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Food-safety certification

Food Safety Certification by State

By the FoodServiceNerd editorial team·Reviewed against primary sources·Updated August 2026·How we research & cite
Who needs a food handler card, who needs a certified food protection manager, and what each state requires — with accepted courses, cost and renewal for all 50 states + DC.
Educational summary, not legal advice. Requirements change and localities can add their own — confirm with your health authority.

Handler card vs. manager certification

Two different credentials: the food handler card is an entry-level course + quiz for employees who handle food; the manager (CFPM) certification is a rigorous proctored exam held by the person responsible for food safety. Most states require a certified manager per the FDA Food Code; whether every employee also needs a handler card varies by state — and sometimes by city or county.

Find your state

StateHandler cardManager (CFPM)
AlabamaNoYes
AlaskaYesYes
ArizonaVariesVaries
ArkansasNoYes
CaliforniaYesYes
ColoradoNoYes
ConnecticutNoYes
DelawareNoYes
District of ColumbiaNoYes
FloridaYesYes
GeorgiaNoYes
HawaiiYesYes
IdahoVariesYes
IllinoisYesYes
IndianaNoYes
IowaNoYes
KansasVariesYes
KentuckyVariesYes
LouisianaNoYes
MaineNoYes
MarylandNoVaries
MassachusettsNoYes
MichiganNoYes
MinnesotaNoYes
MississippiNoYes
MissouriVariesVaries
MontanaNoYes
NebraskaNoVaries
NevadaVariesVaries
New HampshireNoYes
New JerseyNoYes
New MexicoYesYes
New YorkVariesYes
North CarolinaNoYes
North DakotaNoVaries
OhioVariesYes
OklahomaVariesVaries
OregonYesYes
PennsylvaniaNoYes
Rhode IslandNoYes
South CarolinaNoYes
South DakotaNoYes
TennesseeNoYes
TexasYesYes
UtahYesYes
VermontNoYes
VirginiaNoYes
WashingtonYesYes
West VirginiaVariesYes
WisconsinNoYes
WyomingNoVaries

“Varies” = requirement is set locally within the state. Open a state for the full detail, accepted programs, cost and renewal.

Frequently asked

Do restaurant workers need a food handler card?
In most states, yes — employees who prepare, store, or serve food must earn a food handler card (a short accredited course and quiz) within a set time of hire, often 30 days. A handful of states have no statewide handler requirement and rely on a certified manager instead, and some cities and counties add their own requirement. Check your state's page for the specifics.
What is a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)?
A CFPM is a person who has passed an accredited, proctored food-safety manager exam (such as ServSafe Manager, National Registry, Prometric, or 360training). Nearly every state, following the FDA Food Code, requires at least one CFPM per food establishment — and some require one on-site during all operating hours.
Food handler card vs. manager certification — what's the difference?
The food handler card is entry-level, for line employees, and quick to earn. The manager (CFPM) certification is more rigorous and held by someone responsible for food safety at the establishment. Many states require the manager credential even where they don't require every employee to hold a handler card.
How much does food safety certification cost?
A food handler card typically runs about $8–$15 through an accredited online provider. A manager (CFPM) exam and course generally cost more — often $ 100–$200 depending on provider and whether a class is included. State-specific cards may set their own fee. Confirm the accepted providers with your health authority before paying.