Ohio Person in Charge

If you run a food service operation in Ohio, you have likely encountered the term “Person in Charge” (PIC). It used to be called “Level 1 Food Safety,” but the name isn’t the only thing that matters—compliance does.

The Ohio Uniform Food Safety Code is strict, and health inspectors are checking for this certificate during every visit. But there is still a lot of confusion about who actually needs this training and where is the best place to get it without spending a fortune.

We are here to clear up the confusion.

Question 1: Who Needs the Ohio Person in Charge Certification?

The short answer: Almost every food service operation in Ohio needs a certified Person in Charge present during every shift.

Unlike some certifications where only the General Manager needs a certificate on the wall, the Ohio Department of Health requires that a designated Person in Charge (PIC) with knowledge of food safety be present at the facility at all times of operation.

Specifically, this applies to Risk Level I, II, III, and IV operations.

Do You Fall into These Risk Levels?

• Risk Level I: Operations serving coffee, self-serve drinks, or pre-packaged foods (e.g., convenience stores).

• Risk Level II: Operations handling food where there is hand contact but minimal risk of bacterial growth (e.g., warming up pre-cooked food).

• Risk Level III: Full-service restaurants handling raw meats, cooking, cooling, and reheating.

• Risk Level IV: High-risk operations serving vulnerable populations (like nursing homes) or reheating leftovers heavily.

If your business fits any of these descriptions, you are required by law to have a Person in Charge who can demonstrate knowledge of food safety. The easiest way to demonstrate that knowledge to an inspector? Show them your Ace Food Handler certificate.

Question 2: Where Do I Get It? (The Smarter Choice)

You could get your certification by signing up for an expensive in-person class, driving across town, and sitting in a lecture hall for hours.

Or, you can get it online, right now, with Ace Food Handler.

We have built the modern solution for Ohio food workers. Here is why Ace Food Handler is the “where” for thousands of Ohio residents:

1. The Best Price in the Nation

We don’t believe in overcharging for compliance. Our mission is to keep your costs low. We offer the best price for Ohio PIC training, period. Why pay double or triple with a competitor when our certificate carries the exact same weight with the Health Department?

2. 100% Video-Based (No Reading Walls of Text)

Most online courses are just digital textbooks—slide after slide of boring text that puts you to sleep. Ace Food Handler is different. Our course is 100% video-based. You watch, you learn, and you pass. It’s designed for real people who want to learn quickly and get back to work.

3. Instant Certification

There is no waiting period. The second you pass the final assessment, you can download and print your official certificate. If an inspector is walking through the door tomorrow, you can be ready today.