What is a Certified Food Handler (CFH)?

Employees of a restaurant who cook, sell, and/or serve food are required to obtain a food handler certificate. Individuals who wish to become a CFH must pass a food safety certification exam that has been approved by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP) that addresses the knowledge, skills, and abilities in basic food safety, personal hygiene, cross-contamination and allergens, time and temperature, and cleaning and sanitation to maintain a safe and sanitary food establishment. Exams are available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, French, Italian, and Arabic.

Currently, the three CFP-approved food safety programs are as follows:

Upon passing the food safety certification exam, CFHs are issued a certificate that must be displayed inside the restaurant or other pertinent retail food establishment where it is available and accessible to the consumers and Public Health Inspectors upon review/inspection. The Food Handler Certificate must be maintained and renewed upon expiration every three years.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Certified Food Handler (CFH)?
2. Is a restaurant required to have a Certified Food Hander (CFH)?