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Food-safety certification

West Virginia Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification West Virginia 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 — Determined at county/city level; many local health departments require health-department-approved food handler training/permits (state code §16-2-16 authorizes local programs).
State card
No single state card — local county/city health department permits (ANAB courses accepted where allowed).
Accepted programs
Local county health department coursesServSafe Food HandlerStateFoodSafetyeFoodHandlersLearn2Serve/360training
Typical cost
$0-30 (varies by county)
Valid for
3 years · Retake per local rule (permit valid at least 1 year, up to 3 years)
When to get it
Set by county
Local exceptions
Roughly 30+ counties (Kanawha, Monongalia, Cabell, Harrison, Wood, Ohio, Marion, etc.) and the City of Huntington require food handler permits; validity 1-3 years by locality.
Governed by
Local county/city health departments (authorized under WV Code §16-2-16); WV Dept. of Health framework

Source: official page

State law caps local permit validity at 1-3 years; heavily county-driven, and most WV counties do require it.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Food establishments must have a Certified Food Protection Manager (64 CSR 17, WV Food Establishment rule, 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
Local registration
Enforced by county/local health departments, which may also require a local food handler card.
Governed by
West Virginia Department of Health, Bureau for Public Health / local health departments

Source: official page

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

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in West Virginia?
It varies within West Virginia (varies by locality) for a food handler card. Determined at county/city level; many local health departments require health-department-approved food handler training/permits (state code §16-2-16 authorizes local programs). A card usually costs $0-30 (varies by county) and is valid for 3 years.
Does West Virginia require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — West Virginia requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Food establishments must have a Certified Food Protection Manager (64 CSR 17, WV Food Establishment rule, 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 West Virginia?
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 West Virginia?
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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