foodservicenerd
Food-safety certification

New York Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification New York 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 statewide food handler card for individual employees. NYC and some counties require certification; statewide, retail food stores that prepare food need a certified manager (Article 20-C).
State card
No statewide handler card. NYC has a separate Food Protection Certificate system (supervisor/manager level).
Accepted programs
NYC DOHMH Food Protection Course (NYC)ServSafe Food Handler (voluntary elsewhere)StateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlers
Typical cost
Varies by provider
Valid for
See state · N/A statewide; NYC Food Protection Certificate does not expire (supervisor cert)
When to get it
Set locally where required
Local exceptions
NYC (five boroughs) requires a Food Protection Certificate under the NYC Health Code via DOHMH (free 15-hr online course + $24 proctored exam) — a supervisor/manager-level credential, separate from NY State. A few upstate counties require handler training.
Governed by
NY State Dept. of Health / Dept. of Agriculture & Markets; NYC Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene (DOHMH)

Source: official page

NYC's Food Protection Certificate is manager/supervisor-level, not an employee handler card; no true statewide employee card.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Outside NYC, food service establishments must have a supervisor/certified food protection manager (10 NYCRR Part 14; food manager training and exam through an approved provider).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one certified food protection manager per establishment (outside NYC)
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an approved/ANSI-CFP accredited exam before expiration (Suffolk County certificate valid 3 years)
Local registration
NYC is a major exception: under the NYC Health Code, every food service establishment must have a supervisor with the NYC Health Food Protection Certificate on duty during all operating hours, and only NYC Health's own course/exam is accepted (no ANSI-CFP provider). Suffolk County certificate is valid 3 years.
Governed by
New York State Department of Health (outside NYC); NYC Dept of Health & Mental Hygiene (within NYC)

Source: official page

NYC requires its own Food Protection Certificate and an on-duty certified supervisor at all hours; the rest of NY accepts nationally accredited CFPM exams.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in New York?
It varies within New York (varies by locality) for a food handler card. No statewide food handler card for individual employees. NYC and some counties require certification; statewide, retail food stores that prepare food need a certified manager (Article 20-C)..
Does New York require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — New York requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Outside NYC, food service establishments must have a supervisor/certified food protection manager (10 NYCRR Part 14; food manager training and exam through an approved provider). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in New York?
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 York?
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.
← All states