Ohio Food Handler Safety Certification

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Food Safety 
• Lesson 2: Biohazards, Foodborne Disease, and Food Spoilage 
• Lesson 3: Contamination 
• Lesson 4: Food and Temperature Control 
• Lesson 5: Preventing Food Contamination 
• Lesson 6: Food Receiving and Storage 
• Lesson 7: Sanitizing 
• Lesson 8: Pest Control 

• Define food safety and its goals, benefits, impact, proper adherence, critical control points, and recall requirements. 
• Recall biohazards, symptoms and causes of common foodborne illnesses, identify spoilage signs and causes. 
• Identify three types of contamination, explain how food becomes hazardous, and recognize how to preserve food. 
• Understand time, temperature, and control with relation to food handling and how to properly take the temperature of food and maintain the temperature while storing food. 
• Discuss personal hygiene importance and practices, and food handling practices and techniques. 
• Understand procedures for acquiring and receiving food, considerations for meat and poultry, and proper food storage. 
• Identify both proper and improper cleaning and sanitizing procedures and implications. 
• Identify signs and eradication procedures for pest infestation. 
• Explain the responsibilities, rights, and authorities of food employees, conditional employees, the person in charge, and the licensor. 

Does Ohio require food handler training?

Yes, but not for everyone. Under Ohio Department of Health rule 3701-21-25, at least one person on every shift needs Person-in-Charge (PIC, formerly "Level One") Certification in Food Protection. Always make sure you look for Ohio-specific training when choosing a course.

Also, some counties require food handler training for all food workers.  For example, Wheeling-Ohio County requires a food handler card for all food workers, even dishwashers. Training must be taken from the county or one of their partners.

You'll need to check with your local health department (or your employer) to find out whether your area has special requirements. If local regulations do not require you, you fall under state jurisdiction.

Can I take an online course to get my food handler permit?

Ohio Person-in-Charge/Level One food protection training can be taken online with an approved provider—like Learn2Serve by 360training!

If your food handler training is regulated locally, you need to check with your local health authority to see where you're allowed to complete your training.

How long does an Ohio food handler certificate last?

As far as the state of Ohio is concerned, Person-in-Charge/Level One training does not expire.  However, local health departments may have their own renewal requirements, and some employers may like you to have regular refreshers.

Food handler training must be repeated every 2-3 years to help you remember and practice food safety effectively.  

How do I verify that you’re an approved provider in Ohio? 

You can find a list of approved providers on the Ohio Department of Health’s website where you will see Learn2Serve by 360training listed. 

When does my course expire? 

Your course will expire one (1) year after you purchase it (the date you submit payment), unless the course itself indicates otherwise. 

For more information about course expiration dates, please read our Terms of Use. 

What if I need a refund for my course? 

If for some reason you are not happy and would like a refund, send us a request within 72 hours of purchase. Here are the eligibility requirements you must meet: 

• Your purchase was made no more than 72 hours prior to your refund request. 
• You have NOT: 
  • Attempted any portion of a test or exam. 
  • Requested or been issued a certificate of completion. 
  • Completed 50% or more of the purchased course. 

If you meet all of these criteria, submit your refund request in writing via email to support@360training.com with a proof-of-purchase receipt and an explanation for why you are requesting a refund. 

You can find more information about our refund policy here. 

How quickly will I get my certificate of completion?  

Once you finish your course and pass any required exams, you can print your certificate of completion right away.    

What can I do if I lose my certificate of completion?  

If you lose your certificate of completion and need a new one, you can contact customer service at (877) 881-2235 or support@360training.com.   

Why should I take food handler training?

In some districts in Ohio, food handler training is necessary to be employed as a food worker. Elsewhere in Ohio, Person-in-Charge training is necessary to qualify you as a shift leader. Ohio food employees must know how to avoid exposing themselves and their customers to foodborne diseases.

Ohio has its share of foodborne illnesses, though the number of outbreaks has decreased in recent years. In 2017, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 69 foodborne illness outbreaks in Ohio. This is down from the 80 outbreaks reported in 2016 and 86 reported in 2015.

If you practice what you learn in food handler training, you can help ensure that the number of outbreaks continues to decrease yearly.

What jobs can I get in Ohio with my food handler license?

In Ohio, a food handler license qualifies you for many types of jobs. The training's designed for anyone who works with unpackaged food and/or food-contact surfaces, equipment, or utensils.

You can work in a variety of establishments like:

• Restaurants, from fine dining to fast food
• Bakeries, sandwich shops, and delis
• Grocery stores and convenience stores
• Cafeterias
• Catering services
• Food trucks
• And many more…

And job demand is high because the food and beverage industry in Ohio is growing fast.

According to the Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA), in 2019 there were 585,000 restaurant and food service jobs, which translates to 10% of total employment. More importantly, that number is projected to grow 9.1% by the year 2029. That's much faster than the overall national growth estimated at 5%.

If you’re looking to get a job in the food and beverage industry in Ohio, here are some good options, along with how much money you can expect to make based on wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

If you get your food handler card before you apply for any of these jobs, you’ll be way ahead of the competition!

Where can I find more information about food safety in Ohio?

Ohio Department of Health (ODH): The ODH sets the food protection rules and guidelines for the state. You can find the Ohio Food Code, food recalls, and other food safety resources on their website.

Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA): You can find additional food safety resources regarding produce safety, home bakeries and cottage foods, and safe food production through the ODA.