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Food-safety certification

Nevada Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Nevada 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?
varies by locality — No single statewide law, but the major population centers require a food handler safety card, generally within 30 days of hire.
State card
No single state card — county health-district cards (e.g., SNHD in Clark County) or approved courses.
Accepted programs
Southern Nevada Health District (Clark County) cardWashoe County-approved courseseFoodHandlersStateFoodSafetyServSafe Food Handler
Typical cost
$15-40 (Clark County card fee $25)
Valid for
3 years · Retake the course/exam every 3 years
When to get it
Within 30 days of hire (per local rule)
Local exceptions
Clark County (Southern Nevada Health District / Las Vegas), Washoe County (Reno), and Carson City each run mandatory food handler card programs with their own fees.
Governed by
County health districts (Southern Nevada Health District; Washoe County Health District; Carson City Health)

Source: official page

Clark County's SNHD card is a distinctive local program; effectively required for most NV food workers.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
varies by locality — No single statewide CFPM statute; certification is required by the major local health authorities that regulate food establishments.
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one CFPM per establishment (in jurisdictions that require it)
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam before the 5-year expiration
Local registration
CFPM required in Clark County, Washoe County, Carson City, Douglas County, and Reno. In Clark County, holders must also obtain an SNHD Certified Food Safety Manager card (additional fee).
Governed by
Southern Nevada Health District (Clark County); Washoe County Health District; Nevada DHHS

Source: official page

Local registration/card issuance (e.g., SNHD card) is common on top of the accredited exam.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Nevada?
It varies within Nevada (varies by locality) for a food handler card. No single statewide law, but the major population centers require a food handler safety card, generally within 30 days of hire. A card usually costs $15-40 (Clark County card fee $25) and is valid for 3 years.
Does Nevada require a certified food protection manager?
It varies within Nevada (varies by locality) for a certified food protection manager (CFPM). No single statewide CFPM statute; certification is required by the major local health authorities that regulate food establishments. Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Nevada?
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 Nevada?
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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