foodservicenerd
Food-safety certification

Pennsylvania Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Pennsylvania 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 requirement. Establishments must have a Certified Food Protection Manager (at least one per facility).
State card
No statewide food handler card. Manager-only state.
Accepted programs
ServSafe Food Handler (voluntary)StateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlers
Typical cost
Varies by provider
Valid for
See state · N/A at handler level
When to get it
N/A — no statewide handler requirement
Local exceptions
Some jurisdictions (e.g., certain Philadelphia/Allegheny County programs) may require additional food-safety-certified staff; verify locally.
Governed by
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Food Safety (and Philadelphia/Allegheny local health)

Source: official page

Handler training voluntary; statewide mandate is manager-level CFPM.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Every retail food facility must employ at least one Certified Food Employee / Food Protection Manager who passed an ANSI-CFP accredited exam (PA Food Code, 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 57; 7 Pa. Code 46).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one certified food employee/manager per facility
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam before the 5-year expiration
Local registration
Philadelphia and Allegheny County (Pittsburgh) operate their own health departments with additional food-safety certificate rules.
Governed by
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Food Safety

Source: official page

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

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not have a statewide requirement for a food handler card, though your local jurisdiction or employer may. No statewide food handler requirement. Establishments must have a Certified Food Protection Manager (at least one per facility)..
Does Pennsylvania require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Pennsylvania requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Every retail food facility must employ at least one Certified Food Employee / Food Protection Manager who passed an ANSI-CFP accredited exam (PA Food Code, 3 Pa.C.S. Ch. 57; 7 Pa. Code 46). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
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