Overview
Arizona is one of a handful of states without a single statewide food manager certification mandate. Instead, food safety certification requirements are set and enforced at the county level. This means requirements differ significantly depending on where your establishment is located. Maricopa County (Phoenix area) and Pima County (Tucson area) have the most comprehensive requirements, both mandating certified food managers and food handler cards. Arizona food establishments are licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), but the day-to-day inspection and certification enforcement is handled by the 15 county health departments.
Who Must Be Certified?
Food Protection Managers (CFPM)
Arizona does not have a single statewide law requiring a Certified Food Protection Manager. Requirements vary by county:
Food Handlers
Statewide Requirement: Maricopa and Pima counties require Food Handler Cards; varies elsewhere
Food handler card requirements are also set at the county level in Arizona:- Maricopa County: Requires a Food Handler Card for all food service employees, obtained within 30 days of hire. Valid for 3 years. Cards must come from an approved provider. Fee: approximately $10–$15 online.
- Pima County: Requires food handler training. Contact Pima County Health for specific program approval requirements.
- Other counties: Requirements vary — contact your county health department.
Accepted Certification Programs
Arizona accepts certifications from ANAB-CFP accredited providers. All of the following nationally recognized programs are accepted statewide:
| Provider | Certification | Format | Approximate Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ServSafe (NRA) | ServSafe Manager Certification | Online or In-Person | ~$36 exam; ~$175 with course | servsafe.com |
| StateFoodSafety | Food Protection Manager Certification | Online | ~$99–$149 | statefoodsafety.com |
| National Registry (NRFSP) | Food Safety Manager Certification | Online or In-Person | ~$99–$125 | nrfsp.com |
| 360training | Food Manager Certification (ANAB) | Online | ~$99 | 360training.com |
| Prometric | National Registry Exam | In-Person Test Centers | ~$80–$110 | prometric.com |
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 Arizona
Step 1: Study (Recommended — 8 to 16 Hours)
While Arizona 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 Arizona.
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 Arizona 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 Arizona
Arizona enacted its cottage food law under A.R.S. §36-136 and has a relatively permissive framework:What You Can Sell
Non-potentially-hazardous foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried goods, roasted nuts, and similar shelf-stable items. Items requiring refrigeration for safety are not permitted.
Annual Sales Limit
$75,000 per year in gross sales (one of the higher limits in the country). This was increased in recent years to support small food entrepreneurs.
Where You Can Sell
Direct to consumers at farmers markets, roadside stands, from home, and online with in-person delivery within Arizona. Retail sales to grocery stores are generally not permitted under cottage food rules.
Labeling Required
Products must be labeled with the producer's name, address, product name, ingredients, allergen information, net weight, and the disclaimer: "This product was made in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the state or local health department."
No Permit Required
Arizona does not require a home kitchen inspection or permit under the cottage food law. However, producers operating in counties with stricter rules should verify requirements with their local health department.
City & County Variations in Arizona
While Arizona 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.