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Food-safety certification

Michigan Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Michigan 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. Most establishments must employ a managerial employee certified as a food safety manager (ANAB-accredited) within the last 5 years.
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
MDARD has issued statewide variances to the manager requirement for certain establishment types. Local health departments administer.
Governed by
Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD)

Source: official page

Handler training voluntary; statewide mandate is a 5-year manager-level certification.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Each food service establishment must have a managerial employee certified as a food safety manager (Michigan Food Law, MCL 289.2129; FDA Food Code 2-102.12).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one certified 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
Enforced by local health departments.
Governed by
Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD)

Source: official page

Michigan's food code explicitly states the certified manager need not be present at all times; low-risk establishments may be exempt.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Michigan?
Michigan does not have a statewide requirement for a food handler card, though your local jurisdiction or employer may. No statewide food handler card. Most establishments must employ a managerial employee certified as a food safety manager (ANAB-accredited) within the last 5 years..
Does Michigan require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Michigan requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Each food service establishment must have a managerial employee certified as a food safety manager (Michigan Food Law, MCL 289.2129; 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 Michigan?
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 Michigan?
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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