Safe Plates is North Carolina 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 to incorporate the best available science in food safety and are 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 North Carolina 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 Elizbeth Coggins at 252-534-2711 ext. 4106 or elizabeth_coggins@ncsu.edu
Safe Plates for Food Managers Training Programs for 2026
FEBRUARY 2026
Class: February 18 & 19, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Lunch on your own)
Exam: February 20, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m.
Class Location Address: Northampton County Cooperative Extension Center, 9495 NC Hwy 305, Jackson, NC
Registration Fee: $145.00
Register by: February 2, 2026
Safe Plates Class Register HERE!
MAY 2026
Class: May 11 & 12, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Lunch on your own)
Exam: May 13, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m.
Class Location Address: Halifax County Cooperative Extension Center 359 Ferrell Lane, Halifax, NC
Registration Fee: $145.00
Register by: April 24, 2026
Safe Plate Class Registration HERE!
AUGUST 2026
Class: August 10 & 11, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Lunch on your own)
Exam: August 12, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m.
Class Location Address: Northampton County Cooperative Extension Center, 9495 NC Hwy 305, Jackson, NC
Registration Fee: $145.00
Register by: July 27, 2026
Safe Plates Class Registration HERE!
NOVEMBER 2026
Class: November 16 & 17, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
(Lunch on your own)
Exam: November 18, 2026 @ 9:00 a.m.
Class Location Address: Halifax County Cooperative Extension Center 359 Ferrell Lane, Halifax, NC
Registration Fee: $145.00
Register by: November 2, 2026
