Last verified: June 2026. Confirm with North Dakota Health and Human Services or your local public health unit before paying.
North Dakota stands out from most states: it doesn’t even require a certified manager at the state level — that’s left to local ordinance. And there’s no statewide worker card. Here’s the accurate picture.
Quick answer
The North Dakota Food Code does not require a Certified Food Protection Manager statewide — it’s recommended, not mandated. There’s no statewide food handler card either. Requirements are set locally.
- State manager requirement: none — ND HHS states the CFPM “is not a requirement of the North Dakota Food Code.”
- Local requirement: manager certification may be required by local ordinance — notably the seven counties served by the First District Health Unit.
- Worker card: no statewide mandate; some localities require food handler training (often within 30 days of hire).
- Statewide expectation: the person in charge must demonstrate food-safety knowledge at inspection.
Why North Dakota is different
Most states with a “manager” model mandate a CFPM at the state level. North Dakota doesn’t. The state recommends having a certified manager but leaves the actual requirement to local jurisdictions. So whether you need certification depends entirely on where you operate — contact your local public health unit.
The First District counties
The clearest local mandate is the First District Health Unit, whose seven counties require food manager certification for qualifying establishments: Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan, and Ward (Ward County includes Minot). If you operate there, a CFPM is required by local ordinance. Where certification is held, it’s via an ANSI-CFP accredited exam, typically valid 5 years.
Worker food handler cards
There’s no statewide worker card, but local health districts and many employers — especially in Fargo, Bismarck, and Grand Forks — require or expect food handler training, often within 30 days of hire. Validity and fees vary by jurisdiction. Check locally.
The statewide knowledge expectation
Even without a mandated certificate, North Dakota expects the person in charge at every establishment to demonstrate food-safety knowledge during a health inspection. Holding a manager certification is the most reliable way to meet that standard automatically.
Do regular workers need a food handler card?
Not under state law. Whether you need one depends on your county/city and employer. A voluntary ANAB-accredited food handler course (commonly valid 3 years) is the standard option and is widely accepted across North Dakota.
What to do
- Check your locality first — this is the deciding factor in North Dakota. The First District counties require a CFPM; others may not.
- Owner/manager: even where not required, a CFPM reliably satisfies the PIC knowledge expectation; renew every 5 years.
- Regular worker: no statewide card; check your city/employer and consider a voluntary course.
North Dakota at a glance
| Statewide worker card? | No |
| Statewide manager requirement? | No — CFPM is recommended, not mandated |
| Local manager requirement | First District (Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan, Ward) |
| PIC knowledge | Must be demonstrated at inspection |
| CFPM validity (where held) | Typically 5 years |
| Regulator | ND Health and Human Services + local public health units |
This guide is general information, not legal advice. North Dakota HHS and your local public health unit are the final word.