Who needs a person in charge certification in food protection in Ohio?

Issued by Local health district, under ORC 3717.09 and OAC 3701-21-25, at step 4 of 6 in the opening sequence: get the permits for your kind of business.

9 of the 20 kinds of business in Ohio

Every risk level III or IV operation needs at least one employee with a level two (manager) certification, and each shift needs a person in charge with level one training. Pizza shops, restaurants and bars are usually level III or IV.

Checked Oct 21, 2026 against the agency’s page.

Step 4 of 6: Get the permits for your kind of business

  1. Set up the business
  2. Register for tax
  3. Approve the space
  4. Get the permits for your kind of business
  5. Alcohol permits
  6. Before the first hire

Issued by Local health district, under ORC 3717.09 and OAC 3701-21-25.

Sources and dates

Ohio Department of Health food safety certification pages. Checked against the agency’s page on the date shown; cities add their own fees.

Questions about opening here.