North Dakota Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

North Dakota does not have a statewide mandate requiring Certified Food Protection Managers at all food establishments. NDHHS sets baseline food safety standards under N.D.C.C. §23-09.3, but whether a CFPM is specifically required depends on the local health unit. North Dakota has 54 counties and 7 public health districts. Despite no statewide mandate, North Dakota's rural agricultural economy supports a permissive cottage food framework with no sales cap.

Who Must Be Certified in North Dakota?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

North Dakota state law does not mandate a CFPM at all food establishments. Local health units may have additional requirements — contact your specific county health unit or public health district to determine whether CFPM certification is required in your jurisdiction. The NDHHS strongly encourages CFPM certification and many North Dakota employers require it voluntarily.

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: Varies by county

North Dakota does not have a statewide food handler card requirement. Local requirements vary by health unit district. Contact your local public health district for current food handler training requirements.

Accepted Certification Programs in North Dakota

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

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

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in North Dakota

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

No mandatory pre-exam course is required in North Dakota — 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 North Dakota.

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 North Dakota

North Dakota Cottage Food Law

Annual Sales Limit

No annual sales limit for cottage food direct sales in North Dakota under N.D.C.C. §23-09.3.

Permitted Products & Sales

Non-potentially-hazardous foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried goods, and similar shelf-stable items. North Dakota also permits direct sales of some farm products. No permit or home kitchen inspection required for non-TCS foods sold directly to consumers. Standard labeling requirements apply.

City & County Variations in North Dakota

North Dakota 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.