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      What is required to get a Food Manager Certification in Philadelphia, PA?

      Learn about the steps to get your Food Manager Certification in Philadelphia, PA.

      What are the requirements related to Food Service Managers in Philadelphia?

      Food businesses in Philadelphia must have an employee present during all hours of operation who holds a Philadelphia food safety certification, whether or not your business is open to the public.

      This certified individual, often referred to as the person in charge (PIC), must complete a food safety course from an approved provider and earn an official food safety certificate issued by the City of Philadelphia.

      The original certificate must be displayed in a visible location for customers. During a health inspection, the PIC must present a valid photo ID, and the name on the ID must match the name on the certificate. The inspector will also ask them some questions to ensure they truly understand the basics of food safety.

      These certifications are good for five years. After that, all PICs will need to retake and pass another approved food safety course and reapply for the local food safety certification.

      How do I obtain a local Philadelphia food safety certification?

      In order to obtain the Philadelphia food safety certification, you must first earn your Certified Food Protection Manager credentials through a provider that is ANAB-accredited and approved by the City of Philadelphia Environmental Health Services. You can find a complete list of approved providers here.

      Trust20 is an approved provider of Food Protection Manager training and certification for the City of Philadelphia.

      Follow the steps below to obtain your certification:

      1. Take Trust20’s Food Protection Manager Training.

        1. Completing an approved Food Safety Manager course is required. The course 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 Safety 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 Philadelphia.

      3. Complete the City of Philadelphia food safety certification application form and gather the necessary supporting documentation and fees. We’ve outlined all the steps for you below with links to the application, and you can also view this information on the City of Philadelphia’s website.

        1. Complete and print out the application form.

        2. Log in to your Trust20 account to access and print your Trust20 Food Protection Manager Certification.

          1. Please note that you’ll need to submit only your official Food Protection Manager certificate (gold ribbon). You can save the Trust20 Food Manager course completion certificate (green ribbon) for your records.

          2. Obtain a money order for $30 (per applicant) made out to PHILA. HEALTH DEPT - EHS. You can get a money order at any post office location, as well as most banks, credit unions, and some supermarkets and convenience stores. Please bring your debit card or sufficient cash, as credit cards are not accepted.

          3. The City of Philadelphia will not accept personal, business, or cashier’s checks. Money orders may not be older than 30 days, and no money orders will be accepted with a void date of 45 or 90 days.

      4. Submit your completed application packet in person or by mail.

        1. Double check that you have the application form, Food Protection Manager Certification, and a $30 money order prepared and ready to go.

        2. You may submit your application by mail to: Office of Food Protection, 7801 Essington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153.

        3. To submit your application in person, visit the Environmental Health Services office at the address above during walk-in hours: Monday-Friday from 9 AM - 1 PM. Additionally, you may call EHS at (215) 685-7495 to ask questions, make an appointment, coordinate payment, or submit an application.

      Once your application has been submitted, it may take up to 30 business days to receive your Philadelphia food safety certificate. If you do not receive your certificate within 30 business days, reach out to Environmental Health Services at (215) 685-7495 to inquire about the status of your application.