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Food-safety certification

Maryland Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Maryland 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. Each facility must have a Certified Food Service Manager (CFPM).
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
Administered by county health departments; some counties may add handler expectations. Verify locally.
Governed by
Maryland Department of Health + county health departments

Source: official page

Handler training voluntary; statewide mandate is manager-level certification (county-administered).

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
varies by locality — Certified Food Service Manager required, administered at the county level under COMAR 10.15.03; every county requires a certified food service manager but each runs its own certificate/registration.
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one certified food service manager per high/moderate-priority establishment
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam before the 5-year expiration (county-issued cards may require local renewal)
Local registration
Maryland delegates to county health departments (Baltimore City, Baltimore, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, etc.); many require the ANSI-CFP certificate plus a local Certified Food Service Manager card.
Governed by
County health departments (framework under Maryland Dept of Health, COMAR 10.15.03)

Source: official page

Requirement is effectively statewide in practice but issued and enforced locally; low-priority establishments often exempt.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Maryland?
Maryland does not have a statewide requirement for a food handler card, though your local jurisdiction or employer may. No statewide food handler card. Each facility must have a Certified Food Service Manager (CFPM)..
Does Maryland require a certified food protection manager?
It varies within Maryland (varies by locality) for a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Certified Food Service Manager required, administered at the county level under COMAR 10.15.03; every county requires a certified food service manager but each runs its own certificate/registration. Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Maryland?
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 Maryland?
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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