Per the South Dakota Department of Health, "Administrative Rules of South Dakota 44:02:07:03 to have at least one person on staff who has passed an 8-hour food service training and certification program."

To become a certified food manager, individuals must pass a food protection manager certification exam from an ANAB-CFP approved provider such as FMC^® Food Managers Certification by EduClasses^®.

Yes. In South Dakota, at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required for Category 1 and 2 food service establishments, based on risk level. The state follows the FDA Food Code and enforcement is handled by the South Dakota Department of Health and local authorities.

Yes.  FMC^® is ANAB-CFP accredited, which is the standard accepted by South Dakota for food protection manager certification. FMC^® is valid statewide and meets regulatory requirements for all high-risk food establishments.

 To earn your certification:

1. Register for the FMC^® training and/or exam

2. Complete the training course (optional but helpful)

3. Pass the FMC^® Food Manager Certification Exam

4. Instantly download your certificate, valid for 5 years

FMC^® certification is valid and available throughout the state, including:

• Sioux Falls

• Rapid City

• Aberdeen

• Brookings

• Watertown

• Mitchell

• Yankton

• Pierre

• Spearfish

• Huron

Whether you operate a restaurant in Sioux Falls or a food truck in the Black Hills, FMC® is accepted across all jurisdictions.

Yes. Mobile food units performing food prep, cooking, or holding of TCS (time/temperature control for safety) foods are classified under risk-based categories and must have a certified food manager.

Yes. Full-service restaurants, bars with food menus, grills, diners, and cafes that handle potentially hazardous food must have a Certified Food Protection Manager onsite or on staff.

Yes. If these venues provide food service, especially involving cooking or hot holding, they must comply with the state’s food manager certification requirement for Category 1 or 2 establishments.

Only if they prepare or handle unpackaged foods. Grocery store delis, hot food bars, or convenience stores with kitchens will typically fall under higher-risk categories and require a certified food manager.

Yes, if they serve prepared food. Venues offering hot meals, nachos, popcorn, or other ready-to-eat foods need to comply with food safety regulations, including CFPM certification.

Yes. Caterers involved in off-site preparation, storage, and delivery of food for events must be certified. These operations are typically high risk and fall under Category 1 or 2.

Yes. School food service programs and culinary training institutions that prepare meals must have a certified food protection manager on staff to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

South Dakota allows home-based cottage food operations to sell certain non-TCS foods (e.g., baked goods, jams) directly to consumers without a license. While certification is not required, FMC^® training is highly recommended for improving food handling knowledge, labeling accuracy, and consumer confidence.

Yes. FMC^® offers flexible options:

• Online exam with remote proctoring

• In-person exams at Prometric test centers

• On-site exams for groups using EduProctor™

Your FMC^® certificate is valid for five years and meets both South Dakota and national food manager requirements.

FMC^® certificates can be verified in two ways:

• Online at www.foodmanagerscertification.com/verify-certificate

• By scanning the QR code printed directly on the certificate for instant validation

•  ANAB-CFP accredited and accepted statewide

• Practical, real-world exam design

• Fast online training and testing

• Certificate issued instantly upon passing

• Trusted by restaurants, schools, and businesses across South Dakota