The only food handlers license NYC enforces is called the Food Protection Course… and it’s specifically for restaurant managers and other supervisory positions.
If you are a supervisor in a restaurant or non-retail food service establishment in NYC, you MUST take the NYC Food Protection Course.
Additionally, according to New York City law, at least one person with a Food Protection Certification MUST be present, at the facility, at all times.
Are you not located in NYC? Check out our New York state food handlers license page
NYC Food Protection Certification Details
The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is the regulatory body behind all food protection laws in the city.
But since city-government websites are a little out of date, on top of the fact that are a BUNCH of deceiving course providers online… we put together everything you need to know to make things a little easier and less complicated!
Apron up, let’s dive in. π
If you’ve made it this far, it’s most likely because you have to get the food handlers license NYC requires. This license is known as the Food Protection Certificate… and it’s awarded to students upon successful completion of the NYC food protection course.
The mandatory NYC food protection course is 15-hours long… and you can take it (1) in person or (2) online, free of charge. We provide additional details below.
The final examination can ONLY be taken in person… and you must pay $24.60Β in order to receive the certification. Again, more details are provided below.
Free ONLINE NYC Food Protection Course
Most supervisors that have to receive a NYC Food Protection Certification opt for the online course route. The 15-hour course can be done from the comfort of your home. More importantly, it’s 100% FREE, unlike the in-person course.
The online route was made for folks who already have a busy schedule. And there is no time-limit whatsoever for completing it, so that helps.
The course is made up of 15 different lessons or chapters so to speak, and each chapter will come with a short quiz at the end. You MUST answer all the quiz questions correctly before moving on to the next chapter. All in all, each chapter takes about one (1) hour to complete. Here’s a link to the courses table of contents.
The online course is offered in English, Spanish and Chinese. π
To kick-off your online NYC Food Protection Course, just click here to get started.
Once you register for the online NYC food protection course, you will receive an email in the inbox address you provided. This email will contain your User ID and Password.
Pro tip: Write down your username and password, and store it in a SAFE place as you will need them each time you want to tackle a new chapter.
Oh, and one last thing! Once you successfully complete the online food protection course, you will be directed to schedule an exam appointment. Check out our “NYC Food Protection Final Exam” section on this post for more details.
In person NYC Food Protection Course
For those who wish to take the food protection course in a classroom environment, simply click here for all the details you’ll need.
Here at Food Handlers Card Help, we highly suggest to take the course online simply because it’s FREE. The NYC food protection course that’s available in person costs $114 PLUS a convenience fee.
If you can’t get online at home, there are several libraries in the city that provide free computer access to the public.
NYC Food Protection Final Exam
Upon successful completion of all 15 chapters/lessons, you will be prompted to make a final exam appointment. During this process, you will be asked to pay the required fee of $24.00 (plus a convenience fee). If you wait and pay for the exam at the testing facility, you will only be allowed to pay by certified check or money order.
Keep in mind, the online exam fee is only payable through credit cards. The department accepts AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards.
After you pay the exam fee and make an exam appointment, you will be given a confirmation document. You must bring a printout of this confirmation document AND an acceptable identification with you at the time of the exam. (We provide the address to the testing facility below)
The department accepts the following types of identification:
- Drivers license
- Alien registration card or naturalization certificate with photo I.D.
- Passport
- Current photo identification issued by federal, state, or local government agency
NYC Food Protection Exam Details
The NYC Food Protection exam has 50 multiple-choice questions and lasts exactly one (1) hour.
In order to successfully earn your certificate, you must score AT LEAST a 70%. If you fail, you have to re-register for a course, create another account, and pay for the exam all over again.
Only individuals who are registered for the exam will be allowed in the testing room. This means that no children or pets are allowed in the exam room!
When do I receive my certification?
Once you successfully pass the exam, your official Food Protection Certificate will be mailed to you after two weeks! Be sure to give the department a valid mailing address at the time of registration
β οΈ FHC pro-tip: ALWAYS KEEP YOUR ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE IN A SAFE PLACE or make duplicate copies. Replacement certificates cost $16 (see below)
What if I’m running late to the exam?
Don’t be late to the exam! No one will be allowed to take their scheduled exam if they are more than 15 minutes late! If this happens, you may have to reschedule or pay the exam fee again.
Can I bring notes to the NYC Food Protection Exam?
No. The use of notes, phones, or other printed materials are not allowed during the exam. If you’re caught cheating, your test will be confiscated and a score of zero will be give.
Where is the NYC Food Protection Exam Taken?
All NYC Food Protection exams are taken in person at the county Health Academy. For your convenience, we provided the address and transportation details below.
NYC FOOD PROTECTION EXAM ADDRESS:
- Health Academy
160 West 100 Street, Second Floor
New York, NY 10025
** This is located between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues, opposite the NYPD 24th precinct.
TRANSPORTATION TO THE HEALTH ACADEMY:
- Trains: MTA subway 1, 2, or 3 lines along Broadway to 96th Street, or on the B and C lines to 96th Street along the Central Park West.
** Street parking is extremely difficult. Check the Yellow Pages or online for parking garages.
NYC Food Protection Exam Practice & Study Resources
Are you nervous? Don’t be. We’ve heard from several sources that this exam is not that difficult. Additionally, roughly 80% of the questions on the exam are the same questions from the end-of-lesson quizzes you take in course. You should be FINE!
Here are some helpful testimonials we found online pertaining to the NYC Food Protection Exam:
But just in case, here are some helpful resources and study material to get you by:
- Food Protection Course Training Manual (PDF)
Other languages: [ EspaΓ±ol] | [ δΈζ] | [ νκ΅μ΄] | [ বাΰ¦ΰ¦²ΰ¦Ύ] - Online Food Protection Course Study Guide (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Online Food Protection Course (PDF)
Is your NYC Food Protection Certificate LOST or EXPIRED?
The NYC Food Protection Card NEVER expires. That’s right, once you earn it, you have it for life.
But, if you’ve lost your NYC Food Protection Certificate…
You may get a replacement certification ONLY if you’ve taken the Food Protection Course and passed the final exam within the last 10 years. The replacement certificate will cost $16.
If you took the class more than 10 years ago you must retake the course, pay for the full exam cost of $24, and pass the final exam once again.
Click here to schedule a replacement certificate.
For more information, please visit the NYC Health Department website… or visit our homepage. Are you not located in NYC? Check out our New York state food handlers license page.