Certified Food Protection Manager (Food Safety Manager certificate): Los Angeles restaurant guide

LA County EH / California Retail Food Code

What it is

At least one owner or employee must hold a food safety manager certificate from an ANSI-accredited exam provider.

When a restaurant needs it

Every restaurant handling unpackaged, potentially hazardous food — within 60 days of opening, an ownership change, or losing your certified person.

How to apply

Take an accredited Food Protection Manager course/exam (online-proctored or in person) from an ANSI/ANAB-listed provider.

Documents you’ll need

Photo ID for the exam
Exam fee (set by the provider)

Fee

Set by the exam provider (employer pays)

Processing time

One day for the exam; results typically within days

Renewal

Recertify every 5 years

Who files

Each individual takes the exam personally.

Good to know

Inspectors ask for the certificate on site. Plan for a certified person on every shift if you can, even though the minimum is one per facility.

Official source

LA County EH — food handler & manager certification

Get your personalized Los Angeles permit plan

Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

Build my free plan

Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.