HILLSBORO -- The University of Illinois Extension will be offering the state-mandated Certified Food Protection Managers class and exam.

The Illinois Department of Public Health Food Sanitation Code (section 750.540) requires food service establishments to be under the operational supervision of a certified food protection manager during hours of operation. Certificates need renewal every five years and class attendance is mandatory to sit for the exam.

The University of Illinois Extension of Montgomery County will be offering the course and exam. The two-day course will take place on Thursday, Aug. 31 and Friday, Sept. 1 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hillsboro, located at 1 Industrial Park Drive. Participants must attend both classes.

The certification exam will take place on the second day of classes. Please bring a valid photo ID to the exam.

This instructor for the class will be Extension Nutrition and Wellness Educator Lisa Peterson and provides the minimum classroom work to prepare for the National Certification Examination. Topics include foodborne illnesses, safe food handling, cooking and storage, employee health and hygiene, facility safety, maintenance, cleaning, and sanitization.

The fee for this course is $100 and includes the textbook, class materials, and exam. Classes fill quickly. Please register by Friday, Aug. 25. Registration is required. You can register online or call Montgomery County Extension at (217) 532-3941.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in programming, please contact the Extension office. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time for meeting participant needs.