Indiana – Food Manager Certification

The Certified Food Handler does not need to be present at the food facility during every hour of operation. However, there must be a certified food handler accountable for all periods of operations.

Taking a training course is recommended but is not a requirement. The only requirement is to pass a test from an accepted provider such as Prometric or ServSafe.

A food service facility must maintain a copy of its certified food handler’s documentation with a passing score on file at the facility. The foodservice establishment’s individual in charge must have this documentation available for the local health office or designated representative upon demand.

The same person cannot be nominated as the certified food handler for more than one food facility – except for the requirements set forth with regard to “contiguous properties”.

Facilities have six months to fulfill the food handler law.

The facility has three months to be in compliance with the rules. This pertains to temporary facilities as well.

A CFPM is not needed when the food establishment’s food handling activities do not include the cooking of raw food of animal origin or are limited to one (1) or more of the following:

• Heating or serving pre-cooked foods
• Preparing or serving a continental breakfast such as rolls, coffee, juice, milk, and cold cereal.
• Preparing or serving beverages or ice.
• preparing or serving packaged or unpackaged low hazard foods, including elephant ears, funnel cakes, cotton candy, confectioneries, baked goods, popcorn, chips and grinding coffee beans.
• Providing prepackaged food in its original package.

• Online Food Manager Training: A self-paced training that is online and incorporates different learning experiences such as graphics, audio, and cooperative learning exercises. This is a very effective learning program.
• Online Study Guide: A study guide (20+ pages) that covers the major FDA food theories. This study guide also encompasses the Top 10 Tips to Passing the Food Manager Exam and two practice tests. All of these are done online.
• Food Manager Exam: The test is conducted online via the Always Food Safe Company which is ANSI accredited and recognized by state and county health departments