Tennessee Food Protection Manager Certification
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) requires food safety oversight in all retail food establishments. Each establishment must have at least one person in charge (PIC) present during all hours of operation who is responsible for overseeing food safety and compliance. A food manager certification can help PICs feel prepared to direct food safety activities in their establishment.
Trust20’s Food Protection Manager Certification can help Tennessee PICs meet TDH requirements.

Learn about how our certification program was developed, what domains the exam covers, how the questions are formatted, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more answers and step-by-step solutions to common concerns, visit our Help Center.
No, Tennessee’s food safety regulations do not require establishments to have a CFPM. Instead, every retail food establishment must assign a Person in Charge (PIC) who is responsible for food safety during business hours. PICs can meet the requirement through one of the following methods:
- Successfully passing an ANAB-accredited food protection manager certification exam.
- Demonstrating knowledge of food safety principles during health inspections.
- Operating with no priority item violations observed during an inspection.
This flexibility reflects Tennessee’s efforts to reduce costs for smaller establishments while making sure food safety standards are upheld.
The person in charge (PIC) is responsible for ensuring the safety of all food-handling activities in the establishment. Their responsibilities include monitoring the safe preparation, handling, and storage of food, as well as enforcing food safety guidelines to prevent contamination. They are also responsible for ensuring that all staff follow proper hygiene protocols.
The PIC is required to be on the premises during all operational hours. They should demonstrate their capacity to manage these responsibilities either through formal certification, knowledge of safe practices, or compliance with inspection standards.
Tennessee Food Service Establishment Rules (Chapter 1200-23-01): This comprehensive document details food safety guidelines applicable statewide.
Tennessee Department of Health: Provides fact sheets and updates on food safety policies.
Demonstration of Knowledge Guidance (Tennessee Department of Health): This document provides further clarification of PIC and compliance requirements.
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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.