Who needs a Food Protection Certificate in New York City?
The short answer, with the official forms and the agencies' own links.
The short answer
Every food service establishment: a certified supervisor must be on site whenever you're open. The course is free online; the exam is taken in person.
The forms involved
Food Protection Certificate (course and exam)
NYC Department of Health and Mental HygieneNew York City
Free online course, then an in-person exam. A certified supervisor must be on site whenever you are open.
- Fee
- $24.60
- Filed
- Filed online
- Takes
- Certificate arrives 2 to 6 weeks after the exam.
- Renews
- Does not expire.
Food Service Establishment Permit
NYC Department of Health and Mental HygieneNew York City
Apply on NYC Business. The Health Department inspects before issuing; letter grades follow.
- Fee
- $280
- Filed
- Filed on the agency's portal
- Takes
- You may open 22 days after applying, even before the pre-permit inspection.
- Renews
- Every year.
Full guides
General information, not legal or tax advice. Agency requirements change; check the agency's page before you file.
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This guide covers the city. Your exact address decides the county, the health district and the zoning. Placetta maps every filing for it, fills the official forms from your details, adds the deadlines and puts them up for your approval.
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