Overview
New York food safety regulation operates at both the state and local levels. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) sets baseline rules through the State Sanitary Code (10 NYCRR Part 14). New York City operates under its own entirely separate food code enforced by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, which is significantly more detailed than state law.
Who Must Be Certified?
Food Protection Managers (CFPM)
New York State requires at least one food safety supervisor (CFPM equivalent) per food establishment. Outside of NYC, this must be an ANAB-CFP accredited certification. The supervisor must be on-site or reachable during hours of operation.
Food Handlers
New York State does not have a statewide food handler card mandate outside NYC. NYC requires a NYC Food Protection Certificate for supervisors and a separate set of requirements for all food service workers.
Accepted Certification Programs
New York accepts ANAB-CFP accredited food manager certifications. All of the following nationally recognized programs are accepted:
| 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 (ANSI) | Online | ~$99 | 360training.com |
| Prometric | National Registry Exam | In-Person Test Centers | ~$80–$110 | prometric.com |
Costs are approximate and subject to change. Verify current pricing directly with providers. All providers listed are ANAB-CFP accredited.
How to Get Certified in New York
Step 1: Prepare for the Exam
While New York does not require a mandatory pre-exam training course, most candidates study for 8–16 hours before attempting the exam. Pass rates increase significantly with preparation (the CFPM exam has approximately a 65% pass rate without study).
Step 2: Register for the Exam
Register through an ANAB-CFP accredited provider listed above. Exams are available online with remote proctoring or at authorized test centers.
Step 3: Pass the Exam
The CFPM exam consists of approximately 80 questions. A passing score is typically 75% or higher. Results are typically immediate for computer-based exams.
Step 4: Keep Your Certification On-Site
Your certification must be available on-site for health inspections. Some states require it to be posted visibly — check with your local health department.
Renewal Requirements
Food Manager Certifications (CFPM) are valid for 5 years. To renew, managers must retake and pass an approved CFPM exam from an ANAB-CFP accredited provider before the expiration date.
Cottage Food & Home Kitchen Businesses
New York's cottage food regulations govern home-based food production and sales. These rules specify what products can be sold, annual revenue limits, labeling requirements, and whether any food safety certification is required. Category: Moderate.
For the most current and complete cottage food rules, contact the NY State Dept. of Health Food Safety directly, as these laws are frequently updated.
City & County Variations
- Supervisors need an NYC Food Protection Certificate (different from a standard CFPM)
- NYC operates an A/B/C inspection grade card system — grades must be posted visibly
- NYC requires that at least one Food Protection Certificate holder be present per shift
- Online Food Protection Course available at: nyc.gov