Skip to content
State Cert Guide

Independent guide, not a government agency. We earn commissions on some links.

Do I need a food manager certification in Massachusetts?

Under Massachusetts' sanitary code, a food establishment that isn't exempt must employ at least one person in charge who is a certified food protection manager. Exempt places include temporary food sites that non-profits run, and daycares that serve only snacks. The rule lists more.

By State Cert GuideChecked against the sources listed below.Report a mistake

The rule, fact by fact

Who needs it
At least one certified food protection manager as person in chargeThe rule puts the duty on the place, which has to employ that person.
Verified. www.mass.gov (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Accepted exam
A certification exam from an accredited program the Department recognizesPassing it is how the person shows proficiency in the required information.
Same source and date as above
Exempt places
Among the exempt: temporary non-profit food establishments, snack-only daycaresThe rule's examples of temporary non-profit events include school sporting events, firemen's picnics, grange and church suppers and fairs.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check whether your place is covered. The rule says each food establishment shall employ at least one person in charge who is a certified food protection manager. Besides the two exempt kinds above, the rule exempts places that only sell pre-packaged food and prepare only some foods, satellite feeding sites that get prepared meals from commissaries for immediate service, and elderly meal sites in the state's Nutrition Program for Elderly Persons that keep to the simple cooking the rule lists. The list is in 105 CMR 590.000.

  2. Step 2. Pick an exam from a recognized program. The person in charge has to pass a certification examination that is part of an accredited program the Department recognizes. Ask any provider to show you that it is recognized before you pay.

  3. Step 3. Take the exam. If a person in charge attends a training program and fails the exam after two attempts, the permit holder may request a variance for that person. It depends on two things: signed documentation from an instructor whose qualifications and course content meet the Department's standards, and a facility that fully complies with the rule.

  4. Step 4. Post your proof. Proof that at least one person in charge has demonstrated knowledge of food safety has to be prominently posted next to the food establishment permit. Take it down when that person is no longer employed on-site there.

Before you pay

Ask your employer first. Ask whether it pays for the training and the exam.

We haven't found a price for either on the pages we read, so ask the provider what you'll pay before you start.

Ask the provider to show that the exam is part of a program the Department recognizes.

Check whether your place is exempt before you pay for anything.

Questions

What happens if the person in charge leaves?

The owner or permit holder notifies the board of health in writing and has 60 days to employ a replacement. The board may grant up to 60 more days if it deems it necessary.

Does the rule ask for a backup person in charge?

Yes. The owner or person in charge has to designate an alternate to be in charge at all times when they cannot be present. The person in charge must adequately train the alternate.

How old does the person in charge have to be?

The rule says 18 years of age or older, and an on-site manager or supervisor.

Does the manager also need allergen training?

Yes, if your place cooks, prepares or serves food meant to be eaten right away, on or off site. The rule asks for a certified food protection manager on staff who holds a Massachusetts allergen awareness training certificate from a program the Department recognizes. The certificate is valid for five years. Temporary sites that non-profits run are exempt. Some schools, camps and child care programs are exempt from most of these rules if they meet the rule's terms.

What to do next

Start with the rule itself: 105 CMR 590.000. Then ask your local board of health how it applies to your place.

www.mass.gov

Sources we read