Ohio

Ohio Person-In-Charge Certification (Level One)

Available in English and Spanish

Ohio requires most foodservice establishments to have one employee with a Person-In-Charge Certification (formerly Level One) on every shift.

Take Trust20’s interactive, online training to earn your Person-In-Charge Certification in Ohio. The course includes supplemental materials that persons in charge are required by the State of Ohio to review.

$30.00 Purchasing for your team?

Ohio requires any foodservice operation or retail food establishment to have a designated person in charge present during all hours of operation if they meet certain conditions.

Some establishments may be exempt from these requirements, but you should always verify your requirements with your local jurisdiction.

Businesses in risk level I, II, III, or IV that received their license after March 1, 2010.

Establishments that received their license before March 1, 2010 and have been implicated in a foodborne disease outbreak.

Operations that have failed to maintain sanitary conditions set forth by the health department.

Training course

Written exercise

Course Outline

This course is divided into six sections and a final assessment. The assessment consists of 27 questions, divided equally among the learning objectives. While a passing score is not required, the assessment meets Ohio’s requirements for a verbal or written exercise and prepares persons in charge to demonstrate their knowledge to the health inspector.

Food Sources Discusses the government agencies that help to protect our food supply, consumers, and the foodservice industry as a whole. This section also explains how food becomes unsafe and best practices for purchasing and receiving food.

Personal Hygiene and Handwashing Explains how the personal hygiene, handwashing practices, and health of the food handlers in an establishment can impact the safety of the foods your business serves.

Cross Contamination Provides key information about the different types of contamination, allergens, and best practices for properly storing food.

Cleaning/Sanitizing of Equipment and Utensils Provides an overview of how to properly clean and sanitize food contact and non-food contact surfaces.

Food Preparation Explains the best practices for safely preparing foods, including thawing, cooking, cooling, reheating, and holding foods.

Facility Management Discusses equipment selection and installation and proper garbage disposal.

What's the difference between the Ohio certifications?

Ohio Person-In-Charge Certification (Level One)

Most establishments are required to have someone with a Person-In-Charge Certification present during all hours of operation.

Ohio Person-In-Charge training

Written exercise

$30.00

Ohio Manager Certification (Level Two)

Most establishments are required to have one employee on staff with a Manager Certification. They may not be required to be present during all hours of operation.

Ohio Manager training

Proctored certification exam

$140.00 Learn more

What’s the difference between Level One and Level Two Certification in Ohio?

Person-In-Charge, or Level One, Certification in Ohio requires candidates to complete a training course and a verbal or written exercise. Manager, or Level Two, Certification requires candidates to complete a training course and an approved certification exam.

Both of Trust20’s Ohio-specific products are approved by the State of Ohio and contain supplemental materials that candidates are required to review. Learn more about the differences between Ohio's two food safety certifications on our blog.

What does the Person-In-Charge Certification include?

The training portion covers food sources, personal hygiene, handwashing, cross-contamination, cleaning and sanitizing equipment and utensils, food preparation, and facility management. There is an ungraded assessment at the end of the course.

Do I need to submit any materials to the Ohio Department of Health?

No, candidates for the Person-In-Charge Certification do not need to submit any documentation to the Ohio Department of Health. However, your certificate must be on file with the establishment you work for and must be available upon request.

What is Trust20’s refund and cancellation policy?

All sales on Trust20’s products are final, non-transferable, and non-refundable. Your training and assessment are available for a year once purchased. The course is available for 60 days once you begin. There are no extensions to these terms.

Who developed Trust20’s training, and how do I know it will cover all the relevant information that I need?

Trust20 partnered with instructional designers, food safety subject matter experts, and food industry professionals to create a course that adheres to the ADDIE Instructional Design Methodology.

Our training has also been reviewed by the Ohio Department of Health, and we are on their list of approved providers.

What languages are available?

It is currently offered in English.

Do my credentials expire?

No, your Person-In-Charge credentials do not expire. However, if the FDA or the State of Ohio revise their food codes, Trust20 recommends taking the course again to review the new information.

Does Ohio require food handler training?

No, the Ohio Department of Health does not require staff to earn a food handler card or certificate. Only Person-In-Charge (formerly Level One) Certification and Manager (formerly Level Two) Certification are required.

However, the person in charge must ensure their staff are properly trained in food safety, and food handler training can make it easier for managers to fulfill this responsibility.

Where can I learn more about food safety in Ohio?

Ohio Food Safety: Comparing the Person-In-Charge and Manager Certifications: Learn more about what certifications are required for food workers in Ohio on Trust20’s blog.

Ohio Department of Health (ODH): The ODH works to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases and provides direction, support, and coordination in preventing, preparing for, and responding to events threatening the public’s health.

ODH Food Safety Program: This division oversees all aspects of food safety for local health department staff, the foodservice industry, and the public.

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