How To Get Your
Food
Handlers
Card
Image credit to Alan Light

This guide is brought to you by:

Food workers need a
food handlers card in
order to land a
vibrant and fruitful
job in the food and
beverage industry—
whatever state they
live in.

Why Do You Need a Food Handlers Card?
A food handlers card may or may not be required by
your state, depending on you’re the requirements of
your local health department. However, many
employers and local unions have recognized the
importance of requiring workers to get your food
handlers card prior to employment as it has proven
to be a great way of preventing the spread of
foodborne illnesses and keeping the workplace
environment food safe.
Image credit to Giorgio Montersino

When Should I Obtain
a Food Handlers Card?
The food worker should
obtain a food handlers
card within 30 to 60
days of hire date,
depending on state or
employer requirements.
Image credit to Senfwurst

How Do I Obtain My Food
Handlers Card?
After finishing your food
handler training, you will
receive a certificate from
your training provider. It’s
either you will have to
present this certificate and
report your course credits
to the local health
department, or your
training provider will do
it for you.
Image credit to Klearchos Kapoutsis

What Should I Expect from
Food Handler Training?
 Food handler training won’t
take you a whole day. More
often than not it only takes
four hours or so.
 Fundamental food safety
handling tips, HACCP,
proper food handling and
preparation, temperature
control, personal hygiene
and sanitation;
Image credit to Dion Photo

Is Online Training
Accepted as a Form of
Food Handler Training?
Yes. Just make sure that
your course provider is
listed as one of the top
approved schools of
your local health
department for food
handler training. Image credit to Unique Hotels Group

How Do I Maintain My
Food Handlers Card?
You only have to
retrain in food
handling to keep your
card current. Most
states usually require
food workers to renew
their food handlers
card every three years. Image credit to oksidor