New Hampshire Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

New Hampshire food safety is administered by NHDHHS, Division of Public Health Services, under RSA 143-A and N.H. Admin. Rules He-P 2300. New Hampshire requires at least one CFPM per food establishment and aligns with the 2017 FDA Food Code framework. The state's food service industry is significantly seasonal, particularly in the Lakes Region, White Mountains, and seacoast areas. New Hampshire updated its cottage food law in 2022, removing the previous sales cap and making it one of the most permissive in New England.

Who Must Be Certified in New Hampshire?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

New Hampshire requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per food establishment. The CFPM must hold a current ANAB-CFP accredited certification and be present or reachable during all operating hours under He-P 2300. All retail food establishments are covered. New Hampshire's Division of Public Health Services and local health officers jointly handle food safety oversight.

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: No statewide mandate for all handlers

New Hampshire does not have a statewide food handler card requirement. Employers are encouraged to provide food safety training to all employees, particularly given high seasonal staff turnover in resort communities.

Accepted Certification Programs in New Hampshire

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

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

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in New Hampshire

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

No mandatory pre-exam course is required in New Hampshire — 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 New Hampshire.

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 New Hampshire

New Hampshire Cottage Food Law (Updated 2022)

Annual Sales Limit

No annual sales limit under the 2022 update to RSA 143-A:12. New Hampshire removed its previous sales cap.

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. No permit or home kitchen inspection required. Standard labeling with required information is mandatory.

City & County Variations in New Hampshire

New Hampshire 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.