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Food-safety certification

Indiana Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Indiana 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 — Food workers are not required to hold a food handler card. Most establishments must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager.
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
Some local health departments may require handler training; verify locally.
Governed by
Indiana Department of Health (IDOH)

Source: official page

Handler training voluntary; statewide mandate is manager-level CFPM.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Each food establishment must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (410 IAC 7-22 / Indiana Retail Food Establishment Sanitation Requirements).
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
Local registration
Enforced by local health departments; Marion County (Indianapolis) administers its own program.
Governed by
Indiana Department of Health

Source: official page

Certain low-risk/temporary establishments are exempt.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Indiana?
Indiana does not have a statewide requirement for a food handler card, though your local jurisdiction or employer may. Food workers are not required to hold a food handler card. Most establishments must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager..
Does Indiana require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Indiana requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Each food establishment must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (410 IAC 7-22 / Indiana Retail Food Establishment Sanitation Requirements). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Indiana?
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 Indiana?
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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