managers to complete their entire certification process online. Through providers like AAA Food Handler, you can:

Register online for the exam
Access optional study materials
Take the exam from home or work using a computer
Download your certificate immediately after passing

Online certification is ideal for busy professionals who need flexibility. AAA Food Handler’s program is user-friendly and designed to meet Utah’s legal standards.

What Is the Process to Earn the Food Manager Certification Online?

Here is how to get certified online in Utah:

Enroll in the program – Choose “Training + Exam” if you want to review topics, or go straight to “Exam Only” if you’re confident.
Study (if needed) – You’ll receive access to study guides, review quizzes, and practice exams.
Take the ANAB-accredited exam online – No in-person test centers are required.
Pass the exam with 70% or higher – One free retake is included.
Download your certificate immediately – Your certificate will be available as a printable PDF that can be presented during inspections.

How Long Is the Utah Food Protection Manager Certification Valid?

The certification is valid for five years from the date of passing the exam. There is no grace period—once the certificate expires, you are no longer considered compliant, and your establishment could be cited during an inspection.

It is your responsibility to keep track of the expiration date and retake the certification exam before it lapses.

What Are the Requirements for Recertification in Utah?

Recertification is simple: you must retake and pass the ANAB-accredited exam before your current certificate expires. While retraining is not legally required, it is highly recommended, especially if you haven’t reviewed the material in several years.

AAA Food Handler offers convenient retesting options to help you stay compliant without interrupting your work schedule.

Is the Utah Food Safety Manager Certification Accepted in Healthcare Facilities?

Yes. The Food Protection Manager Certification is accepted in healthcare kitchens such as:

Hospitals
Nursing homes
Rehabilitation centers
Assisted living facilities
Long-term care kitchens

It meets the standards outlined in CFR § 483.60, which govern food safety in healthcare settings. The certification is also helpful for professionals pursuing credentials like Certified Dietary Manager (CDM).