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Successfully running a food service operation requires a tasty menu, outstanding service, and ambiance that helps to create a memorable experience for diners. It also means providing safe ingredients and following standards for food storage, preparation, and cooking that minimize risks for the spread of germs and foodborne illness.

Protecting public health in the food service industry is made easier with the addition of a certified professional food manager (CPFM) in the restaurant setting. 

Not every state legally requires this role to be filled, but several states do have laws in place regarding food handler certifications, as do many counties in states without such laws. Even when states and counties don’t require it, food service employers may.

If you’re pursuing a career in the food service industry, obtaining this certification not only improves your resume but helps to ensure that you understand how to operate in a safe and health-conscious way, protecting consumers in the process. Why should you seek certification and how do you go about obtaining it in Florida?

The Role of a CPFM

Food handlers can be anyone who works with food, from managing inventory to prepping ingredients to cooking. They might work in restaurants or warehouses where food is packaged. They could work in schools, hotels, hospitals, or other settings where food is prepared and served.

As a food handler, it’s important to understand safety standards and public health concerns surrounding food service. This helps to minimize issues like contamination, spoilage, and improper food preparation that can lead to the spread of germs and resulting foodborne illness. 

Obtaining certification as a food handler typically involves undergoing training and taking an exam or assessment to prove knowledge and skill.

Earning Your Certification

The best way to obtain certification as a professional food manager is with a certified professional food manager course and exam program. This will provide the information and training needed to pass your exam and prepare you for safe food handling in a professional setting. The right training program will include topics like:

• Introduction to food safety
• Contamination and cross-contamination
• Time and temperature control
• Personal hygiene
• Cleaning and sanitization
• Potentially hazardous foods
• Pest control sanitation

Once you’ve received training and passed an exam to earn your certification, you’ll have to renew it every five years with a recertification exam.

Finding an Effective Certification Program

The best training and exam prep programs for a CPFM will offer self-paced learning with access to a 24/7 online curriculum designed for working professionals. Courses created by industry experts and educators will help to ensure that you have the practical knowledge needed to not only pass your exam but also thrive in the work environment.

Lifetime access to course materials means you can always refer back to training as needed. You should also look for a program that offers an instant certificate of completion, as well as state notification on your behalf.

Are you interested in becoming a certified professional food manager in Florida? RocketCert can help you succeed. Contact us now to get started.