How to Get Kings County New York Food Manager Certification in Brooklyn?
Working in food service in Kings County, New York (Brooklyn) means following some of the most specific food safety laws in the country. Unlike most other counties in New York, Kings County is part of New York City, which has its own Kings County New York Food Manager Certification, a system that differs from the rest of the state.
If you’re confused about where AAA Food Handler’s Food Manager Certification is accepted—or whether you can use it in Brooklyn—this blog will provide clear answers. It covers exactly what you need to do depending on where you work and explains how certification works both inside and outside NYC.
What Are the Food Manager Certification Rules in Kings County (Brooklyn)?
Kings County = Brooklyn = NYC jurisdiction. That’s the first rule to understand.
Because Brooklyn is one of New York City’s five boroughs, food service employees and managers working in Kings County must follow NYC-specific rules. These rules are created and enforced by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
If you are a supervisor of food operations in Brooklyn, you must complete NYC’s official Food Protection Course, which includes in-person or online training followed by an exam. This is the only certification accepted for Brooklyn food businesses.
The AAA Food Handler’s Food Protection Manager Certification is not accepted in NYC, including Kings County.
Where Is AAA Food Handler’s Certification Accepted?
The AAA Food Handler’s Food Protection Manager Certification is fully valid in all counties outside New York City.
It meets the requirements set by the New York State Department of Health and is accepted in counties such as:
- Nassau
- Suffolk
- Westchester
- Erie
- Monroe
- Albany
- Onondaga
- Rockland
- Schenectady and dozens more
This means that if you’re a food manager in Long Island, Buffalo, Albany, or Rochester, you can get certified through the AAA Food Handler and be in full compliance.
What Does Require for Kings County New York Food Manager Certification?
The New York State Department of Health requires every regulated food establishment to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on-site during hours of operation.
To qualify as a CFPM in New York State (outside NYC), you must:
- Pass an exam accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)
- Take a program recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP)
- Hold certification that is location-specific (you cannot use one certification across multiple restaurants)
- Re-certify based on county-specific timelines (New York State does not set a fixed recertification schedule)
What Packages Does AAA Food Handler Offer for New York?
AAA Food Handler offers four online packages for food professionals who need a valid state-level Food Protection Manager Certification in New York (outside NYC):
Diamond Package – $119.95 (Most Popular)
- ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited exam
- Includes $46 online proctoring fee
- Full online training course with 10 interactive review sections
- 160 practice questions
- One free retest (if you complete all course content before the exam)
- Certificate issued immediately after passing
- English and Spanish options available
This package is ideal for new food managers who want full preparation and certification.
Gold Package – $99.95
- Includes the full online training course
- One certification exam attempt
- No retest included
- Best for food managers who want structured training with one exam attempt
Exam Only – $69.95
- For professionals who already know the material
- Includes ANAB-accredited exam and proctor fee
- Certificate issued instantly upon passing
Training Only – $49.95
- Includes 2-year valid New York training under Article 20-C
- Covers all major food safety topics
- Includes 10 review sections
- No exam included—training certificate issued after completion
All options are 100% online, self-paced, and available 24/7 on desktop or mobile.
Is the AAA Food Handler Food Manager Certification Valid for Healthcare or Dietary Settings?
Yes. The AAA Food Handler certification meets federal requirements outlined in CFR § 483.60, making it valid for:
- Hospital kitchens
- Rehabilitation and nursing facilities
- Assisted living foodservice
- Long-term care communities
This certification is especially useful for professionals pursuing Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) roles or working in senior care food programs where regulatory compliance is strictly enforced.
Can One Certification Cover Multiple Locations?
No. New York State requires each food establishment to have its own Certified Food Protection Manager. You cannot use one person’s certificate across a franchise or chain. Each location must comply independently.
What If I Work in Brooklyn and Another County?
You’ll need two separate certifications:
- NYC Food Protection Course (for Brooklyn/Kings County or any NYC borough)
- AAA Food Handler Certification (for non-NYC counties like Nassau, Suffolk, or Westchester)
If you work in both regions or your business operates across county lines, you must meet both sets of requirements to stay compliant.
Regulatory Contact Information
If you need to confirm which certification you need, here are the two official sources:
For NYC (Brooklyn/Kings County):
NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Website: https://www.nyc.gov/health
For the rest of New York State:
New York State Department of Health
Corning Tower
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12237
Phone: 800-458-1158
Recap: Certification Rules by Location
| Location | Certification Required |
|---|---|
| Kings County (Brooklyn) | NYC Food Protection Course |
| Other NY counties | AAA Food Handler Certification Accepted |
| Working in both NYC and other cities. | Both certifications may be required |
| Healthcare/dietary facilities | AAA Certification is valid (CFR § 483.60) |
Why Choose AAA Food Handler?
- Approved in all 50 U.S. states (outside NYC)
- ANAB-accredited certification accepted by NY State
- Certificate issued instantly upon passing the exam
- Access 24/7, learn at your own pace, English or Spanish
- Used by national restaurant chains, schools, hospitals, and local cafes
- Complies with New York Article 20-C and CFP standards
Ready to Get Certified?
If you manage or work in a food establishment outside of Brooklyn, AAA Food Handler is your trusted partner for certification that meets New York State requirements.
Call us: (714) 592-4100
Email: support@aaafoodhandler.com
Protect your customers. Meet health requirements. Get certified now—quickly, affordably, and 100% online.
