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Food-safety certification

Alaska Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Alaska 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?
Required — Every food employee (food worker) at a DEC-regulated food establishment must hold a valid Alaska Food Worker Card, obtained within 30 days of hire.
State card
Yes — statewide Alaska Food Worker Card issued after passing the state (DEC) exam; the Municipality of Anchorage issues its own card.
Accepted programs
State of Alaska DEC Food Worker Card program (online exam)Municipality of Anchorage food worker card
Typical cost
$10 (state application fee)
Valid for
3 years · Retake the DEC food safety exam and pay the fee before expiration
When to get it
Within 30 days of hire
Local exceptions
Municipality of Anchorage runs its own food worker card program; Anchorage-regulated facilities require the Anchorage card specifically.
Governed by
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Food Safety & Sanitation Program

Source: official page

Employee-level statewide card administered directly by the state via an online exam.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager per the Alaska Food Code (adopts FDA Food Code 2-102.12).
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
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Food Safety & Sanitation Program

Source: official page

Low-risk operations (e.g., establishments serving only non-TCS food) may be exempt.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Alaska?
Yes — Alaska requires a food handler card. Every food employee (food worker) at a DEC-regulated food establishment must hold a valid Alaska Food Worker Card, obtained within 30 days of hire. A card usually costs $10 (state application fee) and is valid for 3 years.
Does Alaska require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Alaska requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager per the Alaska Food Code (adopts 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 Alaska?
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 Alaska?
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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