TAP Online Food Safety Manager Certification Course
- Skill Level
- Beginner Intermediate
- Language
- English Spanish
- Note
- Course can be started anytime during the year. Registration on this site is for the period Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022. Please ignore the Jan. 1 start date. Exam must be taken in person.
The requirements for a Certified Food Protection Manager under the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Food Employee Certification Act will be changing. Until the changes are implemented, the current requirement remains in effect. To receive and maintain certification, individuals are required to pass a certification exam every five (5) years.
The TAP Online Food Safety Manager Certification Course, offered by Penn State Extension, is for individuals preparing for a food protection manager exam. After completing the online course and passing the proctored, multiple-choice exam with a score of 70% or higher, participants will receive a Food Protection Manager Certificate, which meets the PDA requirement for food safety certification. This certification is valid for five (5) years. If you are uncertain as to whether you need certification, contact your regional PDA office.
Food Safety eLearning Program
- Provides a self-paced learning experience from work or home
- Interactive online learning
- Training includes colorful graphics, animations, full-motion video, audio, and interactive learning exercises. Practice exam to prepare learner for the certification exam
- The certification exam is a proctored exam and fulfills the PDA Food Employee Certification requirement with a passing score of 70% or higher
- Register for and start the online course anytime throughout the year. *
- The program must be completed within 180 days from the date registrant is enrolled by the instructor
- Available in English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese
* Course can be started anytime during the year. Registration on this site is for the period Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2022. Please ignore the Jan. 1 start date. Exam must be taken in person.
Where will I take the exam?
Exams must be taken in person. To view which locations the exam is available, click More Information above, and then select Exam Locations on the More Info. tab.
Individuals preparing for a food safety manager certification, such as ServSafe®
The following will be covered in this course:
- The Need for Food Safety Training
- Foodborne Illness
- Hygiene, Health & Food Safety
- Flow of Food: Purchasing, Receiving, Storing, Preparing, Cooking and Serving
- Environment: Equipment, Cleaning, Sanitizing, Pest Control and Facilities
- The HACCP System
Is this program right for me?
- I am comfortable using a computer.
- I have reliable Internet access.
- I will have ready access to a computer when it is convenient for me to study.
- I learn best by reading and hearing information.
- I will set aside time on a regular basis in order to complete the program in the allotted time.
- I learn best on my own without an additional teacher or student interaction or assistance.
If you answered “No” to any of these questions, please contact an Extension Educator before registering.
How do I access a webinar?
When you register for a webinar, you will also receive email instructions to help you access the webinar.
How long is a webinar?
Every webinar is different. To find the length of a specific webinar, please refer to the webinar description.
If I register for a webinar, but am unable to attend the live session, can I view a recording of the webinar at a later time?
All webinars require you to have access to the internet. It is also recommended that your device has sound. Please refer to the webinar description to learn if there are special requirements for viewing a specific webinar.
Can a recorded webinar be viewed multiple times?
In most cases, yes! If a webinar is recorded, there is no limit to how many times the recording can be viewed.
What materials will I need for a webinar?
All webinars require you to have access to the internet. It is also recommended that your device has sound. Please refer to the webinar description to learn if there are special requirements for viewing a specific webinar.
What devices and browsers are supported for webinars?
Webinars can be accessed on most desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. Webinars are compatible with most up-to-date browsers. Please refer to the webinar description to learn about any special requirements for a specific webinar to ensure your device is supported.
Is there technical support for webinars?
You will receive instructions for accessing a webinar after registration. It is recommended that you log in to the webinar a few minutes early to make sure that you are not experiencing any technical difficulties. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please let us know using the contact information available on the webinar description.
Will I be given the opportunity to ask questions during a live webinar?
In most cases, yes. Most live webinars give participants an opportunity to ask questions and communicate through a chat box. The chat box is actively monitored, and the presenter(s) will facilitate communication.
Are webinars accessible for people who require special needs or services?
We strive to ensure our webinars are accessible to everyone. If you need assistance accessing a webinar, please visit the "Contact Us" form using the link in the footer of this page. We will be glad to assist you.
Who do I contact if I have a question about a specific webinar?
Contact information is available on every webinar description. If you have a question about a specific webinar, please use the contact information available on the webinar description.
How do I register for a webinar over the phone?
Contact our customer service team at 1-877-345-0691 for assistance over the phone. We are here to help on weekdays between 8:30am - 5pm Eastern Time.










