Instructors
Minnesota Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)

CFPM instructors are a critical link in the food safety system. In Minnesota, a study has shown that restaurants with trained managers do better during their food service inspections. Instructors of initial certification and continuing education courses maintain current knowledge of food safety principles and use approved curriculum to help Minnesota CFPMs ensure food served in their retail establishments is safe.

MDH reviews instructor qualifications and continuing education courses to ensure they meet Minnesota food code requirements. Use either the fillable PDF form or web-based survey (below) to submit your information to MDH for review. There is no fee.

• Instructor Form (PDF) Download the form, add your information and save. Submit the completed form and any attachments such as your instructor credential from an approved exam company via email to health.fmc@state.mn.us.
  
• Instructor Form (web-based survey) Add your information using this survey format and submit automatically. You will receive a confirmation email after you submit your information. Submit any attachments such as your instructor credential from an approved exam company via email to health.fmc@state.mn.us.

MDH staff process forms in the order received. Your review may take approximately two weeks

If you would like to offer food safety training for initial CFPM, follow these steps:

1. Register with one of the approved exam companies.
   • Approved Exam Companies
2. Complete the instructor form and return it to MDH.
3. Keep attendance records for the initial training classes you teach and exams you administer. Provide course completion certificates to individuals who attend your classes.

If you would like to offer food safety continuing education for CFPM renewal, follow these steps:

Minnesota food code requires instructors of continuing education courses to review developments in topics they teach at least every two years. Some examples of acceptable documentation are:

You may either purchase a curriculum or design your own curriculum. Make sure to get approval before teaching a course for the first time, or if you make significant changes to course content or format. You must meet these requirements:

1. Maintain a current Minnesota CFPM.
   • Initial and Renewal Process
     Minnesota food code requires instructors of continuing education courses to maintain a current Minnesota CFPM. You may submit rosters from classes you have taught during your three-year certification period with your renewal application.
   • Stay current with your food safety knowledge.
2. Instructor credential from an approved exam company dated within the last two years.
3. Continuing education certificate from a food safety training course, workshop or conference dated within the last two years.
4. Class rosters from food safety classes you have taught in the last two years.
5. Develop your continuing education course.
   • Teach acceptable topics, including food sanitation and safety topics included in Minnesota food code.
   • Spend at least 60 minutes teaching your topic(s).
   • Make your course interactive and include assessments (for example, a test, quiz or activity) to gauge your students’ learning.
   • Create a continuing education certificate for your course that includes:
     • The applicant’s name
     • The title of the approved course
     • The number of contact hours
     • The course date
     • The instructor’s name
     • The instructor’s telephone number or email address
   • Maintain attendance records for five years.
   • Complete instructor form and return it to MDH.
   • Keep attendance records for the continuing education classes you teach. Provide continuing education certificates to individuals who attend your classes.

Class list service option

If you are an approved instructor, you may add classes, change class information, or cancel classes. This class list is a service provided by MDH for individuals who need to complete training or take an exam. MDH may discontinue the service or remove individual class listings at any time. MDH does not endorse any instructor, company, or exam. Course providers should not use the MDH logo as part of their promotional or instructional materials.