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Food-safety certification

Georgia Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Georgia 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 statewide food handler card. At least one Certified Food Safety Manager must be on premises during all hours of operation.
State card
No statewide food handler card. Manager-only state.
Accepted programs
ServSafe Food Handler (voluntary)StateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlers
Typical cost
Varies by provider
Valid for
See state · N/A at handler level
When to get it
N/A — no statewide handler requirement
Local exceptions
No major local handler-card mandates identified.
Governed by
Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), Environmental Health

Source: official page

Handler training voluntary; statewide mandate is a certified manager on premises.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Each food service establishment must employ at least one Certified Food Safety Manager (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 511-6-1-.03, adopting FDA Food Code 2-102.12).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one Certified Food Safety Manager per establishment
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam before the 5-year expiration
Local registration
A Person in Charge (not necessarily the CFSM) must be present during all hours of operation; certain special/temporary operations have their own rules.
Governed by
Georgia Department of Public Health (retail/food service); Georgia Dept of Agriculture (retail food stores)

Source: official page

The CFSM need not be present at all times; the PIC (who may be uncertified) must be present all hours.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Georgia?
Georgia does not have a statewide requirement for a food handler card, though your local jurisdiction or employer may. No statewide food handler card. At least one Certified Food Safety Manager must be on premises during all hours of operation..
Does Georgia require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Georgia requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Each food service establishment must employ at least one Certified Food Safety Manager (Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 511-6-1-.03, adopting FDA Food Code 2-102.12). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Georgia?
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 Georgia?
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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