Need to take the course or renew your certification?
Formally called the Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification, this program meets the eight-hour coursework and examination requirement set by the Illinois Department of Public Health for the Certified Food Protection Manager certification. Recertification is required every five years.
The course is taught over two days, and participants have to attend both days to sit for the exam on the second day. You will get an hour lunch on the first day of class, and a half-hour lunch on the second day. A photo ID is required for the exam. The program fee of $100 includes the textbook, class materials, and exam.
If a reader or translator is needed, contact the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals by email or call 800-446-0257.
The course and exam are through the National Registry's ANSI-Accredited Food Safety Managers Certification program. If the employers require the same certification through ServSafe, please contact Lisa Peterson for accommodations.
If we don't have at least 4 participants registered 10 business days in advance, the class will be canceled and those who registered will be refunded. PREREGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. The only exception is Christian County, where at least 3 need to be registered. If the dates, times, or location does not work and there is an audience of 5 or more people who would like the certification, please contact Lisa Peterson for accommodations.
2025 Class Schedule
Macoupin County
Jan. 23 & 24 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
March 27 & 28 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
July 24 & 25 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sept. 11 & 12 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Montgomery County
Feb. 13 & 14 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
April 10 & 11 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Aug. 21 & 22 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nov. 13 & 14 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Weekend classes - (Saturday: 9 am-4 pm and Sunday: 1-4 pm):
March 1 & 2 | Montgomery County
May 17 & 18 | Macoupin County
Retesting
If you need to retake the exam, you may only take the exam twice in a 30-day period and must wait a full 24 hours between the 1st and 2nd attempt. No more than four attempts are allowed in a 12-month period. University of Illinois Extension does offer retesting for a $50.00 fee. Register for retesting and contact Lisa Peterson about setting up a time and date or call the local Extension office.
Recertification
The state of Illinois requires those renewing their license to attend the 8-hour certification course and pass the national exam with a scaled score of at least 75% or higher.
Local Health Departments
For specific questions about regulations in your county, contact your local health department:
Christian County
Jersey County
Macoupin County
Montgomery County
Additional Resources
The exam is based on the FDA Food Code, the latest science in food safety, and best practices in the industry.
National Registry of Food Safety Professionals: Information about the fast, flexible, affordable Food Manager training and certification.
Food Handler Online Courses: University of Illinois Extension does not offer the food handler certification course. Check out these resources for ANSI approved Food Handler Courses.
Illinois Department of Public Health: Find additional information about the certification through the Illinois Department of Public Health
For More Information
