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      What is required to get a Food Manager Certification in Louisville, KY?

      Learn about the steps to get your Food Service Manager Certification in Jefferson County and Louisville, KY.

      What are the requirements related to Food Service Managers in Jefferson County?

      All food service establishments operating in Jefferson County must employ at least one Food Service Manager who holds a local certification. The Food Service Manager is responsible for directing, conducting, or supervising a food service establishment. This means that at least one employee per establishment must hold a local Food Service Manager Certification issued by the Louisville & Jefferson County Board of Health. You can view the original Louisville Metro Council Ordinance that details these requirements here: LMCO Chapter 118.

      How do I obtain a local Food Service Manager Certification in Louisville-Jefferson County?

      If you hold current Certified Food Protection Manager credentials through an ANAB-accredited provider, such as Trust20, you can submit a transfer application to Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) to obtain your local Food Service Manager card.

      1. Optional: Take Trust20’s Food Protection Manager Training.
        1. This course is not required. However, it provides an in-depth review of critical information about safely and effectively managing a foodservice establishment, and can help prepare you for your role as a Food Service Manager.
      2. Pass Trust20’s Food Protection Manager Certification exam and obtain your credentials.
        1. Passing this exam will grant you your Food Protection Manager Certification, which you will need to apply for the local Food Service Manager card in Louisville-Jefferson County.
      3. Complete and submit the Louisville-Jefferson County Food Service Manager application, including necessary forms and fees. We’ve outlined all the steps for you below with links to the application, or you can click over to view this information on LMPHW’s Food Safety Program website (scroll down to the section titled “Certified Food Manager Information,” and click on “Transfers to Louisville Metro.”)
        1. Instructions for completing the application ONLINE:
          1. Access the Food Service Manager Transfer Application online here.
          2. Complete all the required information, including name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
          3. Upload a copy of your Food Protection Manager Certification (when prompted on the second page). CFPM certificates from any ANAB-accredited provider, including Trust20, will be accepted.
          4. Pay the application fee of $35 (per person).
          5. Note: You may submit applications for multiple individuals simultaneously on the online portal. You will need digital copies of each individual’s Food Protection Manager Certification on hand, and the fee will be $35 per individual.
        2. Instructions for completing the application BY MAIL or IN PERSON:
          1. Download the Food Service Manager Application Form here.
          2. Complete all the required information, including name, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
          3. Include a printed copy of your Food Protection Manager Certification. CFPM certificates from any ANAB-accredited provider, including Trust20, will be accepted.
          4. Include a check to cover the application fee, made payable to Louisville Metro Government. Note that the application fee is $35 per person.
          5. Place your completed application form, CFPM certificate, and check in an envelope and mail to: Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness, Food Safety Program, 400 E Gray St, Louisville, KY 40202. Alternatively, you may also drop off your application in person at the address listed above.

      Local options for obtaining your Food Service Manager Certification

      Louisville-Jefferson County offers another option for obtaining the local Food Service Manager card. The county offers a Food Service Manager course in partnership with the State Food Safety program, which is approved by the LMPHW. You can view more information about registering for this course on LMPHW’s Food Safety Program website (scroll down to the section titled “Certified Food Manager Information,” and click on “Online State Food Safety Certified Food Managers Course.”)

      Previously, the county also offered an in-person course through Martha Gregory & Associates; however, as of March 2025, they are in the process of retiring the in-person course option. Individuals seeking to obtain their Food Service Manager card must do so through an online course option.