Iowa Food Protection Manager Certification
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) requires food establishments to have at least one certified food protection manager (CFPM) on staff. While they don’t need to be onsite at all hours, it’s crucial to have a manager or person in charge certified in food safety to direct and oversee food preparation and service. CFPMs must earn their credentials from an approved provider and renew their certification every five years.
Trust20’s certification program is approved by the Iowa DIAL.

Frequently Asked Questions
For more answers and step-by-step solutions to common concerns, visit our Help Center.
Yes, Iowa regulations, modeled under FDA Food Code 2-102.12, require every food establishment to have a person in charge (PIC) who holds a valid certification from an accredited program. Unlike some states, in Iowa, the certified food protection manager doesn’t need to be on-site during all hours of operation. However, for businesses like home food processing establishments, at least one person must have completed some form of food safety training.
Iowa Food Protection Task Force: The task force is a collaborative group of individuals and organizations dedicated to preventing and responding to foodborne illness outbreaks. They serve as Iowa’s resource for food safety education.
Iowa Food Code: Iowa adheres to the 2017 FDA Food Code, ensuring that food safety practices meet national standards. Changes are expected as the 2022 FDA Food Code is set to be adopted by 2025. Stay up-to-date with updates to ensure your establishment remains compliant.
Visit Trust20’s Food Protection Manager Certification page to learn more about how the program was developed, how to schedule your exam session, and what domains you will be tested on in the certification process.
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Trust20's online, remote-proctored Certified Food Protection Manager exam is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and Conference for Food Protection (CFP). This exam meets the requirements for food manager certification in most states, but please confirm your local requirements with the health department.