Alaska Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

Alaska is one of the few states that requires both a Certified Food Protection Manager and individual Food Worker Cards for all food service employees. The Alaska Division of Environmental Health (ADEH) administers the state food safety program under Alaska Administrative Code 18 AAC 31. Alaska operates its own food code — not a direct adoption of the FDA Food Code — and the Municipality of Anchorage enforces its own separate food code, creating an important jurisdictional distinction for operators in the Anchorage area.

Who Must Be Certified?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

Under 18 AAC 31.320–325, food establishments that serve or prepare unwrapped or unpackaged foods must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) overseeing daily operations. The CFPM must be present whenever food is prepared or served. Alaska provides a 45-day grace period for new establishments to obtain CFPM certification after opening. All food establishments — including restaurants, bakeries, bars serving food, food trucks, grocery stores with food prep, hotels, and institutional foodservice — must comply.

Food Handlers

Statewide Requirement: Yes — Food Worker Card required within 30 days of hire

Alaska requires all food service workers to obtain a Food Worker Card within 30 days of hire. The card is valid for 3 years. The state Food Worker Card exam consists of 20 questions; a passing score of 15 correct answers (75%) is required. The ADEH provides an official study handbook and practice test at no charge on their website.

Accepted Certification Programs

Alaska accepts certifications from ANAB-CFP accredited providers. All of the following nationally recognized programs are accepted statewide:

Costs are approximate as of 2026. Verify current pricing with providers. All listed providers are ANAB-CFP accredited.

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in Alaska

Step 1: Study (Recommended — 8 to 16 Hours)

While Alaska does not require a mandatory pre-exam training course, most candidates study for 8–16 hours before attempting the CFPM exam. The exam has an approximately 65% pass rate for unprepared candidates. All of the providers listed above offer study courses.

Step 2: Register for the Exam

Register through any ANAB-CFP accredited provider. Online exams with remote proctoring are available from ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, 360training, and NRFSP. In-person exam sessions are available through ServSafe-authorized proctors and Prometric test centers throughout Alaska.

Step 3: Take and Pass the Exam

The exam contains approximately 80 questions. A passing score is typically 75% or higher. Results are generally available immediately for computer-based exams. If you do not pass, most providers allow a retake after a waiting period (typically 24–72 hours) for an additional fee.

Step 4: Keep Your Certificate On-Site

Your CFPM certificate must be kept on-site at your food establishment and made available for health inspectors upon request. Some jurisdictions in Alaska require the certificate to be posted visibly — check with your local health department for specific requirements.

Step 5: Renew Every 5 Years

Food Manager Certifications are valid for 5 years. Renew by retaking and passing an ANAB-CFP accredited exam before your expiration date. There is no shortened renewal exam — the renewal exam is the same as the original.

Cottage Food & Home Kitchen Businesses in Alaska

Alaska's cottage food rules are governed by the Alaska Food Safety and Sanitation Program under 18 AAC 31. The rules permit home-based production of non-potentially-hazardous foods with some important restrictions:

What You Can Sell

Non-TCS (non-potentially-hazardous) foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried goods, and similar shelf-stable items. Products requiring refrigeration for safety are not permitted.

Annual Sales Limit

Alaska does not have a statewide cottage food sales cap, but producers should verify current rules with ADEH as regulations can vary by food type and municipality.

Where You Can Sell

Direct-to-consumer sales only. Farmers markets, roadside stands, and direct home sales are generally permitted. Always verify current rules with the Alaska Division of Environmental Health or your local municipal health department.

Licensing

Contact the Alaska Division of Environmental Health to determine whether a home processor license is required for your specific products, as requirements vary based on product type and risk level.

City & County Variations in Alaska

While Alaska state law sets baseline food safety requirements, local health departments may enforce stricter standards. Always verify requirements with your specific county or municipal health department in addition to the state agency.