Oklahoma Food Manager Certification: How To Apply

If you’re working in the food service industry in Oklahoma, it’s essential to understand when and where Food Manager Certification is required. While state-level certification is not mandatory across the board, specific counties do have requirements.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Oklahoma Food Manager Certification, how to apply, and how AAA Food Handler—with years of experience in Food Handling, Food Manager Training, and Safety Management—can help you every step of the way.

Do You Need an Oklahoma Food Manager Certification?

The answer depends on where in Oklahoma you operate. While the Oklahoma State Department of Health does not require certification statewide, certain counties enforce their regulations.

Currently, Oklahoma County/Oklahoma City and Tulsa County/City of Tulsa require each food establishment to employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). That certification is valid for five years and must be obtained through a Nationally Accredited Food Manager Certification program.

For food businesses operating in other counties, certification is not legally required—but it is still strongly recommended for professional credibility and food safety compliance.

How To Apply for Food Manager Certification in Oklahoma

Getting your Oklahoma Food Manager Certification is a straightforward process if you follow these steps:

1. Choose an ANAB-Accredited Program

Make sure your training and exam provider is approved by the ANAB and recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). This ensures your certification will be valid in Tulsa and Oklahoma counties—and recognized nationwide.

At AAA Food Handler, we provide training aligned with ANAB-accredited standards, helping you meet both state and local health regulations.

2. Complete the Training

Your coursework will cover essential topics like foodborne illnesses, proper hygiene, temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing, and HACCP principles. These are vital for protecting public health and reducing liability.

3. Take and Pass the Exam

To become a Certified Food Protection Manager, you must pass a proctored exam. This can be taken online or in person. Once passed, your certificate will be valid for five years in Oklahoma County and Tulsa County.

Who Needs To Be Certified?

Only one Certified Food Protection Manager is required per establishment in counties with regulations. However, many businesses voluntarily certify multiple managers to ensure there’s always someone on shift with the required credentials.

If you’re operating a restaurant, food truck, school cafeteria, or grocery deli in Tulsa or Oklahoma counties, you must have a certified manager on staff.

Even in counties without mandatory rules, getting certified demonstrates a commitment to food safety and can improve inspection outcomes.

What’s the Difference Between a Food Handler and a Food Manager?

This is a question we hear often at AAA Food Handler.

A Food Handler focuses on basic food safety during preparation and service.
A Food Manager, on the other hand, is responsible for overseeing all food safety operations, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and training staff.

Due to these added responsibilities, food managers require a more advanced Food Safety Certification, typically a nationally accredited food manager certification through the ANAB and Conference for Food Protection (CFP).

How Long is the Certification Valid?

In counties where it’s required, the Oklahoma Food Manager Certification is valid for five years. After that, you’ll need to renew by retaking the exam. AAA Food Handler offers easy-to-follow renewal options to keep your credentials up to date.

Why Get Certified Even If It’s Not Mandatory?

Even if your county doesn’t require certification, there are many benefits:

Better health inspection results
Reduced risk of foodborne illness
Increased consumer trust
Enhanced job opportunities and staff leadership

By getting certified through an ANAB Accredited program, you also ensure national recognition and regulatory compliance wherever your career takes you.

Regulatory Contact Information

Oklahoma State Department of Health
Consumer Health Service
123 Robert S. Kerr Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73102

Train With the Experts at AAA Food Handler

At AAA Food Handler, we have years of experience in Food Handler and Food Manager certification training. Our programs are tailored to meet local and national requirements, especially for professionals working in counties that enforce the Oklahoma Food Manager certification.

Whether you’re new to food management or just need to renew, we’re here to guide you with clear, flexible, and affordable training options that meet ANAB and Conference for Food Protection (CFP) standards.