.jpg?width=1170&height=582&name=Depositphotos_175115784_XL%20(1).jpg)
Food Manager Certification is required by local health authorities in Nevada to ensure food establishments operate safely and comply with food safety laws.
Jurisdictions require at least one certified Food Protection Manager per facility. Certification involves passing a nationally accredited exam and renewing your certification every five years to stay compliant.
Food Manager Certification confirms a manager’s knowledge of food safety systems, risk control and regulatory compliance. It is commonly called Food Protection Manager Certification and is different from Food Handler training.
Certified Food Protection Managers are responsible for overseeing food safety across the entire operation. This includes supervising Food Handlers, monitoring critical control points and ensuring corrective actions are taken when risks arise.
What Are the Legal Requirements for Food Manager Certification in Nevada?
Who Needs Food Safety Certification in Nevada?
Why Food Manager Certification Matters for Nevada Food Businesses
How to Get Food Manager Certification in Nevada
What Are the Legal Requirements for Food Manager Certification in Nevada?
Nevada food safety laws are enforced by local health authorities, including county and district health departments. While Nevada does not issue a single statewide food manager license, most jurisdictions adopt the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code as the foundation for enforcement.
Under these rules, many food establishments must employ at least one certified Food Protection Manager. This requirement typically applies to restaurants, bars, casinos, hotels, catering operations and other facilities that prepare or serve food to the public.
Health inspectors verify compliance during routine inspections. If a business cannot demonstrate that a certified manager is employed or available, it may result in violations, corrective actions or penalties.
Nevada health departments generally recognize nationally accredited certifications, most commonly those accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Non-accredited exams may not be accepted.
Who Needs Food Safety Certification in Nevada?
Nevada food safety certification requirements depend on your role within the operation.
Food Manager Certification typically applies to:
- Restaurant managers and assistant managers
- Kitchen managers and supervisors
- Owners actively involved in food operations
- Managers in hospitality settings such as casinos, hotels and catering businesses
Food Handlers, by contrast, are usually required to complete separate Food Handler training. Managers must hold the higher-level Food Manager Certification because they are accountable for food safety systems, not just individual tasks.
Discover the difference between Food Manager Certification and Food Handler training in our dedicated blog - Comparing Courses: Food Protection Manager vs. Food Handler
The following table summarizes Food Manager Certification requirements and pathways in Nevada.
| Area | Key Requirement | Details |
| Legal requirement | Certified Food Protection Manager | At least one certified manager per food facility, enforced by local health authorities |
| Accepted certification | Nationally accredited exam | Most Nevada jurisdictions recognize ANAB-accredited certifications |
| Who needs it | Food managers & supervisors | Restaurant managers, kitchen managers, owners involved in food operations |
| Certification process | Exam + renewal | Pass a nationally accredited exam and renew by retaking it every five years |
| Oversight responsibility | Food safety systems | Supervising Food Handlers, monitoring risks, ensuring compliance |
Why Food Manager Certification Matters for Nevada Food Businesses
Food Manager Certification Nevada plays a key role in both compliance and risk prevention.
Certified managers help businesses:
- Meet legal requirements set by local health authorities
- Reduce foodborne illness risk through active managerial control
- Improve inspection outcomes by demonstrating food safety leadership
- Protect their reputation by maintaining consistent safety standards
How to Get Food Manager Certification in Nevada
Earning your Nevada Food Manager Certification is a straightforward process when you follow approved pathways.
Userve Food Protection Manager Exam
To earn your Nevada Food Manager Certification, you must successfully complete an exam that evaluates your knowledge of food safety practices. The exam content is aligned with the FDA Food Code and guidelines developed by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP).
Userve’s ANAB-CFP Accredited Food Protection Manager Exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions covering essential food safety areas, such as:
- Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting
- Facility and equipment upkeep
- Food handling and preparation
- Food safety management systems
- Prevention and management of foodborne illness
- Personal health and hygiene
- Purchasing and receiving procedures
- Regulatory compliance and enforcement
- Safe food storage and transportation
You are given multiple attempts to pass the exam during your enrollment period. After achieving a passing score, you can request your Food Protection Manager Certificate directly through your Userve account. Once your results are verified, certificates are usually emailed within one hour.
In some counties, additional requirements may apply, such as confirming exam completion with the local health authority. Extra administrative fees may also be required. For the most accurate information, it’s recommended to check with your local health agency.
The best way to prepare for your certification exam is through the completion of the Food Protection Manager Course, the other key element of the Userve Food Protection Manager Program.
Userve Food Protection Manager Course
The Userve Food Protection Manager course is made up of 29 engaging lessons covering the key food safety knowledge required as a Food Manager in Nevada.
The course is delivered entirely online, giving you the flexibility to study at a pace that suits you. After each lesson, you’ll complete a short multiple-choice quiz designed to reinforce learning and assess your understanding of the material.
Lesson 1 – Your Role as Food Manager
Lesson 2 – Biological Contamination
Lesson 3 – The Big 6 – Viruses
Lesson 4 – The Big 6 – Bacteria
Lesson 5 – High-Risk & TCS Foods
Lesson 6 – Other Types of Food Contamination
Lesson 7 – Foodborne Illness Management
Lesson 8 – Food Allergies & Allergen Management
Lesson 9 – Personal Hygiene
Lesson 10 – Hand Washing & Workplace Behavior
Lesson 11 – Uniforms & Hair Care
Lesson 12 – Illness & Onsite Injuries
Lesson 13 – Time & Temperature Control
Lesson 14 – Cleaning & Sanitizing
Lesson 15 – Cleaning Methods
Lesson 16 – Front of House
Lesson 17 – Cleaning & Sanitizing Products
Lesson 18 – Food Premises & Equipment
Lesson 19 – Utilities
Lesson 20 – Pest Control & Waste Disposal
Lesson 21 – Introduction to HACCP
Lesson 22 – 5 Preliminary HACCP Steps
Lesson 23 – 7 HACCP Principles
Lesson 24 – Receiving Food Deliveries
Lesson 25 – Cold & Frozen Storage
Lesson 26 – Dry Storage
Lesson 27 – Freezing, Thawing & Preparing Food
Lesson 28 – Cooking, Cooling & Reheating Food
Lesson 29 – Serving & Displaying Food
This wide range of topics ensures you are fully prepared for both the exam and day-to-day food safety management. For a more detailed view of the Food Protection Manager curriculum, check out our dedicated blog - Food Protection Manager Certification Program: Lessons and Quizzes.
Start Your Food Manager Certification in Nevada today
If you manage a food establishment in Nevada, certification is one of the most effective ways to protect customers and stay compliant. Userve offers an ANAB-CFP accredited Food Protection Manager Program designed to meet U.S. food safety standards and local enforcement expectations.
Start your Food Manager Certification Nevada today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Food Manager Certification required statewide in Nevada?
Requirements are enforced locally, but most jurisdictions follow FDA Food Code standards and require at least one certified manager.
Is Food Manager Certification the same as a Food Handler card?
No. Food Handler training is for staff, while Food Manager Certification is for supervisors overseeing food safety systems.
Do restaurant managers in Las Vegas need Food Manager Certification?
Restaurant managers are typically regarded as the Person in Charge (PIC) for their establishment and should therefore ensure they have the appropriate food safety certifications.
Can I take the Food Manager Exam online in Nevada?
Yes. Userve offers an ANAB-CFP accredited exam that can be completed entirely online with remote proctoring.
How long does Food Manager Certification last in Nevada?
Nevada Food Manager Certification is valid for five years. Renewal requires retaking and passing the exam before expiration. It’s a good idea to set a reminder several months before expiration to avoid compliance gaps during inspections.
