If you are deciding between becoming a Food Protection Manager or completing Food Handler training, understanding the differences is key. Both roles play critical parts in maintaining food safety, but their responsibilities and training needs are distinct.
In this blog, we will explore the responsibilities of each role, the training required and who each course has been designed for. By the end, you will have the clarity you need to make the best choice for your career.
A Food Protection Manager is responsible for overseeing food safety practices in a food establishment. These individuals ensure compliance with food safety regulations and manage teams to maintain high standards.
Key responsibilities:
The role of Food Protection Manager is ideal for:
If you are pursuing this career path, it is likely that you will need to complete an ANAB-CFP accredited Food Protection Manager program in accordance with state legislation.
Userve delivers a Food Protection Manager Program that covers a wide range of topics designed to ensure that you understand key food safety practices and how to implement them effectively throughout your workplace.
Topics covered within this course include:
To obtain certification, you must pass an accredited exam designed to assess your ability to conduct the responsibilities of a Food Protection Manager.
The Userve Food Protection Manager Certification Exam is recognized nationwide by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and meets the CFP Standards for Accreditation of Food Protection Manager Certification Programs. This 90-minute exam is completed online under the supervision of a proctor who will monitor your progress via webcam. A minimum score of 70 percent is required in order to achieve certification.
Some states require you to complete both the Food Protection Manager Course & Exam. It is recommended that you participate in the course prior to the exam to help you prepare for assessment.
A Food Handler is anyone who works directly with food during preparation, storage or service periods. These food workers are often the first line of defence in preventing foodborne illnesses.
Key responsibilities include:
Food Handler training is designed for:
In most states, employees working in food service establishments need to be able to show they've successfully completed Food Handler training. Completing a Food Handler Course through Userve not only equips you with the skills to maintain a safe environment, but also provides you with a digital certificate that can be used to show your completion of the online course.
The Userve Food Handler Training Course meets the food safety training program requirements outlined in the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard E2659. It also aligns with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code 2022.
The course includes three units designed to educate foodservice workers on the fundamentals of food safety:
Unit 1 - Understanding Food Safety
Unit 2 - Preventing Foodborne Illness
Unit 3 - Working with Food Safely
The Food Handler course concludes with a final exam featuring 50 multiple-choice questions. You will be given three attempts to achieve the minimum score of 70 percent.
Although there are some similarities, the certification programs for Food Protection Managers and Food Handlers differ in scope and depth. Here’s how they compare:
| Food Protection Manager Program | Food Handler Training Course | |
| Accreditation | ANAB-CFP | ANAB |
| Topics Covered | Advanced topics such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), legal compliance, facility maintenance, food purchasing and receiving deliveries. | Basic food safety practices, including personal hygiene, safe food storage, cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting. |
| Final Exam |
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| Course Access Period | 12 months | 12 months |
| Course Duration | Approx. 6-8 hours | Approx. 4-6 hours |
| Certification |
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Deciding between Food Protection Manager certification and Food Handler training depends on your current food industry role and future career goals. Consider the following:
Food safety is everyone’s responsibility, but the roles of Food Handlers and Food Protection Managers require different levels of expertise. By choosing the right program, you can ensure regulatory compliance, advance your career and contribute to safer food practices.
Userve offers industry-leading online courses for food safety professionals. Whether you are pursuing Food Handler training or looking to gain Food Protection Manager certification, our programs provide:
Ready to take the next step? Enroll with Userve today.
Whether you need Food Handler training or want to become a certified Food Protection Manager, we have got you covered. Contact us for more help finding the right food safety course for you.