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United States · Food safety certification

NYC Food Protection Certificate: ServSafe certification in NY doesn't replace it

A ServSafe or other national certificate doesn't meet New York City's rule. The Health Code asks for a Food Protection Certificate from the Health Department itself, after its own course and exam, so ServSafe certification in NY City isn't enough on its own. The course is free online, the exam is $24 plus $0.60, and the certificate never expires.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Is ServSafe certification what NY City asks for?

The city Health Code names its own certificate. Section 81.15 says a supervisor of food preparation needs a certificate issued by the Department after a food protection course and an exam the Department gives. Someone holding it must be on the premises and supervise food preparation during all hours of operation.

NYC311 says you need a food protection certificate to manage a food service business or a non-retail food processing business.

This page covers New York City only. Outside the city, ask your county or local health department.

How to get the NYC Food Protection Certificate

The certificate arrives 2 to 6 weeks after your exam. The course FAQ says it never expires and you don't need to repeat the course, though the Department can require holders to retake it, for example after an outbreak.

RouteDetails, October 2026
Free online courseIn English, Spanish and Chinese, then an in-person exam: $24 plus a $0.60 fee
Classroom course15 hours over five days, $114, in English, Spanish and Bengali
Exam locationsThe Health Academy at 160 West 100th Street, or the College of Staten Island
Exam languagesThe study guide and exam come in English and 36 other languages

Mobile food vendors

Mobile food vendors take a separate course, which costs $53, and must pass a final exam every four years.

Sources: NYC Health Code · NYC Health · NYC311 and 2 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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