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Food-safety certification

Ohio Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Ohio 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. Statewide, at least one person per shift needs Person-in-Charge (Level One) Certification in Food Protection. Some counties require handler training for all workers.
State card
No statewide handler card. Statewide requirement is the Level One Person-in-Charge certification (a light manager/PIC credential).
Accepted programs
Ohio Level One (Person-in-Charge) providers — StateFoodSafety, 360training, Trust20ServSafe Food Handler (voluntary)eFoodHandlers
Typical cost
$10-25 (Level One PIC)
Valid for
See state · Retake per provider/rule
When to get it
Set locally where a handler card is required
Local exceptions
Some counties (e.g., Wheeling-Ohio County area) require a food handler card for all food workers including dishwashers.
Governed by
Ohio Department of Health (ODH) — rule 3701-21-25 + local health districts

Source: official page

Ohio's distinctive statewide credential is the Level One Person-in-Charge cert, not an employee handler card; true handler cards are local.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Risk Level III and IV food service operations and retail food establishments must employ at least one person with the Manager Certification in Food Protection (Level Two) (OAC 3701-21-25 / 901:3-4).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one Level Two certified manager for Risk Level III/IV operations
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam before the 5-year expiration
Local registration
The Level One Person-in-Charge certification is separately required for the PIC of every shift at all risk levels; verify presence rules with the local health district.
Governed by
Ohio Department of Health (food service) / Ohio Department of Agriculture (retail food)

Source: official page

Two-tier system: Level One (PIC) for all risk levels; Level Two (Manager, ANSI-CFP accredited) for Risk III/IV. Risk Level I/II exempt from Level Two.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Ohio?
It varies within Ohio (varies by locality) for a food handler card. No statewide food handler card. Statewide, at least one person per shift needs Person-in-Charge (Level One) Certification in Food Protection. Some counties require handler training for all workers. A card usually costs $10-25 (Level One PIC).
Does Ohio require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Ohio requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Risk Level III and IV food service operations and retail food establishments must employ at least one person with the Manager Certification in Food Protection (Level Two) (OAC 3701-21-25 / 901:3-4). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Ohio?
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 Ohio?
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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