Philadelphia Food Safety Personnel Certificate: Philadelphia restaurant guide
Philadelphia Department of Public Health — Office of Food Protection
What it is
City-issued certificate proving a person passed an approved food safety course; at least one certified person must be on site at all times you operate.
When a restaurant needs it
Before plan review (a copy is part of the application) and at every hour of operation.
How to apply
Take a course from the Health Department's approved-provider list, submit the training certificate online for verification, then apply and pay (or apply by mail/in person with a money order).
Documents you’ll need
- Approved course training certificate
- Application form
Good to know
A ServSafe-type certificate alone is not enough — Philadelphia issues its own certificate. Certify several managers so every shift is covered.
Official source
PDPH — Apply and pay for a food safety certificate
Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.
Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.