Last verified: June 2026. Confirm with the Minnesota Department of Health before paying.
Minnesota doesn’t require a worker food handler card. Its requirement is a Certified Food Protection Manager — but with a few features that make it distinct from most states: it’s a state-registered credential, valid only 3 years, and renewed by continuing education rather than re-exam. Here’s the accurate version.
Quick answer
Under the Minnesota Food Code (Minnesota Rules 4626.0033), most food establishments must employ a state-registered Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM). There’s no statewide food handler card for regular workers.
- Regular workers: no state-required card.
- The requirement: at least one CFPM per establishment (with exemptions).
- Valid for: 3 years (shorter than the typical 5).
- Renewal: by 4 hours of approved continuing education — not by retaking the exam.
- New establishments: must have a CFPM within 60 days of opening (or 90 days under some provisions).
What makes Minnesota’s CFPM distinct
Three features set it apart:
- It’s state-registered. After passing an ANSI-CFP accredited exam, you apply to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), pay a $35 fee, and receive a Minnesota CFPM certificate with an FM number — the state administers the program for MDH, the Department of Agriculture, and delegated local agencies. (As of April 1, 2025, applications are online only; paper applications are no longer accepted.)
- Three-year validity. Many states use 5 years; Minnesota’s certificate expires 3 years from its effective date.
- Renewal by continuing education. Instead of re-taking the exam, you complete at least 4 hours of approved continuing education before expiration. Miss that, and you must retake the initial course and exam.
You must apply for initial certification within 6 months of passing the exam, or the exam result expires.
Who’s exempt
Establishments with very limited food prep are exempt — for example, those only heating or serving precooked hot dogs/sausages, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, or frozen pizza. The owner doesn’t have to be the CFPM; any qualified employee with the authority to perform CFPM duties can hold it. Minnesota requires one CFPM per establishment, though you can have more, and local jurisdictions may add requirements.
Do regular workers need a food handler card?
No — Minnesota doesn’t require one. The CFPM is responsible for coordinating staff food-safety training and ensuring a person in charge is present whenever food is prepared. A voluntary food handler course is a useful résumé item and some employers require it, but it’s not a state mandate. If you take one, an ANAB-accredited course is the standard.
What to do
- Owner/manager: have a qualified person pass an ANSI-CFP accredited exam, then register with MDH within 6 months ($35). Renew every 3 years with 4 hours of continuing education.
- Regular worker: no state card required; consider a voluntary course if your employer asks.
Minnesota at a glance
| Statewide worker card? | No |
| State requirement | One state-registered CFPM per establishment |
| Valid for | 3 years |
| Renewal | 4 hours continuing education (not re-exam) |
| New establishment | CFPM within 60 days |
| Registration | Apply to MDH, $35, online only since April 2025 |
| Governing rule | Minnesota Rules 4626.0033 |
This guide is general information, not legal advice. The Minnesota Department of Health and your local health authority are the final word.