NYC Food Protection Certificate Guide (2026)
How to earn the New York City Food Protection Certificate: the requirement, free course, $24.60 exam, and passing score — with free practice in English and Español.
NYC Health Code Article 81 requires a supervisor holding a Food Protection Certificate on site during operating hours at every food service establishment. You earn it by taking the free 15-lesson online course from the NYC Health Academy (English, Spanish, Chinese, and more), then passing a proctored exam for $24.60 with 70% to pass. The certificate does not expire. Note NYC's own temperatures: danger zone 41°F-140°F, hot holding 140°F, ground meat 158°F.
Exam facts at a glance
How to get certified, step by step
Confirm the requirement
Article 81 requires a certificate-holding supervisor on site during all operating hours at NYC food service establishments.
Take the free DOHMH course
Complete the free 15-lesson online course from the NYC Health Academy, offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, and more. Practice free on PrepPass.
Learn the NYC temperature rules
NYC uses 41°F-140°F danger zone, 140°F hot holding, and 158°F ground meat — different from the generic FDA numbers.
Register for the proctored exam
Book the in-person final exam at the NYC Health Academy. It costs $24.60.
Pass the exam (70%)
The proctored multiple-choice exam requires 70% to pass. Bring valid photo ID.
Get certified (does not expire)
Your Food Protection Certificate does not expire. A certificate-holder must be on site whenever the establishment operates.
Official contacts & resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs the NYC Food Protection Certificate?+
Under NYC Health Code Article 81, every food service establishment in New York City must have at least one supervisor with a Food Protection Certificate on site during all hours of operation.
How much does the NYC Food Protection exam cost?+
The 15-lesson online course from the NYC Health Academy is free. The proctored final exam costs $24.60 (a $24 exam fee plus a $0.60 processing fee).
What temperatures does the NYC exam use?+
NYC uses its own values: the danger zone is 41F to 140F, hot holding is 140F, and ground meat must reach 158F, different from the generic FDA numbers. Our practice questions use the NYC values.
What is the passing score?+
You need 70% on the proctored multiple-choice exam to pass.
Does the NYC Food Protection Certificate expire?+
No. The certificate does not expire, but a certificate-holder must be present on site whenever the establishment operates.
What languages is the course offered in?+
The NYC Health Academy course is offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, and other languages. PrepPass practice is available in English and Espanol.
Last updated: July 2026