Currently, the state of Tennessee does not require an individual to receive a Tennessee food handlers card.
It is important to keep in mind though, that some employers or restaurant managers will require a Tennessee food handlers to complete training regardless of state mandates.
Tennessee believes that management should train their employees. Therefore, only the person in charge MUST become a certified food manager.
Many states around the country are very strict when it comes to food handler training. But not Tennessee.
Tennessee Food Protection Manager Certification
Tennessee’s Retail Food Store Sanitation Regulator requires that every establishment preparing foods must have a designated person in charge to be certified as a food protection manager.
So although a Tennessee food handlers card may not be required for employees, it may be in your best interest to receive and pass the test for Food Manager Training.
Not only will this help you during your job application, but it will make you a safer and more well rounded employee.
Currently, only the below list of ANSI-accredited Food Safety Manager Certification providers are valid (in no particular order):
- 360training: Learn2Serve Food Protection Manager Certification Program
- Above Training/StateFoodSafety.com: Certified Food Protection Manager (CPFM) Exam
- National Registry of Food Safety Professionals: Food Protection Manager Certification Program International Certified Food Safety Manager
- National Restaurant Association – ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Program
- Prometric: Food Protection Manager Certification Program
For more information, please choose your county at the Tennessee Department of Health’s website here.