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Food-safety certification

Alabama Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Alabama requires — the employee food handler card and the manager (CFPM) certification — who needs each, accepted programs, cost and renewal.
Educational summary, not legal advice — requirements change and localities can add their own; confirm with your health authority.

Food handler card

Required?
Not state-required — No employee-level food handler card required by the state. Each food establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) — a separate manager-level credential.
State card
No statewide food handler card. Manager-only state (CFPM required per establishment).
Accepted programs
ServSafe Food Handler (voluntary)StateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlers
Typical cost
Varies by provider
Valid for
See state · N/A at handler level; voluntary handler certs typically renew by retaking the course
When to get it
N/A — no statewide handler requirement
Local exceptions
No major local handler-card mandates identified; verify with the county health department.
Governed by
Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH)

Source: official page

Handler training is voluntary/employer-driven; the statewide mandate is the manager-level CFPM, not an employee card.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager who passed an ANSI-CFP accredited exam (FDA Food Code 2-102.12, adopted in the Alabama Food Establishment Sanitation Rules).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one CFPM employed per establishment
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam before the 5-year expiration
Governed by
Alabama Department of Public Health

Source: official page

Establishments deemed low-risk by the regulatory authority may be exempt per 2-102.12(C).

Opening in Alabama? See Alabama food-business requirements, the inspection self-audit, and Alabama cottage food law if you're starting from home.

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Alabama?
Alabama does not have a statewide requirement for a food handler card, though your local jurisdiction or employer may. No employee-level food handler card required by the state. Each food establishment must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) — a separate manager-level credential..
Does Alabama require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Alabama requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager who passed an ANSI-CFP accredited exam (FDA Food Code 2-102.12, adopted in the Alabama Food Establishment Sanitation Rules). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Alabama?
A food handler card is an entry-level credential for employees who handle food — a short course and quiz. A manager (CFPM) certification is a more rigorous, proctored exam (like ServSafe Manager) held by a person responsible for food safety at the establishment. Many states require the manager credential even where they don't require handler cards for every employee.
Which food safety courses are accepted in Alabama?
Accepted programs are ANSI-accredited providers such as ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, National Registry, Prometric, and 360training/Learn2Serve, plus any state-specific card where one exists. Confirm the current accepted list with your health authority before paying.
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