Food Handler and Food Manager Training

Local Health Regulations require all food service establishments in Montgomery County to be operated by a Certified Food Manager who shall be on the premises during all hours the establishment is open for business. All other staff that help prepare/cook food, wash dishes, or maintain cleanliness in and out of the kitchen require Food Handler Certifications.

Why do these regulations exist?

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness, 128,000 people are hospitalized, and 3,000 people die (source: cdc.gov/food-safety/about/index.html). Foodborne illness is preventable. The information and skills you will learn in the Food Handler and/or Food Manager training(s) help prevent foodborne illness from occurring by teaching food safety practices. Cooking food to the appropriate temperature and practicing effective hand washing are two examples of food safety practices. People who work in food service establishments must have a food handler certification because knowing, understanding, and implementing food safety practices helps keep our community safe and healthy.

Certified Food Manager 

To become a Certified Food Manger, you must attend in-person training. The registration fee is $50, and certification is valid for three (3) years. Participants may choose to pre-pay registration or pay the day of the training.  Registration opens one month prior to the class.  You may register in person at Montgomery County Health Department or call 859-498-3808 and ask for Environmental. Please see the calendar for dates.  

Food Handler Certification * 

To obtain a food handler certification, you must attend in-person training. The cost of certification is $25 and is valid for three (3) years. Food Handler Training is offered the 1st Tuesday of each month from 3pm-5pm (holidays will be observed) or by appointment. For more information, call 859-498-3808 option 3.

Local Health Regulations require all food service establishments in Montgomery County to be operated by a Certified Food Manager who shall be on the premises during all hours the establishment is open for business. All other staff that help prepare/cook food, wash dishes, or maintain cleanliness in and out of the kitchen require Food Handler Certifications. Both certifications must be obtained online using the directions below to register and complete the needed course. Certification for food managers is valid for three (3) years and the fee for this class is $80. Certification for food handlers is valid for two (2) years and the fee for this class is $25.

To obtain your certification, follow the directions below.

Please use Google Chrome or Firefox to use the system.

  1. Click on:
    https://ky-mgry.statecert.com/login
  2. Click on “Register” in the top right-hand corner of the screen
  3. Input your information to create an account for yourself
  4. Write down login information and keep for future access of your account
  5. Select “Food Manager” or “Food Handler” training depending on which you need
  6. Pay the fee associated with the test you choose
  7. Watch the videos and take the exam
  8. Print out your certificate for your employer
  9. Make sure to log out of your account