Food Safety Manager Certification
To obtain a National Certified Food Safety Manager license, you must pass a state-approved exam. The Tavern League of Wisconsin (TLW) course prepares you for the exam, which is administered the same day.
Establishments with more than five (5) food handlers must have a licensed, certified Food Manager on staff at each location.
A food handler is anyone involved in preparing or processing food. Examples include:
· A chef
· A server who prepares salad or scoops ice cream
· A bartender who cooks a frozen pizza or prepares fried foods
Online Exam RequirementsThe exam is administered entirely online. You must bring your own smartphone, tablet, or laptop to take the exam.
Each participant must also have a unique email address. Your email address is part of your exam login and cannot be shared with another person taking the exam.
A very limited number of loaner devices may be available from the proctor. If you arrive without a device and no loaner is available, you will be unable to take the exam.
Results are available immediately after you complete the exam.
Registration, Cancellations & Rescheduling
Class size is limited to 35 participants. Walk-in registration is subject to availability, and entry is not guaranteed.
Registration fees are non-refundable. If you cancel, you have 60 days from the cancellation date to reschedule. You are responsible for rescheduling within that period.
A $50 fee applies if you cancel or reschedule within 48 hours of your scheduled class.
Retests & Exam-Only Registration
If you do not pass the exam, the retest fee is $35 for TLW members and $45 for non-members.
To register for a retest, contact Tracy Bredow at tracy@tlw.org. She will send you an invoice for the afternoon exam session.
The exam-only and retest session begins at 12:30 p.m.
Exam-Only Requirement: You must present your current, unexpired Food Safety Manager certificate to qualify for the exam-only option.
Thank you for choosing the Tavern League of Wisconsin for your food safety training. We appreciate your participation!
See what makes the TLW Food Courses stand out
Questions? Call the TLW Food Safety Hotline: 608-270-8591
Small Operator Permit
To qualify for a Wisconsin Small Operator Permit, you must:
· Hold a current Wisconsin Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) license and present your unexpired certificate on the day of the Small Operator exam.
· Employ five (5) or fewer total food handlers, including yourself.
A food handler is anyone involved in preparing or processing food. Examples include:
· A chef
· A server who prepares salad or scoops ice cream
· A bartender who cooks a frozen pizza or prepares fried foods
Permit Renewal
To renew your Small Operator Permit, you must complete a three-hour course.
Questions? Call the TLW Food Safety Hotline: 608-270-8591
Class Details
- Photo ID required to take the exam - this is mandatory!!
- Bring a #2 pencil, highlighter and reading glasses if needed.
- Class registration is at 8:30 AM and class concludes at approximately 3:00 PM - see schedule for exceptions.
- The use of Electronic Devices, Recording Devices or Cell Phones during the class time is prohibited. Personal Smart Phone, Tablet, or Laptop will be needed at the time of the exam.
- Lunch is available at or near the location (cost not included in fee).
- Classes run as low as $55 for TLW members and $65 for non-members.
The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, approved by the HFS (Health and Family Services) Department,
approves our instructors and provides the state-approved examinations.
Licenses obtained at our classes are valid for 5 years.
*Contact your county health department or local municipality for your county ordinance, which can be stricter than these minimum code requirements. Several counties in Wisconsin require a person in charge (PIC) with a CFM License on site every hour of food preparation. Click the following link for your local health department information https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/lh-depts/counties.htm