Five Stars Food Safety - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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• The Food Manager Certification is the higher-level certification that is often referred to as “the big one.” This certification is intended for individuals in managerial or supervisory roles who are responsible for ensuring that food safety protocols are followed throughout an entire establishment. The Food Manager Certification covers advanced topics such as HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles, regulatory compliance, and detailed procedures for managing food safety risks.

• The Food Handler Certification is a basic level of food safety training designed for employees who work directly with food, such as cooks, servers, and dishwashers. It covers fundamental topics like hygiene, safe food handling, and prevention of foodborne illnesses.

• Five Stars Food Safety specializes in providing training and examination for the Food Manager Certification, which is recognized as a more comprehensive and authoritative qualification in the food service industry.

Yes, the Food Manager Certification provided by Five Stars Food Safety is accepted by all local, state, and tribal regulatory authorities as proof of your training and education in food safety management. This certification meets or exceeds the standards required by regulatory bodies across the United States.

The Food Manager Certification is typically required for anyone in a managerial or supervisory role within a food service establishment, including restaurant managers, head chefs, catering managers, and food service directors. In many jurisdictions, it is mandatory for at least one person per establishment to hold a Food Manager Certification. The establishments include, but are not limited to:

• Public and Private Schools using a contracted food service provider (i.e. food workers not employed by the school)
• Fraternal organizations
• Mobile Food Units and Caterers that are required to maintain a Department of Health Food Sanitation Certificate
• Detention facilities

Residential Facilities that are required to maintain a Department of Health Food Sanitation Certificate, such as, but not limited to:  

• Assisted Living Facilities
• Hospices
• Adult Day Cares
• Intermediate Care Facility for the Developmentally Disabled (ICFDD)
• Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC)
• Crisis Stabilization Units
• In-patient Drug, Alcohol, and Mental Health Facilities

The following types of food service establishments are exempted from Department of Health manager certification requirements:

• Bars and lounges serving beverages only and non-time/temperature control foods like chips
• Public and private schools (provided that the food service is operated by school employees)
• Civic Organizations
• Theaters that are required to maintain a Department of Health Food Sanitation Certificate
• Food service establishments that limit their food service operation to non-time/temperature control for safety prepackaged food items
• Culinary arts and similar food programs, which do not offer, sale, or serve food beyond the program’s instructors and direct participants

The Food Manager Certification is generally valid for five years from the date of issue. However, it’s important to check with your local regulatory authority, as some areas may have different requirements or renewal periods.

The course covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Management of Food Safety Practices
• Hygiene and Health
• Safe Receipt, Storage, Transportation, and Disposal of Food
• Safe Preparation and Cooking of Food
• Safe Service and Display of Food
• Cleanliness and Sanitation
• Facilities and Equipment
• HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) principles
• Food safety regulations and compliance
• Forms of Contamination
• The Flow of Food
• More

Please pay very close attention to the welcome letter that you are sent after completing your enrollment.

Yes, Five Stars Food Safety offers both in-person and online exam options. The online exam is proctored, ensuring the integrity of the certification process. You can choose the option that best fits your schedule and learning style.

The training course typically takes 8 hours to complete. The exam itself is usually around 2 hours long. Upon successful completion of the exam, you will receive your certification.

If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you will have the opportunity to retake it. Five Stars Food Safety offers retake options and additional support to help you succeed.

The cost of obtaining the Food Manager Certification through Five Stars Food Safety varies depending on the package you choose. We offer several options, including training-only, exam-only, and comprehensive packages that include both training and the exam. Please visit our pricing page for detailed information.

Five Stars Food Safety is committed to providing the highest quality food safety training and certification services. We are a trusted provider, recognized by regulatory authorities across the country. Our courses are designed by experienced professionals, and we offer flexible learning options to accommodate your needs.

You can sign up for a course or exam through our website. Simply visit the Courses & Exams page, choose your preferred option, and follow the registration instructions. If you need assistance, our customer support team is available to help you through the process.

We accept credit and debit cards online during your enrollment.