National Certified Food Safety Manager Class
To obtain a National Certified Food Safety Manager License, you must pass a state-approved exam. The TLW class prepares you first, and then administers the exam the same day. For establishments with more than five (5) food handlers you MUST have a licensed-certified Food Manager on staff at each location.
For this course, the exam portion will be fully online. Bringing your own personal device (smart phone, tablet, laptop) is required in order to take the exam. You are also required to have an email address; the address cannot be shared with another person taking the exam. The email address is used as part of your login and cannot be used by another person for their exam login.
When the online exam is taken, results will be available immediately after the exam is completed. If you do not bring your own device for the exam, a very limited number may be available on loan from the proctor. If they are taken, you will be unable to take the exam.
A food handler is any individual engaged in the preparation or processing of food. Examples include:
- a chef
- a waitress that prepares a salad
- a server that scoops ice cream
- a bartender that cooks a frozen pizza or drops breaded mushrooms, etc. into a fryer*
If you fail the exam there is a retest fee of $35 for Members and $45 for Non-Members. Please contact Tracy Bredow at tracy@tlw.org if you need to register for a retest and she can send you an invoice for the afternoon session. Thank you for using the Tavern League for your training needs. We appreciate you taking the time to take our course.
The exam starts at 12:30pm for the exam only option and retest.
See what makes the TLW Food Courses stand out
Questions? Call the TLW Food Safety Hotline: 608-270-8591
Small Operator Permit
Small Operator Permit
If you currently own a valid Wisconsin CFPM License and want to proceed with a Small Operator Permit, there are certain requirements you must meet, i.e., your Certified Food Manager license cannot be expired and you must employ five (5) or fewer total food handlers, including yourself. *
To obtain a Small Operator Permit in Wisconsin, you must meet specific requirements:
- Hold a valid, non-expired Certified Food Manager (CFPM) License.
- Employ five or fewer food handlers, including yourself.
- Your Food Safety Manager Certification must be current on the day of the Small Operator Exam.
- A food handler includes anyone preparing or processing food, such as chefs, waitstaff, and bartenders.
Additionally, a 3-hour course is required to renew your Small Operator Permit.
A food handler is an individual engaged in the preparation or processing of food. Examples include:
- a chef
- a waitress that prepares a salad
- a server that scoops ice cream
- a bartender that cooks a frozen pizza or drops breaded mushrooms, etc. into a fryer*
Note that this 3-hour course is also required to renew your Small Operator Permit.
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