West Virginia Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

West Virginia food safety is administered by WVDOH under W.Va. Code §16-6-1 and 64 CSR 17. West Virginia requires both a Certified Food Protection Manager per establishment AND Food Handler Cards for all food service employees. West Virginia's food code is based on the 2013 FDA Food Code with state modifications. The state has a significant rural food service industry, particularly along tourism corridors like the New River Gorge National Park area and ski resort areas in the eastern mountains.

Who Must Be Certified in West Virginia?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

West Virginia 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 64 CSR 17. All retail food establishments are covered. West Virginia's county health departments conduct food safety inspections throughout the state.

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: Yes — all food handlers within 30 days

West Virginia requires all food handlers to obtain a Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire. The card is valid for 3 years. West Virginia food handler training must come from a state-approved, ANSI-accredited program. Approved providers include ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, eFoodHandlers, and 360training. Cards must be kept on-site and available for inspection.

Accepted Certification Programs in West Virginia

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

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

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in West Virginia

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

No mandatory pre-exam course is required in West Virginia — 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 West Virginia.

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 West Virginia

West Virginia Cottage Food Law

Annual Sales Limit

$15,000 per year in gross cottage food sales under W.Va. Code §16-6-26 — a lower limit than many states.

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, and from your home. Online sales with in-person delivery within West Virginia are generally permitted. Standard labeling requirements apply.

City & County Variations in West Virginia

West Virginia 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.