Ohio Manager Certification in Food Protection Training

Your First Step to Ohio Manager-Level Certification

Ohio Food Protection Manager Training Certificate

How to Earn Your Ohio Manager Certification in Food Protection

1. Complete the Training

Take this state-approved Ohio Food Protection Manager Training course — finish in just around five hours at your own pace.

2. Pass the Exam

Take and pass the approved proctored exam to demonstrate your food safety knowledge.

3. Submit the Application

Complete the Ohio Department of Health Manager Certification Application and mail it, along with both your training certificate and exam certificate, to the Ohio Department of Health.

4. Receive Official Certification

Once your paperwork is reviewed, the Ohio Department of Health will send you your official Ohio Manager Certification in Food Protection certificate.

FoodSafePal Ohio food manager certification framed certificate

OHIO MANAGER TRAINING

$49

  • Everything you need to know to pass the exam
  • 75-question mock test
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OHIO MANAGER TRAINING + EXAM
$129
  • Everything you need to know to pass the exam
  • 75-question mock test
  • Free online proctor
  • Instant certification with passing score
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OHIO MANAGER EXAM

$99

  • Schedule and test on your time — 100% online
  • Free online proctor
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Common Questions About Getting Your Ohio Manager Certification in Food Protection

In Ohio, food safety certification is divided into two levels:

  • Person-in-Charge (PIC) Certification (Formerly “Level One”): Required for someone on duty each shift at most food establishments, including Risk Level I–IV facilities, unless a manager is certified. FoodSafePal’s Ohio PIC training covers basic food safety (handwashing, temperature control, cleaning). Learn more about FoodSafePal’s Ohio-approved Person-in-Charge Certification.
  • Manager Certification (Formerly “Level Two”): Required for at least one person at every Risk Level III and IV facility, such as restaurants, schools, hospitals, and caterers. This course goes deeper into food protection and staff training. To earn it, you must complete an Ohio Department of Health–approved course, like FoodSafePal’s, and pass a separate ANSI-accredited exam.

To earn your Ohio Manager Certification in Food Protection you must complete an Ohio Department of Health–approved course, like FoodSafePal’s, and pass a separate ANSI-accredited exam.

Yes. In Ohio, at least one person at every Risk Level III and IV food establishment must hold an Ohio Department of Health–approved Manager Certification in Food Protection (formerly Level Two). This requirement applies to operations such as full-service restaurants, schools, hospitals, caterers, and any facility that prepares, cools, reheats, or serves food to high-risk populations.

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.

Both the training certificate and the official Ohio Manager Certification in Food Protection are valid for five years. After that, you’ll need to complete the training and pass the exam again to maintain certification.

Your Ohio Manager Certification in Food Protection training certificate will be issued digitally as soon as you complete the training. You can download, print, or email it anytime by logging into your account. If you’d like a professionally printed copy mailed to you, you can order one directly from your account.

No. Ohio doesn’t require manager-level training to start a cottage food business. However, earning your Ohio Manager Certification in Food Protection is highly recommended. It can help you build trust with customers, qualify for more markets and events, and may even reduce your liability insurance costs. Learn more about Ohio’s cottage food law here.

Start Now and Be Exam Ready

Stop wasting time on ineffective study methods. This Ohio-approved manager training is the first step towards official certification.