Virginia Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

Virginia food safety is administered by VDH under Va. Code Ann. §35.1-14 and 12VAC5-421. Virginia adopted the 2017 FDA Food Code and requires at least one CFPM per food establishment. Virginia's food service industry is diverse, spanning the urban Northern Virginia/DC metro area (one of the densest food service markets in the country), the Richmond metro, and resort communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Virginia Beach coastal area. Virginia's 35 local health districts conduct food safety inspections statewide.

Who Must Be Certified in Virginia?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

Virginia requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per food establishment. The CFPM must hold a current ANAB-CFP accredited certification and be present or reachable during all operating hours under 12VAC5-421. Virginia's 35 local health districts conduct inspections — your local health district office is your primary compliance contact.

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: No statewide mandate for all handlers

Virginia does not have a statewide food handler card requirement. Many Northern Virginia and Richmond metro employers require food handler training voluntarily given competitive food service markets and high customer expectations in the DC metro area.

Accepted Certification Programs in Virginia

Virginia accepts certifications from ANAB-CFP accredited providers. All of the following nationally recognized programs meet Virginia's legal requirements:

Costs approximate as of 2026. All listed providers are ANAB-CFP accredited.

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in Virginia

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

No mandatory pre-exam course is required in Virginia — you can register for the CFPM exam directly. However the exam has roughly a 65% pass rate without studying. Provider courses take 8–16 hours and significantly improve pass rates.

Step 2: Register for the Exam

Register through any ANAB-CFP accredited provider above. Online exams with remote proctoring are available from ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, 360training, NRFSP, and FoodSafePal. In-person testing is available through ServSafe-authorized proctors and Prometric test centers in Virginia.

Step 3: Pass the Exam

The CFPM exam has approximately 80 questions; a passing score is typically 75% or higher. Results are immediate for computer-based exams. Retakes are available after 24–72 hours with an additional fee.

Step 4: Keep Your Certificate On-Site

Your CFPM certificate must be kept at your establishment and made available for health inspectors upon request. Some jurisdictions require it to be posted visibly — verify with your local health department.

Step 5: Renew Before 5 Years

CFPM certifications are valid for 5 years. Renew by retaking an approved exam before expiration. Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your expiration date.

Cottage Food & Home Kitchen Businesses in Virginia

Virginia Cottage Food Law

Annual Sales Limit

$25,000 per year in gross cottage food sales under Va. Code Ann. §3.2-5130 et seq.

Permit Required

Virginia requires cottage food producers to obtain a Home Food Processing Permit from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) before selling. A nominal fee applies. A basic food safety training course may also be required.

Permitted Products & Sales

Non-potentially-hazardous foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried goods, and similar shelf-stable items. Direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, roadside stands, community events, from your home, and online with in-person delivery within Virginia. Standard labeling requirements apply.

City & County Variations in Virginia

Virginia state law sets baseline food safety requirements, but local jurisdictions may enforce stricter rules. Always verify with your specific county or municipal health department in addition to state requirements.