City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Certificate: Chicago restaurant guide

Chicago Department of Public Health

What it is

Chicago's food manager certificate. A certified person in charge must be on site whenever TCS (time/temperature-controlled) food is prepared, held or served, and the original certificate must be posted where the public can see it.

When a restaurant needs it

Every food establishment, before the license inspection, and on every shift.

How to apply

Pass a CDPH-approved course, or hold an ANSI-accredited Certified Food Protection Manager certification and apply to CDPH for reciprocity.

Documents you’ll need

Photo ID
Approved course completion or ANSI CFPM certificate

Fee

Varies — course and exam fees are set by approved providers

Processing time

Course length varies by provider

Renewal

Keep it current; it belongs to the person, not the business

Who files

Each person takes the course and applies personally.

Good to know

One certificate holder is not enough if you run long hours; plan coverage for every shift that handles TCS food.

Official source

CDPH — Food Service Sanitation Certificates

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.