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Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) + DC Health CFPM ID Card: Washington, D.C. restaurant guide

DC Health — Division of Food

What it is

A nationally accredited food-manager exam certificate plus the DC Health-issued CFPM ID card. A CFPM must be present during all hours of operation.

When a restaurant needs it

Before the pre-operational inspection and the Food Services BBL; staff enough certified managers to cover every shift.

How to apply

Pass an exam from a DC-accepted provider (e.g., ServSafe, NRFSP, StateFoodSafety), then apply for the ID card on the DC Health online application portal, by mail (PO Box 37489, Washington, DC 20013) or in person at the DC Health Processing Center, 899 North Capitol St NE.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
$35 DC Health CFPM ID card ($15 replacement); exam fees set by provider
Processing time
DC Health emails the card within 14 business days of a complete application
Renewal
Card valid 3 years from exam date; renewal card $35
Who files
Each manager applies for their own card.

Good to know

DLCP lists the 'DC Health Food Manager's Certificate' as a prerequisite for the Food Services license, so get it early.

Official source

DC Health: CFPM requirements · DC Health: accepted CFPM exam providers

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