United States · Food safety certificationOhio's two levels
| Level 2: manager certification | Risk level 3 and 4 facilities, since March 1, 2017 |
|---|---|
| Level 1: Person in Charge | Every licensed facility, on site at all times |
| Course example | Columbus Level 2: 16 hours, $200; Level 1: 3.5 hours, $35 |
| Rule cited | Ohio Administrative Code 3701-21-25 |
What is Level 2 ServSafe certification in Ohio?
The Cuyahoga County Board of Health says that as of March 1, 2017, all risk level 3 and 4 food facilities must have at least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility, and the authority to direct food preparation, who holds manager certification. Cuyahoga says the educational requirements are in Ohio Administrative Code 3701-21-25, and points to the Ohio Department of Health for a list of other approved manager courses and online offerings.
The board says the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has approved it to teach the ServSafe Manager Certification course, a 16-hour course that ends with the exam. Columbus Public Health's 2026 schedule lists its ServSafe Food Manager Certification Course (Level 2) at 16 hours for $200, with a $70 retest.
Level 1: Person in Charge
Every licensed food facility needs at least one employee with Person in Charge certification present during all hours of operation, and high-risk mobile units need it too, according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health. Columbus Public Health's Person-In-Charge Certification Course (Level 1) takes 3.5 hours and costs $35.
Training online for Ohio
360training's Learn2Serve sells an Ohio Food Protection Manager training plus ANAB-CFP exam package for $121, and a Learn2Serve Ohio Manager Certification in Food Protection course on its own for $65, as of October 2026. Before you buy an online route, ask your local health department whether it accepts it for your facility's risk level.
Sources: Cuyahoga County Board of Health · Columbus Public Health · 360training. Checked October 2026.
- Cuyahoga County Board of Health: Food safety education ↗
- Columbus Public Health: 2026 Food Protection Workshops ↗
- 360training: Learn2Serve food manager courses ↗
Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.