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Food-safety certification

New Mexico Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification New Mexico 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 — Food handlers must complete an accredited food handler course, generally within 30 days of hire, in the areas the state requirement covers.
State card
No distinct state card — ANAB-accredited course completion accepted.
Accepted programs
ServSafe Food HandlerStateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlersany ANAB-accredited provider
Typical cost
$7-10
Valid for
3 years · Retake an accredited course every 3 years
When to get it
Within 30 days of hire
Local exceptions
Albuquerque / Bernalillo County operate their own local food safety program with separate requirements.
Governed by
New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), Food Program

Source: official page

Employee-level requirement met by ANAB courses; Albuquerque/Bernalillo run a distinct local program. Some sources characterize NM handler rules as partly local — verify by jurisdiction.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager per the New Mexico Food Service & Food Processing regulations (7.6.2 NMAC, 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
Governed by
New Mexico Environment Department, Food Program

Source: official page

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

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in New Mexico?
Yes — New Mexico requires a food handler card. Food handlers must complete an accredited food handler course, generally within 30 days of hire, in the areas the state requirement covers. A card usually costs $7-10 and is valid for 3 years.
Does New Mexico require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — New Mexico requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager per the New Mexico Food Service & Food Processing regulations (7.6.2 NMAC, 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 New Mexico?
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 New Mexico?
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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