How to Get a Food Manager Certification In Massachusetts

Running a restaurant takes a lot of work, which is why it’s important to delegate day-to-day tasks to qualified managers. 

Given that acquiring a new manager can cost $15,000, it’s no surprise restaurant owners put a premium on quality managers. But that goes beyond the typical restaurant manager who ensures that operations run smoothly. You also need outstanding food managers who are certified to work with food and maintain health and safety protocols.

Every state has different food management requirements, but Massachusetts is among the most lenient. In this article, you will learn what a food manager certification is, who needs one, and how you can get one or hire a capable food manager for your restaurant.

How to get a food manager certification in Massachusetts

A food manager certification is a certificate bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to protect the public from foodborne illness. The certification exam tests applicants on proper food safety measures, applicable regulations, and techniques to maintain food safety in a food-oriented environment like a restaurant or coffee shop. Moreover, it also verifies that certified food managers can recognize food safety concerns and implement the proper corrective and preventative action if necessary.

Since the passage of the Massachusetts Food Establishment Regulation in 2001, all food service businesses in Massachusetts must have at least one person who works as a full-time food manager. Businesses must also have a backup person to put in charge if the full-time food manager is ever unavailable.

While Massachusetts doesn’t specify who must be a certified food manager, most food establishments entrust the role to chefs or restaurant managers who have a significant amount of food-related responsibility already.

What do food managers do in a restaurant?

Food managers are responsible for protecting public health. That may sound like an overstatement, but that’s really why they’re there – to ensure foodborne illness doesn’t spread from the kitchen to the customers.

As such, food managers oversee the handling of food from delivery to preparation. They make sure that all food deliveries are fresh and suitable to serve, are stored responsibly and according to regulations, and that all food workers handle and prepare food appropriately. They’re up to date on all Massachusetts food regulations and ensure that an establishment meets food safety codes.

What are the food safety regulations in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts’ Food Protection Program and food safety regulations are some of the most robust in the country. The program offers extensive guidelines and regulations on food processing, consumer protection, and retail food. Spend some time on Massachusetts’ Food Safety website to explore the Food Protection Program, specific regulations related to retail food, seafood, dairy, food processing, and much more.

Likewise, the city of Boston has regulatory requirements for food service readily available for all businesses to reference.

What are the best options for food manager certification in Massachusetts?

There are many ways to earn your food manager certification in Massachusetts. These are some of the most popular ways to do it.

1. Local programs

Four companies offer the accredited Food Manager Certification Program exam in Massachusetts. These companies are the Certifying Board for Dietary Managers, ProMetric, the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

While the state neither endorses nor recommends any specific organization, these organizations offer specific courses to help you train for the exam and ace it on your first try. However, they are also some of the most expensive options.

2. 360 Training

360 Training’s Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) package is available in most states, including Massachusetts. The training program will help you learn what you need to know to pass the exam and will help you get set up to take the exam.

360 Training’s package is rated 4 out of 5 stars and is $120 before exam fees so while it may be convenient, it may not be the best bang for your buck – especially if you don’t pass the first time.

3. ANSI National Accreditation Board

The ANSI National Accreditation Board offers several national and local accreditation programs. If you want to get more focused with your Food Manager Certification, you can pursue International Certified Food Safety Manager or WFSO-USA Food Protection Manager, as well.

4. AAA Food Handler

AAA Food Handler offers national training resources, with the ability to focus in on specific states. You can train for Food Handler, Food Manager, and Alcohol Handling through a single source. While AAA Food Handler won’t give you the exam, you can get the training you’ll need to pass in Massachusetts for a far more affordable price than other options.

5. Set up your exam yourself

You don’t have to enroll in a training program to earn a CFPM certificate. It’s certainly helpful, but if you’ve worked in the restaurant industry enough to be familiar with the regulations, you can set up an exam at any time, as long as you’re willing to pay the fees.

Ready to go for your food manager certification in Massachusetts?

Everywhere that serves food in Massachusetts must have a certified Food Manager on hand to protect public health. For restaurant owners and managers, it’s crucial to find these experts or encourage someone on your staff to earn the certification to remain compliant with the state. For aspiring industry workers, earning your Food Manager certification can be a good way to raise your earning potential and increase your job security.

Food Manager Certification FAQs

If you’re still deciding whether or not pursuing food manager certification is right for you, these FAQs may help you make a decision.

How long does a food manager certification last?

In Massachusetts, a food manager certification lasts for five years.

Is it required to have a food manager certification to own a restaurant?

You don’t need a food manager certification to own a restaurant in Massachusetts, but you must have someone onsite at all times at the restaurant who is accredited.

What are the benefits of becoming a certified food protection manager?

In Massachusetts, it’s mandatory to have a certified food protection manager at any establishment that handles food. As such, getting this certification can put you in greater demand on the job market. Some food establishments may also offer higher pay for certified food managers and give you a greater opportunity to rise up in the business.

What is the difference between a food handler’s card and a food protection manager?

While food handlers and food protection managers have many of the same responsibilities, one does not equal the other. Essentially, a food protection manager is a higher-level of food handler. Food handlers are also certified, but they have a more basic understanding of critical food handling procedures and safety measures than food protection managers.

In most states, such as Massachusetts, food handler certification is less valuable than food manager certification because food handlers aren’t mandatory. Food managers have extensive knowledge of food safety and significantly more responsibility to protect customers and a food establishment. They operate in supervisory roles while food handlers are just certified to handle food correctly and get it out of the kitchen.