Arizona allows counties to create their own food safety training and certification requirements. To become certified, employees must pass an exam from an ANSI/ANAB-accredited provider. The following counties require food manager certification, also known as ServSafe® or Food Protection Manager.

Maricopa County – must have at least one employee who is a certified food safety manager on staff. A certified food safety manager must be onsite during all hours of operation.

Pinal County – must have at least one employee who is a certified food safety manager on staff.

Yavapai County – must have at least one employee who is a certified food safety manager on staff.

Coconino County – must have at least one employee who is a certified food safety manager on staff. A certified food safety manager must be onsite during all hours of operation.

All Counties – all food facilities must have a “person in charge” who is responsible for the operation of the business and food safety during all hours of operation. The owner or an employee designated by the owner may act as a person in charge. The person in charge must demonstrate their knowledge of food safety, sanitation, foodborne disease prevention, HACCP principles, and the requirements of the Arizona Food Code. The person in charge must be able to demonstrate knowledge in one or both ways:

1. Responding correctly to the inspector’s questions about the food operation and food safety.
2. Being a certified food safety manager who has passed a test through an accredited program.

Information about our program:

• Classes are in-person and instructor-led.
• The exam and certificate are ANSI/ANAB Accredited and approved nationally.
• Certification is good for five (5) years. If you have a Food Manager Certificate, you do not need a Food Handler Card.
• Our food manager review classes are in-person, half-day programs taught in ENGLISH.
• The exam is taken online using a tablet or laptop computer, and it is available in English or Spanish.
• Exam results are immediate, and your certificate will be available for download the next day.
• Exam-only options are also available.
• For more information, view our FAQs > > >