Online Accepted?
Yes (Kentucky TRAIN)
Health Department
Montgomery County Health Dept.
🚨Required by local ordinance. All food service employees in Montgomery County must hold a valid food handler card.
Food Handler Card Requirements in Montgomery County
Montgomery County requires a food handler card for all food service workers. The card costs $15 and is valid for 3 years. Online training is available through Kentucky TRAIN (the state-administered training portal) as well as other approved providers. Testing is also available in person at the Montgomery County Health Department in Mount Sterling. Montgomery County's requirement is one of the more detailed in Kentucky — the health department maintains its own food handler testing program with scheduled sessions.
For the most current and authoritative information on food handler requirements in Montgomery County, contact the Montgomery County Health Dept. directly at (859) 498-3808 or visit montgomerycountyhealthky.gov. Requirements, accepted providers, and fees are subject to change by the local Board of Health.
The Food Manager Certification: Required Statewide
Regardless of whether a food handler card is required in Montgomery County, every licensed food establishment in Kentucky must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. This is a Kentucky state requirement that applies in every county. The CFPM must hold a valid credential from an ANAB-accredited exam provider such as ServSafe. The exam typically costs $130–$180 and must be renewed approximately every 5 years.
If you are opening a food establishment in Montgomery County, confirm your food service permit requirements with the Montgomery County Health Dept. and ensure your CFPM credential is current before your opening inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions — Montgomery County
Do I need a food handler card to work at a restaurant in Montgomery County?▾
Yes. Montgomery County requires all food service employees to hold a valid food handler card. Contact the Montgomery County Health Dept. at (859) 498-3808 for the current approved course list and cost.
Who do I contact about food safety permits in Montgomery County?▾
Contact the Montgomery County Health Dept. at (859) 498-3808 or visit montgomerycountyhealthky.gov for all food service permit applications, food handler card questions, and inspection-related inquiries.
What food certifications are required at the state level in Kentucky?▾
Kentucky state law requires every licensed retail food establishment to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. This is separate from the county-level food handler card and applies in every county. The CFPM must pass a proctored exam from an ANAB-accredited provider such as ServSafe. This is the one food safety certification that no Kentucky food business can skip.
How do I find current food inspection scores for Montgomery County restaurants?▾
Food inspection scores for Montgomery County are published by the Montgomery County Health Dept.. Contact them at (859) 498-3808 or check montgomerycountyhealthky.gov for how to access current inspection results in your county.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Montgomery County Health Dept. at (859) 498-3808. Requirements can change when local boards of health adopt new ordinances.