United States
Hong KongOhio: Level Two Certification, and which facilities need it
Ohio operates a two-level system. Level Two Certification in Food Protection, based on an ANAB-accredited exam, is required for higher-risk facilities. Level One is a shorter course requirement for other staff.
- Level Two
- Manager-level, ANAB-accredited exam
- Level One
- Shorter staff-level training
- Applies to
- Risk Level III and IV facilities, generally
- Validity
- Five years
- Authority
- Ohio Department of Health, and local health districts
The two levels
Ohio names its requirements rather than using the national vocabulary, which causes confusion for people arriving from other states. Two levels, two audiences.
Level One is staff-level food safety training. Level Two is the manager-level certification, based on an ANAB-accredited exam - the same 80-question proctored exam used everywhere else.
So "Level Two" and "Certified Food Protection Manager" describe the same thing.
Risk levels
Ohio classifies food service operations and retail food establishments into risk levels, and the certification requirement follows the classification. Check your license.
Higher-risk operations - those handling and preparing TCS food - generally need someone with Level Two. Lower-risk operations selling only prepackaged food generally do not.
The answer to "do I need this" in Ohio depends on the facility classification, which is on your license. Looking that up takes a minute and settles the question properly.
Local health districts
Ohio has a large number of local health districts, and they administer licensing and inspection. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and Franklin County all publish their own guidance. Ask yours.
Getting certified
- Choose any ANAB-accredited provider unless your state names an approval list.
- Prepare for eight to fifteen hours, weighted to contamination and employee health.
- Sit the 80-question proctored exam, at a test center or under remote proctoring.
- File the certificate with your employer for the health department record.
- Schedule the five-year expiry the day you receive it.
State rules change, and counties and cities routinely impose requirements the state does not. Treat this page as a starting point and confirm with your state or local health department before booking anything.
Common questions
What is Level Two Certification in Food Protection?
Ohio's name for manager-level certification, based on the same ANAB-accredited 80-question proctored exam used nationally. Level One is a shorter staff-level training requirement.
Which Ohio facilities need Level Two?
Generally higher-risk operations handling and preparing TCS food. Lower-risk operations selling only prepackaged food usually do not, and the classification is on your license.
Is Level Two the same as a ServSafe manager certificate?
ServSafe is one of several ANAB-accredited exams that satisfy the Level Two requirement. The accreditation is what matters rather than the brand.
How long does Level Two last?
Five years, renewed by sitting the exam again. There is no shorter recertification route.
Who administers it locally?
Ohio's local health districts handle licensing and inspection. Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo and Franklin County each publish their own guidance.