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Food-safety certification

Hawaii Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Hawaii 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 — Statewide food handler certification requirement — every food establishment must have certified food-handler-trained staff on site during operating hours; commonly applied to food employees who handle food.
State card
State DOH Food Safety Education program certificate; ANAB-accredited courses also accepted.
Accepted programs
Hawaii DOH Food Safety Education workshops (free)ServSafe Food HandlerStateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlers
Typical cost
$0 (DOH course) to about $5-10 (private providers)
Valid for
3 years · Retake the course every 3 years
When to get it
Not published as a specific day count (obtain to satisfy the on-site requirement)
Local exceptions
Requirement is statewide across all islands/counties.
Governed by
Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH), Food Safety Branch

Source: official page

State offers the training free; private ANAB courses also accepted. Requirement framed around having certified staff on site.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager per the Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 11 Chapter 50 (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
Hawaii Department of Health, Food Safety Branch

Source: official page

Green/low-risk placarded establishments and operations with minimal food prep may be exempt.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Hawaii?
Yes — Hawaii requires a food handler card. Statewide food handler certification requirement — every food establishment must have certified food-handler-trained staff on site during operating hours; commonly applied to food employees who handle food. A card usually costs $0 (DOH course) to about $5-10 (private providers) and is valid for 3 years.
Does Hawaii require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Hawaii requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager per the Hawaii Administrative Rules Title 11 Chapter 50 (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 Hawaii?
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 Hawaii?
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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