ILLINOIS
FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATION

Foodborne illness is a serious concern in Illinois. Between 2003 and 2012, the state recorded 637 foodborne illness outbreaks, with Norovirus and Salmonella being the most common culprits—both preventable with proper food safety practices.

Food managers are responsible for setting food safety policies, training staff, and ensuring compliance with health regulations. Because of this critical role, Illinois requires them to demonstrate their knowledge by earning ANAB  accredited Food Protection Manager certification.

ANSI certification meets nationally recognized standards and is endorsed by both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it a trusted benchmark for food safety expertise.

You must pass an exam accredited by the ANAB and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP)—such as the one offered by AAA Food Handler. Exams are available online or in person.

Food Managers oversee overall food safety across the operation, while Food Handlers are trained to perform safe practices specific to their role.

You’ll need to complete an approved course in nutrition and foodservice management and pass the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) exam.

AAA Food Handler’s Food Manager Program meets the requirements for Certified Food Service Manager Requirement to Comply with CFR § 483.60 Food and Nutrition Services.

Illinois Food Manager Certification is typically valid for 5 years. Always confirm with your local health department for any updates.

Yes! The full certification process—including training and a proctored exam—can be completed online through an ANSI/ANAB-accredited provider.

It covers a lot of material but is manageable with study and practice exams.

Illinois accepts any Food Protection Manager Certification accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP)—including AAA Food Handler.

Under the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act (410 ILCS 625), all food service establishments in Illinois must have at least one certified food manager on-site at all times. Failing to comply with this requirement can result in penalties.

As of January 1, 2018, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) no longer requires individuals to apply for the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC)—except in the city of Chicago, where local regulations still apply.

We recommend checking with your local health department for any additional or location-specific certification and training requirements.