Montgomery County, PA

A Certified Food Sanitation Manager (CFSM) is a full-time employee of one specific food service establishment; this person has a Montgomery County Health Department issued certificate. The CFSM certificate is issued to the individual not the facility. The individual may serve as the CFSM for one facility only.

The certificate signifies that the employee has completed a food safety and sanitation course that has been reviewed and approved by MCHD. The course must have been completed within the past three years.

Food establishments limited to non-potentially hazardous food items may not need a CFSM. Exemption requests to this requirement must be made in writing and submitted to MCHD for approval. The request should include name and address of facility, purpose, list of food items sold and it should be signed and dated by the owner/manager. If the exemption is granted then MCHD will issue the facility an Exemption Certificate.

MCHD also offers a proficiency exam for individuals with an extensive knowledge of food safety and sanitation. Individuals will be given two opportunities to pass the exam with no more than 60 days between attempts. If both attempts are failed, then the individual must take an MCHD approved course. 

The proficiency exam is offered monthly and enrollment is done by contacting MCHD.

Individuals must apply for reciprocity in order to receive a MCHD certificate after completing a MCHD approved course within the past three years.
 
Re-certification is required every three years and must be completed prior to the expiration date on the current certificate. Re-certification courses are available from MCHD approved course providers and are included on the list distributed by MCHD.