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Food-safety certification

Montana Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Montana 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Not state-required — No statewide food handler card (the statewide requirement was repealed in 2017). Establishments must have a certified 'Person in Charge' (manager) who passed an ANSI/CFP-accredited exam.
State card
No statewide food handler card. Manager-only state; some localities require handler cards.
Accepted programs
ServSafe Food HandlerStateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlers
Typical cost
Varies by provider
Valid for
3 years · Where required locally, retake the course (typically every 3 years)
When to get it
Set by local jurisdiction where applicable
Local exceptions
Gallatin City-County (Bozeman) requires food handler cards for all employees within 30 days of hire; other local boards may too.
Governed by
Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services (DPHHS) + local health boards

Source: official page

Statewide handler mandate repealed 2017; now manager-level PIC statewide plus scattered local handler-card rules.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager per the Montana Food Code (ARM 37.110, adopting 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
Local registration
Enforced by local (county/city-county) health departments.
Governed by
Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services / local health departments

Source: official page

Low-risk establishments may be exempt per the regulatory authority.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Montana?
Montana does not have a statewide requirement for a food handler card, though your local jurisdiction or employer may. No statewide food handler card (the statewide requirement was repealed in 2017). Establishments must have a certified 'Person in Charge' (manager) who passed an ANSI/CFP-accredited exam. and is valid for 3 years.
Does Montana require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Montana requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager per the Montana Food Code (ARM 37.110, adopting 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 Montana?
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 Montana?
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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