1. A MDH issued CFPM certificate is valid for three years.
2. If you do not have a MDH issued certificate, contact MDH directly as they administer the program at 651-201-4500.
3. You may look up the status of your certificate or that of an employee using this link:
For best results search by last name only
https://fpls.web.health.state.mn.us/search/fmgr.jsf
4. An MDH issued CFPM certificate is required for most licensed food establishments. Posting the ServSafe certificate DOES NOT MEET THIS REQUIREMENT.
5. Four hours of approved continuing education must be completed in order to renew a Minnesota CFPM. Take this course before the MDH issued certificate expires or MDH will not accept. There is no longer a grace period to renew.
6. Renewal applications must be submitted to MDH no later than six months after completing the continuing education class.
7. What if I take a renewal class for continuing education early? A CFPM can take a renewal course anytime between the begin date and expiration date of their state issued certificate, you do not lose time if taking the class early. Example: A CFPM certificate expires on March 17, 2022 and 4 hours of continuing education is taken on March 17, 2020, then the new expiration date will extend out to March 17, 2025.
8. Do I need to retake the ServSafe exam once my ServSafe certificate expires? In most cases NO. As long as you maintain your MDH issued certificate, there is no requirement to retake the ServSafe class and exam. You may receive an automated email from ServSafe letting you know that your certification is going to expire. In Minnesota, you are only required to renew your MDH issued certificate. If your MDH issued certificate expires and you have not completed the 4 hours of continuing education, then YES, you would have to retake the ServSafe or other MDH approved class and exam.
9. What if I am unable to attend a class in person? There are many online renewal classes advertised, but be aware that most are not approved by MDH. The University of Minnesota Extension offers approved classes that can be found at the link below:
https://extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/serve-it-safely-course
The current cost per one hour module is $25, to obtain the 4 hours of continuing education the total cost would be $100.