Safe Plates is NC State Extension’s family of evidence-based food safety programming and resources for retail, community and home-based food safety. The Safe Plates Training and Educational Programs branch primarily serves to provide consistent, evidence-based programs targeted to specific audiences. Programs are designed incorporating the best available science in food safety and presented considering adult education and behavior theories.

Safe Plates for Food Managers Training Program

What is Safe Plates for Food Managers?

Safe Plates is a food safety training course developed by NC State University. Certification is based on passing a CFP-ANSI accredited exam from the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals. Passing this exam satisfies the FDA Model Food Code requirement for a certified food protection manager.

Who should attend?

This is a comprehensive program for food service managers and supervisory staff in restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, schools and other food-handling establishments.Spanish Materials and Exams are available in Spanish upon prior request! Please provide 2 weeks notice for any special accommodations by contacting EB Odom at 252-583-5161 or eb_odom@ncsu.edu.

Safe Plates for Food Managers Training Programs for 2026

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MAY 2026

Class: May 11 & 12, 2026 from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

(Lunch on your own)

Exam: May 13, 2026 @ 9:00am

Class Location Address:  Halifax County Cooperative Extension Center 359 Ferrell Lane, Halifax, NC

Registration Fee: $145.00

Register by: April 24,  2026

Registration HERE! 

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AUGUST 2026

Class: August 10 & 11, 2026  from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

(Lunch on your own)

Exam: August 12, 2026 @ 9:00am

Class Location Address: Northampton County Cooperative Extension Center, 9495 NC Hwy 305, Jackson, NC

Registration Fee: $145.00

Register by: July 27, 2026

Registration HERE!

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NOVEMBER 2026

Class: November 16 & 17, 2026  from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

(Lunch on your own)

Exam: November 18, 2026 @ 9:00am

Class Location Address: Halifax County Cooperative Extension Center 359 Ferrell Lane, Halifax, NC

Registration Fee: $145.00

Register by: November 2, 2026

Registration HERE!