ServSafe Manager Certification Guide (2026)
How to earn the ServSafe Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification: requirement, cost, exam format, and passing score — with free practice in English and Español.
The ServSafe Food Protection Manager exam is 90 multiple-choice questions (80 scored), 2 hours, closed-book and proctored, requiring 70% to pass — at least 56 of the 80 scored questions. It costs about $99 (up to ~$179 with the course), is offered in English, Spanish, French Canadian, and Simplified Chinese, and the certificate is valid 5 years in most jurisdictions.
Exam facts at a glance
How to get certified, step by step
Confirm your local requirement
Check your county or city health department for the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) requirement. ServSafe is ANAB-CFP accredited and accepted almost everywhere.
Study the FDA Food Code
Learn foodborne illness, time-temperature control, hygiene, receiving & storage, HACCP, and cleaning & sanitizing. Practice free on PrepPass in English or Español.
Buy the exam (with or without the course)
Get the exam voucher (~$99) or the course + proctored exam bundle (up to ~$179) from ServSafe.com or an authorized reseller.
Schedule a proctored session
Book an in-person or online remote-proctored exam through Pearson VUE. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. The exam is closed-book.
Pass the 90-question exam
90 questions, 2 hours, 70% to pass (at least 56 of 80 scored). Online proctoring usually gives results immediately.
Get certified (valid 5 years)
Download your certificate and wallet card. Valid 5 years in most jurisdictions (some 3 years). Renew before it expires.
Official contacts & resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs the ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification?+
Most US jurisdictions require at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff at each restaurant or food establishment. Owners, chefs, kitchen managers, and shift leads commonly earn it. ServSafe Manager is ANAB-CFP accredited and satisfies the CFPM requirement in nearly every state and county.
How many questions is the ServSafe Manager exam and what's the passing score?+
90 multiple-choice questions (80 scored + 10 unscored pilot questions), with a 2-hour time limit. You need 70% to pass — at least 56 of the 80 scored questions correct.
How much does the ServSafe Manager exam cost?+
About $99 for the exam voucher/answer sheet alone, or up to roughly $179 for the online course plus proctored exam bundle. Prices vary by format and reseller.
What languages is the ServSafe Manager exam offered in?+
English, Spanish, French Canadian, and Simplified Chinese. PrepPass offers free practice in English and Español, with more languages coming.
How long is the ServSafe Manager certification valid?+
5 years in most jurisdictions. Some state or local health departments recognize it for a shorter period (often 3 years), so confirm your local rule and renew before it expires.
Is the ServSafe Manager exam open-book?+
No. The Manager exam is proctored and closed-book, taken either in person at a testing center or online with remote proctoring through Pearson VUE. You must present a valid government-issued photo ID.
What's the difference between a Food Handler card and the Manager certification?+
A Food Handler card is an entry-level credential for line staff, often earned with a short untimed course. The Manager (CFPM) certification is proctored, closed-book, and tests manager-level judgment on the FDA Food Code — it's the credential a jurisdiction requires the person in charge to hold.
Last updated: July 2026