* Diamond Package – In order to qualify for the Free Retest, you must complete the ENTIRE online training and sample tests BEFORE taking the initial Food Manager exam. The 1 free retest must be taken within 6 months of not passing the first time. All other retests will be $69.95.
Illinois Food Manager Certification – Health Department Approved
We guarantee approval of the Certified Food Protection Manager Program by the health department.
Please click to view the nationally recognized ANSI accreditation for Food Protection Manager.
Education is the best tool to prevent, minimize, or eliminate foodborne illnesses and food hazards.
Training helps reduce or eliminate food safety hazards before they become major issues.
Reducing food safety complaints will create a happier workplace and in turn increase productivity.
Numerous professionals nationwide have already earned and renewed their card with AAA Food Handler — a trusted name in food safety training.
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.
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
Very informational!
Very helpful course. The fact that it is all video makes it more enjoyable, and less of a pain.
Kept my attention fully and explained the information in a short and detailed way.
Information given was easy to remember and apply to review questions.
I greatly enjoyed this program! The information was easy to understand and follow and the graphics used allowed me to better visualize the concepts. I do wish that information charts were shown for a bit longer on screen, but other than that it was great.
very detail oriented and easy to understand! covers everything you need to know!
La plataforma me brindó una experiencia de aprendizaje muy completa. El contenido está bien estructurado, explicado de manera clara y fácil de entender. Además, me permitió estudiar a mi propio ritmo y sentirme preparada para el examen. Las herramientas de práctica y los materiales de apoyo son excelentes, realmente se enfocan en que el estudiante comprenda y pueda aplicar el conocimiento. Sin duda la recomiendo a cualquier persona que quiera capacitarse y obtener buenos resultados en su evaluación.
This was very user friendly and easy to follow/learn.
This course was very informative and suited to my learning style. The only thing that could’ve improved my experience is if I were able to rewind the video before watching it fully. There were somethings I need to watch back and had trouble finding the time mark when the video was over.
The training has a good organization, and clarity. It was interesting. I recommended it.
Este curso es muy bueno. Facil de comprender
Great and easy explanation
I have taken other training classes before but this one was simple, informative and to the point!
Good information. Good refresher. Lay out makes it difficult to fulfill daily duties and keep info fresh in mind for test time. Practice tests may help IF they are similar to test. We shall see
Learned alot and by working in a food establishment currently it flows right with my everyday work habits. Very smooth running online class.
I recently completed the Food Manager Certification course, and it was a very valuable experience. The course covered all the essentials of food safety—everything from preventing foodborne illnesses to proper handling, storage, and regulatory compliance.
What I appreciated most was how clearly the material was presented. The practice exams were especially helpful in preparing me for the certification test, and I felt confident going in. The flexibility to study at my own pace made it easy to fit into my schedule.
I’d recommend this certification to anyone in food service management. Not only does it meet the legal requirements, but it also gives you the confidence to maintain a safe and compliant food environment.
En el proceso del curso FSQA, he aprendido de forma didactica, facil y con lenguaje sencillo sobre Seguridad de Alimentos y Calidad. He puesto todo mi dispocision para aprender o fortalecer mis conocimientos de la industria alimentaria.
He aprendido sobre la higiene personal, el control de temperaturas, la prevención de la contaminación cruzada, la limpieza y desinfección, y el control de plagas prevenir enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos y cumplir con las regulaciones de Texas.