Home and Hearth BakerOnline course · Home and Hearth Press
Food safety training written for home bakers
Most food handler classes are written for restaurant workers. This one is written for your kitchen: the shared family kitchen, the market table, custom orders, labels and allergens.
- $15, one time
- About 2 hours, online
- At your own pace
- 38 narrated lessons
- Quizzes and a final exam
- Printable Before You Bake checklist
- Certificate of Completion
Already enrolled? Continue your course (on another computer, use your private link or get it again).
After you pay, come back to homeandhearthbaker.com/course/enroll with the transaction ID from your PayPal receipt to get your private course link.
Describe this animation
- two hands at center over a sink outline; a circular timer ring at upper right, empty at start, filling clockwise in teal from 0 to 20 seconds of "virtual time" (animated over 10 real seconds, counter shows 0 to 20).
- Water drops (blue lines) fall on hands; step label "1 Wet".
- A soap dome appears on one palm; label "2 Soap".
- Scrub sequence, about 1.1 s each, with a small highlight on the area: palms, backs of hands, between fingers (fingers interlace), thumbs, fingertips and nails, wrists. Small white bubbles drift up. Label "3 Scrub 10-15 sec". Timer reaches about 17.
- Water returns, bubbles wash off; label "4 Rinse". Timer reaches 20 and turns green with a check mark.
- A paper towel wipes the hands; label "5 Dry (single-use towel)".
- The towel grips and turns the faucet handle off; label "6 Towel turns off tap".
- Fade; timer resets; loop.
One of the 38 animated lessons: handwashing, timed.
- Built for the home kitchenPets, kids, one sink, a family fridge and a market table.
- Short, clear lessonsEach with an animation, key points, a kitchen tip, and narration by a computer-generated voice.
- Check what you learnedA quiz after every section and a 40-question final exam.
- A certificate to showCertificate of Completion with a number anyone can check online.
Your state
Does my state require food safety training?
Every state sets its own rules for home bakers. Choose yours to see what it requires and what it accepts.
Alabama: training required
Cottage food production operation
Required This course is not yet approved in Alabama. Alabama accepts: Food safety course approved by ADPH: Alabama Cooperative Extension System Cottage Food Law course or an ANSI-accredited food safety program.
Home kitchen exclusion for farmers markets and nonprofit food sales (home processed products)
Not required Not required by Alabama for this way of selling.
You still need a course Alabama accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Alabama’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Alabama’s rules and official sources.
Alaska: not required
Exemption for homemade food (Alaska Homemade Food Rule)
Not required Not required by Alaska for this way of selling. None required by DEC; farmers markets or stores may require their own training.
Exemption for homemade food (Municipality of Anchorage, AMC 16.60.105)
Not required Not required by Alaska for this way of selling.
From Alaska’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Alaska’s rules and official sources.
Arizona: training required
Cottage food product (registered cottage food preparer)
Required This course is not yet approved in Arizona. Arizona accepts: Food handler training course from an accredited program (ADHS: ANSI accredited); the person preparing or directly supervising must keep the certification active.
Occasional noncommercial sale of non-TCS home food (exemption)
Not required Not required by Arizona for this way of selling.
You still need a course Arizona accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Arizona’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Arizona’s rules and official sources.
Arkansas: not required
Homemade food or drink product (Arkansas Food Freedom Act)
Not required Not required by Arkansas for this way of selling.
From Arkansas’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Arkansas’s rules and official sources.
California: training required
Cottage food operation, "Class A" (direct sales only)
Required This course is not yet approved in California. California accepts: Food processor course approved by CDPH, within 3 months of registration; course not more than 4 hours.
Cottage food operation, "Class B" (direct and indirect sales)
Required This course is not yet approved in California. California accepts: Food processor course approved by CDPH, within 3 months of permit; course not more than 4 hours.
You still need a course California accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From California’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of California’s rules and official sources.
Colorado: training required
Colorado Cottage Foods Act producer
Required This course is not yet approved in Colorado. Colorado accepts: A food safety course with basic food handling training, given by or comparable to one from CSU Extension or a state, county, or district public health agency; keep in good standing, including any extra classes. CDPHE accepts one of: CSU Extension Food Safety Training for Colorado Cottage Food Producers, a Food Handlers Card from State Food Safety (online), or a local public health agency course.
You still need a course Colorado accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Colorado’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Colorado’s rules and official sources.
Connecticut: training required
Cottage food operation
Required This course is not yet approved in Connecticut. Connecticut accepts: A food safety training program covering food processing and packaging, completed before licensing. DCP accepts a certified food handler course from its approved list; a food manager certificate is also accepted. The certificate may not be expired when applying or at renewal.
Residential farm (jams, jellies, preserves and acidified foods)
Required for some foods or sales Required only for some: Only for acidified foods: a qualified food operator exam approved by DPH or a safe food processing course approved by DCP, with documentation shown on request. The 2010 act ties this to acidified foods only, not jams, jellies and preserves; the CT Dept. of Agriculture summary says otherwise. Connecticut accepts: Qualified food operator exam (DPH-approved) or DCP-approved safe food processing course (e.g., Better Process Control School). This course is not yet approved in Connecticut.
You still need a course Connecticut accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Connecticut’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Connecticut’s rules and official sources.
Delaware: training required
Cottage food establishment (CFE)
Required This course is not yet approved in Delaware. Delaware accepts: At least 1 employee on location during hours of operation must have passed a food safety test that is part of a program approved by the Office of Food Protection; training must include food allergy awareness. DPH lists providers such as University of Delaware Cooperative Extension, Delaware Tech, Delaware State University, and the Delaware Restaurant Association (ServSafe courses).
On-farm home food processing operation (On-Farm Home Food Processing License)
Required This course is not yet approved in Delaware. Delaware accepts: A DDA-approved Cooperative Extension course of at least 8 hours on sanitation, cross-contamination controls, and food security/defense, completed before applying; DDA page says a written test must be passed.
You still need a course Delaware accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Delaware’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Delaware’s rules and official sources.
Florida: not required
Cottage food operation
Not required Not required by Florida for this way of selling. Not required by 500.80 or FDACS. UF/IFAS Extension offers optional cottage food classes; some markets may require a food protection manager certificate (UF/IFAS).
From Florida’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Florida’s rules and official sources.
Georgia: training required
Cottage food operator
Required This course is not yet approved in Georgia. Georgia accepts: ANSI-accredited food safety training program; a Food Handler course is acceptable (GDA cottage food page).
You still need a course Georgia accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Georgia’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Georgia’s rules and official sources.
Hawaii: training required
Homemade food products (home kitchen exempt from food establishment permit)
Required This course is not yet approved in Hawaii. Hawaii accepts: A food safety course that is part of a DOH food safety program or another DOH-approved program. DOH: free DOH food handler class or an ANSI-accredited course; DOH certificate is valid 3 years.
You still need a course Hawaii accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Hawaii’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Hawaii’s rules and official sources.
Idaho: not required
Idaho Direct-to-Consumer Commerce Act producer (homemade shelf-stable food)
Not required Not required by Idaho for this way of selling. No course or test. Producers and designated agents must become familiar with the food safety educational material IDHW publishes.
From Idaho’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Idaho’s rules and official sources.
Illinois: training required
Cottage food operation
Required This course is not yet approved in Illinois. Illinois accepts: Department-approved Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM), ANSI-accredited, for every person preparing or packaging products.
Home kitchen operation
Not required Not required by Illinois for this way of selling. Not required by state statute; local ordinance may require.
You still need a course Illinois accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Illinois’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Illinois’s rules and official sources.
Indiana: training required
Home-based vendor
Required This course is not yet approved in Indiana. Indiana accepts: Food handler certificate from an ANSI-accredited issuer.
Homestead vendor
Required for some foods or sales Required only for some: Only to ship or deliver. Indiana accepts: Food handler certificate from an ANSI-accredited issuer. This course is not yet approved in Indiana.
You still need a course Indiana accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Indiana’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Indiana’s rules and official sources.
Iowa: not required
Cottage food
Not required Not required by Iowa for this way of selling. Not required. ISU Extension offers an optional online course, Home-based Food Operators.
Home food processing establishment (licensed)
Required This course is not yet approved in Iowa. Iowa accepts: The person in charge must attend a food safety training course approved by DIAL and show proof before the license is issued. DIAL lists ANSI-accredited food protection manager courses, ANSI-accredited food handler courses, and ISU's Home-Based Food Operations course.
From Iowa’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Iowa’s rules and official sources.
Kansas: not required
Direct-to-consumer license exemption (food sold directly to the end consumer)
Not required Not required by Kansas for this way of selling.
Beekeeper honey and honeycomb exemption
Not required Not required by Kansas for this way of selling.
From Kansas’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Kansas’s rules and official sources.
Kentucky: not required
Home-based processor
Not required Not required by Kentucky for this way of selling. No training required by statute, regulation, or DFS-250.
Home-based microprocessor (farmers market home-based microprocessor)
Required This course is not yet approved in Kentucky. Kentucky accepts: UK Extension microprocessing workshop (food processing school).
From Kentucky’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Kentucky’s rules and official sources.
Louisiana: not required
Low-risk foods prepared in the home for sale
Not required Not required by Louisiana for this way of selling.
From Louisiana’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Louisiana’s rules and official sources.
Maine: not required
Home food manufacturing (DACF Home Food License)
Not required Not required by Maine for this way of selling. No training required by ch. 345 or DACF; UMaine Extension says ServSafe is not required but may help.
From Maine’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Maine’s rules and official sources.
Maryland: required for some foods or sales
Cottage food business
Required for some foods or sales Required only for some: Only to sell to retail food stores: a basic food safety course approved by MDH and accredited by ANSI, completed within the past 3 years, covering food safety, cleaning and sanitizing, personal hygiene, pest control, and receiving, storing, preparing and serving food. Maryland accepts: ANSI-accredited food safety course approved by MDH (retail store sales only). This course is not yet approved in Maryland.
On-farm home processing license
Required for some foods or sales Required only for some: Only for acidified foods (Better Process School). This course is not yet approved in Maryland.
From Maryland’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Maryland’s rules and official sources.
Massachusetts: not required
Residential kitchen for retail sale; cottage foods (Cottage Food Operation)
Not required Not required by Massachusetts for this way of selling. Not required by the state: DPH says cottage-food-only establishments 'do not need to have a Certified Food Protection Manager on staff'. Many boards of health require it anyway. Where required locally: Certified Food Protection Manager exam from a DPH-recognized accredited program, plus Massachusetts allergen awareness training.
Residential kitchen preparing food for wholesale (DPH license)
Not required Not required by Massachusetts for this way of selling.
From Massachusetts’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Massachusetts’s rules and official sources.
Michigan: not required
Cottage food operation
Not required Not required by Michigan for this way of selling. Optional, free MSU Extension online Michigan Cottage Food Law workshop.
Honey and maple syrup producer exemption
Not required Not required by Michigan for this way of selling.
From Michigan’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Michigan’s rules and official sources.
Minnesota: training required
Cottage foods exemption (registered cottage food producer)
Required This course is not yet approved in Minnesota. Minnesota accepts: Before registering. Tier 1: free MDA online course and exam, every year. Tier 2: a commissioner-approved safe food handling course of no more than 8 hours, every 3 years while registered; MDA names the University of Minnesota Extension Cottage Food Producer Food Safety Training.
You still need a course Minnesota accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Minnesota’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Minnesota’s rules and official sources.
Mississippi: not required
Cottage food operation
Not required Not required by Mississippi for this way of selling. Not required; MSDH highly encourages food safety training, especially for acidified or pickled products [Q11].
From Mississippi’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Mississippi’s rules and official sources.
Missouri: not required
Cottage food production operation
Not required Not required by Missouri for this way of selling.
Individual stand exempt from the Food Code (local option)
Not required Not required by Missouri for this way of selling.
From Missouri’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Missouri’s rules and official sources.
Montana: not required
Cottage food operation
Not required Not required by Montana for this way of selling. No training in MCA 50-50-116/117 or the DPHHS guidance. ARM 37.110.506 to 37.110.510 set operator health, handwashing, hygiene and manufacturing practices.
Homemade food under the Montana Local Food Choice Act
Not required Not required by Montana for this way of selling.
Farmer's market seller (no cottage food registration)
Not required Not required by Montana for this way of selling.
From Montana’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Montana’s rules and official sources.
Nebraska: training required
Producer of food at private home (cottage food, registered with NDA)
Required This course is not yet approved in Nebraska. Nebraska accepts: Before any sales, one of: [a] a nationally accredited food safety and handling course; [b] a certified food safety course from a culinary school or one required by a county, city, or village for a food handler permit; or [c] a course approved by NDA. NDA examples: ServSafe, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department online training, StateFoodSafety, UNL Cottage Food Law online course. The statute requires the course once; UNL's FAQ suggests retaking it every three years as a best practice.
Farmers market exemption (non-TCS food sold directly to consumers at a farmers market)
Not required Not required by Nebraska for this way of selling. Not required for non-TCS food sold directly to the consumer at a farmers market.
You still need a course Nebraska accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Nebraska’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Nebraska’s rules and official sources.
Nevada: not required
Cottage food operation
Not required Not required by Nevada for this way of selling.
Craft food operation (acidified foods)
Required This course is not yet approved in Nevada. Nevada accepts: Department-approved course in basic food safety and in preparing and canning acidified foods, plus a Department-approved exam; repeated at each renewal.
From Nevada’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Nevada’s rules and official sources.
New Hampshire: not required
Homestead food operation (exempt from licensure)
Not required Not required by New Hampshire for this way of selling. No training required by RSA 143-A:12 or DHHS pages.
Homestead food operation (licensed, Class H homestead food license)
Not required Not required by New Hampshire for this way of selling. No training required by RSA 143-A, He-P 2311 or DHHS pages; DHHS recommends education for freeze-drying.
From New Hampshire’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of New Hampshire’s rules and official sources.
New Jersey: training required
Cottage Food Operator Permit
Required This course is not yet approved in New Jersey. New Jersey accepts: Food Protection Manager certificate from an accredited program, in good standing. A food handler card is not enough. NJDOH accepts certificates from listed providers such as ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, 360 Training, National Registry, Always Food Safe, Trust20, Userve, and others. NJDOH does not offer the course.
You still need a course New Jersey accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From New Jersey’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of New Jersey’s rules and official sources.
New Mexico: training required
Homemade food items (Homemade Food Act)
Required This course is not yet approved in New Mexico. New Mexico accepts: A food handler certification course approved by NMED, completed before producing. NMSU offers one online. The Act does not say how long the card lasts; NMSU guide E-510C says its card is valid for three years, and 7.6.2.8 NMAC sets three years for food establishment workers.
You still need a course New Mexico accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From New Mexico’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of New Mexico’s rules and official sources.
New York: not required
Home processor (exempt from Article 20-C licensing; registration with the Department of Agriculture and Markets)
Not required Not required by New York for this way of selling.
From New York’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of New York’s rules and official sources.
North Carolina: required for some foods or sales
Home processor (NCDA&CS home kitchen inspection)
Required for some foods or sales Required only for some: Only for acidified foods (e.g., pickles, BBQ sauce): an Acidified Foods Course certificate may be required. North Carolina accepts: NC State Acidified Foods Manufacturing School (if required). This course is not yet approved in North Carolina.
From North Carolina’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of North Carolina’s rules and official sources.
North Dakota: not required
Cottage food operator (Cottage Food Production and Sales)
Not required Not required by North Dakota for this way of selling.
From North Dakota’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of North Dakota’s rules and official sources.
Ohio: not required
Cottage food production operation
Not required Not required by Ohio for this way of selling.
Home bakery (registered with ODA)
Not required Not required by Ohio for this way of selling.
From Ohio’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Ohio’s rules and official sources.
Oklahoma: required for some foods or sales
Local food establishment (Local Food Freedom Act, formerly Homemade Food Freedom Act)
Required for some foods or sales Required only for some: Only for time- or temperature-controlled (refrigerated) foods; not required for shelf-stable foods. Oklahoma accepts: For TCS foods: complete and pass food safety training from ODAFF's approved list before selling. ODAFF's Food Safety page lists OSU Homemade Food Freedom Act workshops, ServSafe Food Handler or ServSafe Manager, Do it Right, Serve it Safe! Food Employee Permit Training, or any other ANSI-accredited food handler training. This course is not yet approved in Oklahoma.
From Oklahoma’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Oklahoma’s rules and official sources.
Oregon: training required
Cottage food establishment (home baking exemption for a food establishment located in a residential dwelling)
Required This course is not yet approved in Oregon. Oregon accepts: Food handler training: every person who prepares the food must complete a food handler training program and hold a food handler certificate issued under ORS 624.570. Approved programs vary by county.
Domestic kitchen license (domestic kitchen bakery or domestic kitchen food processor)
Required for some foods or sales Required only for some: Only for acidified foods: Better Process Control School certification. This course is not yet approved in Oregon.
Farm direct marketer (producer-processed products)
Not required Not required by Oregon for this way of selling.
You still need a course Oregon accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Oregon’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Oregon’s rules and official sources.
Pennsylvania: not required
Limited food establishment (home food processing, registered with PDA)
Not required Not required by Pennsylvania for this way of selling. No formal course required; operators must show basic food safety knowledge and have an employee health policy (written or verbal). Acidified canned foods: Penn State Extension says an FDA-approved acidified canning course is required, but PDA's canning guideline names no required course; confirm with PDA.
From Pennsylvania’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Pennsylvania’s rules and official sources.
Rhode Island: training required
Cottage food manufacture
Required This course is not yet approved in Rhode Island. Rhode Island accepts: Before first registration: a Food Safety Manager course, an ANSI-approved food handler course, or another RIDOH-approved course.
Farm home food manufacture
Not required Not required by Rhode Island for this way of selling. Not required by 21-27-6.1. The RIDOH form's Certified Food Safety Manager count is an office-use-only field, not something the applicant answers.
You still need a course Rhode Island accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Rhode Island’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Rhode Island’s rules and official sources.
South Carolina: not required
Home-based food production operation
Not required Not required by South Carolina for this way of selling. No course required. Everyone handling food for sale must know and follow safe food handling practices.
From South Carolina’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of South Carolina’s rules and official sources.
South Dakota: required for some foods or sales
Home-processed food (food prepared at a residence) license exemption
Required for some foods or sales Required only for some: Only for home-canned goods: DOH-approved food safety training every five years, or written recipe verification from a third-party processing authority instead. Not required for baked goods and other non-temperature-controlled foods: HB 1322 ties training only to canned goods and 34-18-36.1 foods (SDSU Extension agrees). South Dakota accepts: South Dakota Cottage Home Processing Food Safety, a self-paced online course by SDSU Extension approved by the SD Department of Health; $40; each person involved in production takes it (SDSU Extension). This course is not yet approved in South Dakota.
From South Dakota’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of South Dakota’s rules and official sources.
Tennessee: not required
Homemade food items (Tennessee Food Freedom Act)
Not required Not required by Tennessee for this way of selling. None in 53-1-118. UT Extension offers optional training (Food Regulations and Safety, Canning, Starting a Home-based Business).
From Tennessee’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Tennessee’s rules and official sources.
Texas: training required
Cottage food production operation
Required This course is not yet approved in Texas. Texas accepts: Basic food safety education or training program for food handlers accredited under Health and Safety Code Chapter 438, Subchapter D; DSHS accepts a Food Manager Certification. Helpers must also be trained, be directly supervised by a trained person, or live in the household. A food handler certificate from an accredited program is valid for two years.
You still need a course Texas accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Texas’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Texas’s rules and official sources.
Utah: training required
We do not offer a course for Utah residents.
From Utah’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Utah’s rules and official sources.
Vermont: training required
Cottage food operation (license-exempt)
Required This course is not yet approved in Vermont. Vermont accepts: Health Dept 'License Exempt Food Processors and Cottage Food Operators Online Training' (free), before starting and every year after.
Home bakery license
Not required Not required by Vermont for this way of selling.
You still need a course Vermont accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Vermont’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Vermont’s rules and official sources.
Virginia: not required
Private home exempt from inspection (low-risk foods)
Not required Not required by Virginia for this way of selling.
Home food processing operation (VDACS-inspected, permit)
Required This course is not yet approved in Virginia. Virginia accepts: The owner and any employees must be trained and the training documented; no specific course named (VDACS application). Acidified foods: Better Process Control School.
From Virginia’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Virginia’s rules and official sources.
Washington: training required
Cottage food operation
Required This course is not yet approved in Washington. Washington accepts: Washington food worker card for the operator and everyone who prepares cottage food products. From a local health department or the only authorized online course, www.foodworkercard.wa.gov; $10; first card good for 2 years, renewals 3 years.
Food processing plant license (WSDA food processor, second kitchen at home)
Not required Not required by Washington for this way of selling.
You still need a course Washington accepts. This course can be a home-kitchen companion to it: it covers the shared family kitchen, markets, labels and allergens that restaurant-style classes skip.
From Washington’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Washington’s rules and official sources.
West Virginia: not required
Direct sale of nonpotentially hazardous foods (homemade food items / cottage foods)
Not required Not required by West Virginia for this way of selling.
Potentially hazardous cottage food vendor permit
Required This course is not yet approved in West Virginia. West Virginia accepts: WVDA-approved food-safety course for people producing potentially hazardous cottage foods, kept current with documentation: ServSafe Food Handler, Better Process Control School, Acidified Foods Manufacturing School, a GMP certificate program, or other WVDA-approved curriculum. Canned acidified food producers need Better Process Control School or higher-level training.
Farmers market vendor permit (home kitchen)
Required This course is not yet approved in West Virginia. West Virginia accepts: WVDA-approved course: Statewide Food Handlers Card (time/temperature controlled foods only), Better Process Control School, Acidified Foods Manufacturing School, a GMP certificate, or other WVDA-approved curriculum.
From West Virginia’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of West Virginia’s rules and official sources.
Wisconsin: not required
Home-baked goods sold directly to consumers (court order, no license)
Not required Not required by Wisconsin for this way of selling.
Home-canned foods exemption ("pickle bill")
Not required Not required by Wisconsin for this way of selling. Not required. The statute directs DATCP to encourage exempt sellers to take approved training and have recipes reviewed by a recognized expert.
From Wisconsin’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Wisconsin’s rules and official sources.
Wyoming: not required
Wyoming Food Freedom Act (homemade food producer)
Not required Not required by Wyoming for this way of selling.
From Wyoming’s Cottage Food regulations, last checked November 3, 2026. See all of Wyoming’s rules and official sources.
Choose your state to see whether it requires food safety training for home bakers, and what it accepts.
Why training helps, required or not
- Credibility. Customers, market managers and shop owners ask how you keep food safe. A Certificate of Completion answers that before they ask.
- A certificate to display at your market table, on your website and in your order replies.
- Fewer mistakes. Most foodborne illness comes from a handful of habits: sick bakers, unwashed hands, allergen cross-contact, food left warm. The course drills those habits for a home kitchen.
- Ready if the rules change. States add training requirements over time; good habits already in place make that easy.
A guide, not legal advice. Rules change, and local health departments can add their own. Check your state’s rules before you rely on any course.
What’s inside
Eight sections, from your hands to the market table
38 lessons of 2 to 3 minutes each, a quiz after each section, and a final exam. Also included: a printable one-page Before You Bake checklist for your production days.
1Why Food Safety Matters for Home Bakers4 lessons · quiz
- How Food Makes People Sick · 2.5 min
- Who Is Most at Risk · 2 min
- Three Kinds of Hazards · 2 min
- Risk Factors, Key Terms and Your State's Law · 2.5 min
2You and Your Hands5 lessons · quiz
- When You Are Sick, Do Not Bake · 3.5 min
- Handwashing Done Right · 2.5 min
- When to Wash, and When Sanitizer Is Not Enough · 2 min
- Dress for Baking: Hair, Clothes, Nails and Jewelry · 2 min
- No Bare Hands on Ready-to-Eat Food: Gloves and Utensils · 3 min
3Your Home Kitchen6 lessons · quiz
- Setting Up a Shared Kitchen · 2.5 min
- Cleaning vs. Sanitizing · 2 min
- Sanitizers: Types, Testing and Labels · 2.5 min
- Washing Dishes: Three Sinks or a Dishwasher · 2 min
- Cleaning in Place, Storing Tools and Keeping Equipment in Good Shape · 2 min
- Pests and Water · 2 min
4Ingredients and Storage4 lessons · quiz
- Buying and Receiving Ingredients · 2.5 min
- Dry Storage, Labels and FIFO · 2 min
- Cold Storage and Date Marking · 2.5 min
- Storing Chemicals and Keeping Things Apart · 2 min
5Time and Temperature6 lessons · quiz
- Why Time and Temperature Matter · 2.5 min
- Shelf-Stable vs. TCS Foods: What You Can and Cannot Sell · 3 min
- Thermometers: Use and Calibration · 2.5 min
- Cooking Temperatures · 2.5 min
- Hot Holding, Cooling and Reheating · 2.5 min
- Thawing and Prepping · 2 min
6Food Allergens5 lessons · quiz
- Food Allergies and Allergic Reactions · 2.5 min
- The Nine Major Food Allergens · 2.5 min
- Preventing Cross-Contact in a Home Kitchen · 2.5 min
- Reading Ingredient Labels · 2 min
- Declaring Allergens and Talking with Customers · 2.5 min
7Packaging, Labels and Records4 lessons · quiz
- Packaging That Protects · 2 min
- What Your Label Must Carry · 2.5 min
- Net Weight and Accurate Packaging · 2 min
- Batch Codes, Records, Complaints and Recalls · 2.5 min
8Transport, Markets, Delivery and Shipping4 lessons · quiz
- In the Car and at the Door · 2 min
- Setting Up a Safe Market Booth · 2 min
- Samples and Serving · 2 min
- Money, Online Orders and Shipping · 2 min
Who it’s for
For anyone who bakes to sell from home
New cottage bakers
Learn the habits before your first market, so your first customers get your best, safest work.
Bakers already selling
A refresher with the details that trip people up: cream cheese frosting, allergen labels, cooling, samples and shipping.
Helpers and family
Anyone who touches the food. Each person earns their own Certificate of Completion.
How it works
From checkout to certificate
- EnrollPay $15 with PayPal, Venmo or a card.
- Get your linkEnter your name and email for a private access link.
- LearnRead or listen to the lessons and pass each section quiz.
- FinishPass the final exam and print your certificate.
Questions
Will this course meet my state’s training requirement?
Not yet. The course is new and is not yet approved by any state, so if your state requires training, take a course your state accepts (choose your state above to see what it accepts). When a state approves this course, we’ll say so on this page.
What do I get when I finish?
A Certificate of Completion with your name, the date and a certificate number. You can print it or save it as a PDF, and anyone can check the number on our verification page.
How long does it take?
About two hours in all, at your own pace. Your progress is saved, so you can do a lesson a day and pick up where you left off.
Can I listen instead of reading?
Yes. Every lesson is narrated by a computer-generated voice, with play, pause and speed controls. The full text is always on the page too.
Can I skip ahead?
No. To finish a lesson, either listen to its narration to the end or choose I’d rather read this lesson. You can pause, rewind and replay the narration, and play it at 1×, 1.25× or 1.5× speed, but you can’t skip past the part you haven’t heard yet. The reading option is for anyone who can’t or doesn’t want to listen: it unlocks the lesson after enough time to read it (about a minute per 250 words, at least one minute) with the page open and in use. Each section’s quiz opens once you’ve finished all of that section’s lessons, and the final exam once all lessons and quizzes are done.
Lessons take 2 to 5 minutes each. Listening at normal speed, the narration for all 38 lessons runs about 1 hour 28 minutes (about 1 hour at 1.5×); reading takes at least about 1 hour. Add a few minutes per quiz and about 15 minutes for the final exam.
What do I need?
A phone, tablet or computer with a web browser and an internet connection. Nothing to install.
Can I use the course on more than one device?
Yes, on up to two devices, for example a computer and a phone. Your progress follows you between them. To use the course on a different device, get your link again on the enrollment page with your email and PayPal transaction ID: the new link works on the device you’re using, and the old devices are signed out (open the new link on a second device to add it). Clearing your browser’s cookies makes it count as a new device.
How do I get into the course after I pay?
After you pay with PayPal, you come back to our enrollment page. Enter your name as it should appear on your certificate and your email, and you get a private access link right away. Bookmark it; it opens your course on any device.
I lost my access link.
Go to the enrollment page and enter the same email and PayPal transaction ID you used before. You’ll get a new link with your progress kept, and the old link stops working. Or write to support@HomeandHearthBaker.com.
Can I retake the quizzes and the exam?
Yes. Each section quiz needs 70% and the final exam needs 75%. Retake them as often as you need; the final exam draws a new set of questions each time.
Can my helpers use my enrollment?
Each enrollment is for one person, because the certificate is made out in one name. Helpers who handle food should take the course themselves.
Is this legal advice?
No. The course teaches safe food handling. Cottage food laws differ by state and change over time; check your state’s rules and ask your health department.
Start the course for $15
About two hours, online, at your own pace. Finish with a Certificate of Completion you can show customers, market managers and stores.
Food Safety for Cottage Bakers is published by Home and Hearth Press, an imprint of Tau Publishing, LLC. It is a training course, not legal advice; check your state’s rules for the training it requires. Your card statement will show Tau Publishing, LLC.