Arkansas requires each food establishment to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. The certification must come from a nationally accredited food manager certification program through the ANABand the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). AAA Food Handler provides these accredited programs, along with food handler training for other employees.

AAA Food Handler has been delivering food safety and certification programs for over 10 years, serving thousands of food service professionals across the United States.

Holding a food handler license in Arkansas proves you’re trained in safe food practices, which makes you eligible for many entry-level and mid-level roles, such as:

• Back-of-House Jobs: prep cook, line cook, pastry assistant, catering assistant
• Front-of-House Jobs: server, banquet attendant, bartender, café barista
• Food Retail & Mobile Food Roles: grocery associate, deli clerk, food-truck crew

Licensed workers are needed in restaurants, hotels, catering services, coffee shops, supermarkets, and mobile food operations.

The state’s hospitality industry keeps expanding, so certified food handlers have steady employment prospects and room to grow into supervisory or management positions.

Arkansas does not have a statewide allergen training mandate, but many food establishments require it to protect customers with allergies. AAA Food Handler’s allergen awareness program teaches staff how to prevent allergen cross-contact and safely communicate with guests.

Yes. All food manager certifications provided by AAA Food Handler are from ANAB Accredited Programs approved by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP), ensuring nationwide recognition.

Absolutely. AAA Food Handler provides group training packages for restaurants, catering companies, schools, and other organizations in Arkansas, making it easier and more affordable for teams to get certified.

Yes. AAA Food Handler offers online training for both Food Handlers and Food Managers, including access to the ANAB-accredited certification exam for managers.

In Arkansas, the certification is valid for five years. Renewal requires successfully passing an ANAB and Conference for Food Protection (CFP) accredited exam.

Yes. If your certification comes from an ANAB Accredited Program recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP), it is valid in most states across the U.S.

While Arkansas does not have a statewide food handler requirement, many local health departments and employers require one. AAA Food Handler’s Arkansas Food Safety Certification course is designed to meet local standards and can be completed entirely online.

Under the Arkansas Rules Pertaining to Retail Food Establishments, every business must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) who has passed an ANAB-CFP-accredited exam.

• Compliance Timeline: Food establishments operating before September 7, 2019, were given until September 7, 2020, to meet this requirement.
• Exemptions: Locations that only sell commercially prepackaged items or non–time/temperature control foods (as determined by the Arkansas Department of Health) are exempt.

Local health departments may set additional certification or training requirements, so it’s important to check with them for updates.