Nebraska Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

Nebraska does not have a statewide requirement for Certified Food Protection Managers. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) sets baseline food safety standards under Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-2,244, but whether a CFPM is legally required depends on the county or municipality. Nebraska's largest jurisdictions — Douglas County (Omaha) and Lancaster County (Lincoln) — have local requirements that go beyond the state baseline. Nebraska has 93 counties with widely varying local food safety enforcement capacity.

Who Must Be Certified in Nebraska?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

Nebraska state law does not mandate a CFPM statewide. The following jurisdictions are known to require or strongly encourage CFPM certification:

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: Varies by county

Nebraska does not have a statewide food handler card requirement. Douglas County and Lancaster County may have food handler training expectations. Many Nebraska employers voluntarily require basic food safety training for all food handling staff.

Accepted Certification Programs in Nebraska

Nebraska accepts certifications from ANAB-CFP accredited providers. All of the following nationally recognized programs meet Nebraska's legal requirements:

Costs approximate as of 2026. All listed providers are ANAB-CFP accredited.

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in Nebraska

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

No mandatory pre-exam course is required in Nebraska — you can register for the CFPM exam directly. However the exam has roughly a 65% pass rate without studying. Provider courses take 8–16 hours and significantly improve pass rates.

Step 2: Register for the Exam

Register through any ANAB-CFP accredited provider above. Online exams with remote proctoring are available from ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, 360training, NRFSP, and FoodSafePal. In-person testing is available through ServSafe-authorized proctors and Prometric test centers in Nebraska.

Step 3: Pass the Exam

The CFPM exam has approximately 80 questions; a passing score is typically 75% or higher. Results are immediate for computer-based exams. Retakes are available after 24–72 hours with an additional fee.

Step 4: Keep Your Certificate On-Site

Your CFPM certificate must be kept at your establishment and made available for health inspectors upon request. Some jurisdictions require it to be posted visibly — verify with your local health department.

Step 5: Renew Before 5 Years

CFPM certifications are valid for 5 years. Renew by retaking an approved exam before expiration. Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your expiration date.

Cottage Food & Home Kitchen Businesses in Nebraska

Nebraska Cottage Food Law

Annual Sales Limit

$50,000 per year in gross cottage food sales under the Nebraska Home Food Processing Act (Neb. Rev. Stat. §81-2,239.01 et seq.).

Permitted Products & Sales

Non-potentially-hazardous foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried goods, and similar shelf-stable items. Direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, roadside stands, community events, from your home, and online with in-person delivery within Nebraska. Required labeling: producer name and address, product name, ingredients, allergen disclosure, net weight, and home kitchen disclaimer.

City & County Variations in Nebraska

Nebraska state law sets baseline food safety requirements, but local jurisdictions may enforce stricter rules. Always verify with your specific county or municipal health department in addition to state requirements.