West Virginia Food Safety Manager Certification Guide
Earning your West Virginia Food Safety Manager Certification is a key requirement for anyone responsible for food safety in a professional kitchen. This certification ensures that food establishments are led by individuals who understand and apply critical food safety practices, reducing the risk of foodborne illness and improving public health outcomes.
This guide covers West Virginia’s certification requirements, the role of the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), how to get certified online, and regulatory contact details.
What Is a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certification?
A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is someone who has passed a nationally accredited food safety exam recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) and approved by the ANAB. This certification confirms that the individual has the knowledge and skills to manage food safety risks in a food establishment.
The certification is not just about passing a test—it signifies that a food manager is capable of implementing proper procedures for hygiene, food storage, cooking temperatures, and employee training.
Is a Food Safety Manager Certification Required in West Virginia?
Yes. In West Virginia, at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required in any establishment that prepares, handles, or serves food to the public. This is a statewide expectation enforced by local health departments to ensure proper food handling procedures are in place.
The requirement is applicable to restaurants, food trucks, schools, hospitals, correctional facilities, and other food-serving institutions.
Regulatory Contact Information for West Virginia
Food safety laws and enforcement in West Virginia are overseen by the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR).
Bureau for Public Health, Office of Environmental Health Services
350 Capitol Street, Room 313
Charleston, West Virginia 25301-3713
Phone: (304) 558-2981
You may also need to coordinate with your local county health department for specific inspection and documentation procedures.
What the Food Safety Manager Training Covers
Although the training is optional in West Virginia, completing a food manager course significantly increases your chances of passing the exam. A complete training program prepares you for all topics included in the ANAB-accredited exam, such as:
- Foodborne illness prevention and symptoms
- Time and temperature control for TCS foods
- Cross-contamination and food allergen management
- Personal hygiene and employee health policies
- Proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures
- Pest control measures
- HACCP-based food safety systems
- Food safety laws and inspection procedures
The exam content follows guidelines from the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) and must be ANAB accredited to be valid in West Virginia.
Steps to Get Certified as a Food Manager in West Virginia
To earn your West Virginia Food Safety Manager Certification, follow these steps:
- Choose an ANAB accredited provider, such as AAA Food Handler.
- Complete optional training to prepare for the exam (recommended).
- Take the food manager exam online through the accredited provider.
- Download your Food Protection Manager Certification immediately after passing.
- Submit proof of certification to your employer or health department, if required.
AAA Food Handler offers convenient, mobile-friendly certification with bilingual support (English and Spanish), and your certification is valid for five years.
Who Needs to Be Certified in a West Virginia Food Establishment?
The Person in Charge (PIC) at a food facility must have a valid Food Protection Manager Certification. This individual may be:
- A restaurant or kitchen manager
- A head chef or executive chef
- A food service director
- A school or hospital food supervisor
- A food truck or mobile vendor operator
While other employees may take food handler certificate training, only the Food Manager Certification meets West Virginia’s regulatory requirement for CFPMs.
Certification Expiration and Renewal Requirements
The West Virginia Food Safety Manager Certification is valid for five years. Once expired, you must retake the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited exam to renew your CFPM status.
AAA Food Handler offers reminders and access to updated training materials for anyone preparing to recertify.
Consequences of Operating Without a Certified Food Protection Manager
Operating a food facility without a certified manager can lead to:
- Health code violations
- Fines or citations from the local health department
- Mandatory retraining or temporary closure
- Increased risk of foodborne illness outbreaks
Having a certified CFPM on staff not only ensures compliance but also boosts consumer confidence and improves food safety performance.
Advantages of Using AAA Food Handler for Certification
AAA Food Handler offers a fast, affordable, and nationally recognized solution for earning your certification:
- Exam accredited by the ANAB
- Recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP)
- 100% online with instant certificate download
- Bilingual exam options(English and Spanish)
- Bulk pricing available for businesses
- Accepted across all West Virginia counties
Thousands of food professionals and businesses trust AAA Food Handler for their food safety training and certification needs.
Start Your Certification Process Today
If you’re ready to meet West Virginia’s food safety requirements and take your career to the next level, AAA Food Handler offers a trusted, online path to earning your West Virginia Food Safety Manager Certification.
ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited, CFP-recognized, and accepted throughout West Virginia.
