Earn Your Ohio Person in Charge Certification in Food Protection Fast

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you earn your Ohio Person in Charge Certification in Food Protection?

To earn your Ohio Person in Charge Certification in Food Protection, simply watch the videos and complete the knowledge checks along the way. You can finish in around two hours.

Does Ohio require a food handlers card?

In Ohio, what’s often referred to as a food handler card is actually called the Person in Charge (PIC) Certification in Food Protection (formally “level one” training). This training, which is more in-depth than standard food handler training, is required by the Ohio Department of Health for the designated PIC for each shift of a risk level 1, 2, 3, and 4 foodservice operation.

The PIC is the one who is responsible for a foodservice operation at the time of a health inspection.

The certification is required in the following instances:

• When a new foodservice operation or retail food establishment is licensed after March 1, 2010, unless the individual has completed a more comprehensive certification (like Food Manager Certification).
• If the establishment has been implicated in a foodborne illness outbreak.
• If the licensor documents failure to maintain sanitary conditions as per Ohio regulations.

Here’s what each risk level entails:

Risk Level 1: This level covers operations with minimal food handling and the lowest risk of foodborne illness. Examples include:

• Convenience stores selling pre-packaged snacks and beverages.
• Coffee shops brewing coffee without food preparation.

Risk Level 2: These establishments involve slightly more handling but low risk of pathogen growth. Examples include:

• Ice cream shops serving hand-dipped commercial ice cream.
• Establishments reheating commercially processed foods, like soups, for immediate sale.
• Cafeterias holding precooked time/temperature-controlled for safety (TCS) food at proper temperatures.

Risk Level 3: This level includes establishments where raw food is handled or prepared, requiring stricter controls. Examples include:

• Restaurants cooking and assembling TCS foods, like burgers or salads.
• Delis slicing ready-to-eat meats and cheeses.
• Establishments operating soft-serve ice cream or frozen yogurt machines.

Risk Level 4: The highest risk level applies to complex operations or those serving high-risk populations. Examples include:

• Healthcare facilities preparing food for immunocompromised patients.
• Catering businesses reheating bulk leftovers.
• Sushi restaurants offering raw or undercooked animal products.
• Schools performing activities requiring a HACCP plan, like sous vide cooking.

To make it simple, if you work in a place where food is served to the public — like a restaurant, food truck, convenience store, bakery, healthcare facility, or childcare center — at least one person per shift must have the Ohio PIC Certification in Food Protection.

How long is the Ohio Person in Charge Certification good for?

Your Ohio Person in Charge Certification is valid for three years from the date you earn it.

How do I get a copy of my Ohio Person in Charge Certification in Food Protection Certificate?

Your Ohio Person in Charge Certification certificate will automatically be issued digitally after passing the exam. You can download, print, or email it anytime by logging into your account.