United States · Food safety certificationIndiana's CFPM law at a glance
| Who needs a CFPM | At least one, for all periods of operation; not on site at all hours |
|---|---|
| Deadline | 6 months after opening or a new owner; 3 months after a CFPM leaves |
| Exams accepted | A testing service recognized by the Conference for Food Protection |
| Renewal | A new certificate every 5 years |
| Local extras | Not allowed |
| Fines | Up to $50 a day (expired), $100 a day (other) |
How fast does an Indiana business need ServSafe certification?
The Indiana Department of Health's 2020 memo on the law sets the deadlines: six months after a new establishment opens or changes owner, and three months after the previous CFPM leaves. One CFPM can cover several establishments run by the same person on the same or adjoining property.
The law doesn't apply where food handling doesn't include cooking raw animal food, or is limited to things like heating precooked food, a continental breakfast, drinks and ice, low-hazard food or prepackaged food. Licensed hospitals and health facilities, some senior and mental health facilities, and 501(c)(3) food pantries are also exempt.
Your certificate and the inspector
The CFPM gives the establishment a copy of their certificate and photo ID, and the establishment shows these to the inspector. The law says you must get a valid certificate every five years and can't work as a CFPM with an expired one. Fines run up to $50 a day for an expired certificate and $100 a day for other violations.
Local health departments can't add their own registration or certification for food managers, so there's no county step on top.
The person in charge and staff training
Separately, IDOH says a person in charge must be in the building during all hours of operation. They can show knowledge by passing a manager exam or by having no priority violations and answering the inspector's questions. The person in charge must also train staff in food safety, including food allergy awareness. Indiana's food code, 410 IAC 7-26, is based on the 2022 FDA Food Code.
Sources: Indiana Department of Health · ServSafe · National Registry and 4 more. Checked October 2026.
- Indiana Department of Health: Food protection manager certification ↗
- Indiana Department of Health: HEA 1210 memo on certified food protection managers (June 30, 2020) ↗
- Indiana Department of Health: FAQs, Person in Charge (November 2024) ↗
- Indiana Department of Health: Food code updates, 410 IAC 7-26 ↗
- ServSafe: ServSafe Manager (ANAB-CFP accredited) ↗
- National Registry (NRFSP): Food Safety Manager Certification ↗
- StateFoodSafety: Food Safety Manager Certification ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.