How to Get a Food Handlers License for Your Restaurant

Damon Shrauner April 20, 2023 4:19 AM

In this post

What is a Food Handlers License?
Why Is It Important to Have a Food Handlers License?
How to Get a Food Handlers License?
State-by-State Requirements to Get a Food Handlers Certification
To Wrap Up!

In the culinary world, preparing and serving food is a sacred responsibility. Restaurants take pride in ensuring that every dish leaving the kitchen is crafted to delight customers. Therefore, every restaurant chef, cook, or server must obtain a food handlers license to ensure that the restaurant maintains the highest health and safety standards for customers and staff.

To help restaurants and aspiring restaurant owners navigate this process, we have created this comprehensive guide to getting a food handling license in the US. Our step-by-step guide covers all the requirements for different states and the needed documents and tests for the certification.

So, grab your apron, sharpen your knives, and let’s embark on a gastronomic journey where passion meets professionalism.

What is a Food Handlers License?

A Food Handlers License is a certification that allows someone to handle and serve food in a commercial setting legally. It is often required by local, state, or federal laws and shows that the holder has been trained to handle and prepare food safely. This license covers important areas such as sanitation and safety measures, food safety terms, temperature control, proper storage of food items, cross-contamination prevention, and more.

license for restaurant

Why Is It Important to Have a Food Handlers License?

Opening a restaurant business is far more than just an idea and a passion for food, as it also requires food handlers to have a certification to stay compliant with the laws and regulations of the industry.

This license is necessary for anyone in the food industry, be it in restaurants, catering businesses, grocery stores, or other food establishments, since it shows that the worker understands the basic principles of food safety and is capable of handling food following local health laws and regulations.

In addition, not only will having this license help businesses stay compliant with local health codes set by the HACCP system, but it can also protect customers from potential illnesses caused by unsafely handled foods by ensuring sanitation in the food service establishment.

How to Get a Food Handlers License?

Are you looking to step up your kitchen game and get a food handler license? With all the necessary information, getting certified is easier than ever before.

restaurant license

Research the requirements in your state

The requirements for obtaining a food handler license vary depending on the state. They may include a certain level of training and knowledge that must be achieved before receiving the license. Therefore, it is essential to research and understand the state’s specific requirements before applying for a food handlers License.

Enroll in a food handler’s course

Enrolling in a food handler’s course can increase job opportunities for those who aspire to work in the food service industry. Many health departments offer training courses for food handling, and the cost varies by state or municipality, typically ranging from $5 to $30.

In addition, the National Restaurant Association also offers a variety of food safety courses and certifications to help ensure the highest standards of food handling in the restaurant industry.

Attend the course and complete the training

The food handler course typically takes a few hours to complete, in which trainees will gain essential knowledge about food safety and hygiene and proper handling techniques. They will learn to handle various food preparation, storage, or delivery tasks.

Aspiring food handlers will also understand how to comply with various regulations regarding food safety practices for working with food. Once the training is completed, trainees can demonstrate their commitment to safe food handling practices and provide employers with proof of their qualifications.

Pass the exam

The food handler exam tests the trainees’ knowledge of safe food handling practices and ensures they have the skills required to work in a restaurant or other food-related business. The exam may consist of multiple choice questions or true or false statements, and trainees usually must score at least 70% or higher on the exam to pass.

While this may seem complicated, trainees can easily pass the exam and secure a job in this rewarding field by understanding the key concepts of safe food management, learning how to answer questions on the exam, and reviewing sample questions.

Pay the fee

It is essential to pay the fee to become a certified food handler. The fee covers certification materials, training sessions, and other related expenses. Some courses may require payment upfront, while others may offer the option to pay after completing the course. So, checking with the specific course provider for payment options is best.

Handlers License

Receive your license

After completing the training and passing the exam, trainees typically receive a certificate of completion, proof that they have acquired all the necessary knowledge and understanding of proper food safety practices. Depending on the state or county, food handlers may also receive a food handler’s permit or card.

Sometimes, individuals may need to submit the certificate to their local or state health department to obtain the food handler’s permit. So, checking with the local or state health department to determine the specific requirements is recommended.

Renew your license

Food handlers’ licenses have an expiration date. Hence, the license may need to be renewed every 2 to 5 years, depending on the state or jurisdiction in which it was issued. It is important to keep track of the expiration date and complete the necessary steps to renew the license, such as retaking the test before it expires since working in any food service-related role is also required.

State-by-State Requirements to Get a Food Handlers Certification

In order to ensure that everyone involved in the industry understands and adheres to safe, hygienic food handling standards, there are a variety of state-by-state requirements for food handlers certification.

State	Requirements	Fees	Process
Alabama	Alabama state does not require typical kitchen employees, such as bussers or servers, to receive a food handler’s card If one is employed as a food worker in Jefferson or Mobile County, they will have to take a food handler’s card course due to county laws Nearly all supervisory positions in Alabama will have to obtain a state-approved Food Manager’s card	The course and exam costs vary depending on the provider	Choose an approved provider to take the course and exam Register for the course and complete the required training Pass the final exam with a score of at least 70%
Alaska	Anyone who handles food or food-contact surfaces in Alaska is required to obtain a food worker card, also known as a food handler card or food worker permit The card must be obtained within 30 days of hire The card is not transferable between employers	The fee for a food worker card in Alaska is $10	Register and complete an approved food safety course online or in-person Pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher Pay the $10 fee for the card Receive the card by email, mail, or in person, and is valid for three years and must be renewed before it expires
Arizona	All food service workers in the state of Arizona are required to obtain a food handler certificate within 30 days of being hired An ANSI-accredited organization, such as the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, must issue the food handler certificate. The duration of the certificate varies depending on the county. In Yuma County, the certificate is valid for one year, while in other counties, it is valid for two or three years, depending on the jurisdiction.	The cost varies depending on the provider, ranging from $10 to $30	The food handler certificate course and exam can be completed online or in person Upon passing the exam with a 75% or higher score, the food handler certificate will be issued immediately. Food service workers must always keep their food handler certificate with them while working in a food establishment.
California	Anyone who works in a food service establishment is required to obtain a Food Handler Card within 30 days of employment. The card must be obtained from an ANSI-accredited training provider.	The cost differs depending on the training provider but does not cost more than $15	Take an ANSI-accredited Food Handler training course Pass an exam at the end of the training course with a 70% or higher score Obtain a Food Handler Card from the training provider The card is valid for three years, except in Riverside, where it is only valid for two years
Colorado	Food handler certification is not required by state law in Colorado Some counties or cities in Colorado may require food handlers to obtain a food handler certification Certification is valid for two to three years, depending on the jurisdiction	The cost of the food handler certification course varies depending on the provider and jurisdiction	Select an ANSI-accredited food handler certification course provider Register for the course and complete the training Pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher Receive the food handler certification Renew the certification every two to three years, depending on the jurisdiction
Florida	Obtain a Food Handler Certification in Florida	The training course and exam costs vary by provider	Find an approved food handler training provider on the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation website Complete the online or in-person training course offered by the provider Pass the certification exam with a score of at least 70% Receive the certificate of completion from the training provider
Georgia	Complete a state-approved food handler training program	The cost of the training and exam varies depending on the provider, with an average cost of $15 to $20	Choose a state-approved food handler training provider Pass the food handler exam with a score of 70% or higher Renew certification every 2 to 3 years
Hawaii	All food handlers are required to obtain a Food Handler Education Certificate within 30 days of employment in Hawaii Food Handler Education Certificates are valid for three years The certificate must be renewed every three years	The cost of the certificate varies by provider	Complete a Food Handler Education course from an approved provider, either online or in person Pass the exam at the end of the course with a score of at least 70% Present the certificate to the employer as proof of certification
Illinois	Food handler certificates are required for all Illinois food employees who prepare, handle, or serve food	The course and exam costs may vary depending on the provider	Choose an approved food handler training provider Complete the course and pass the certification exam with a score of 75% or higher Receive the food handler certificate
Minnesota	Complete food safety training in Minnesota Obtain a food handler certificate within 30 days of being hired The food handler course must be provided by a Minnesota Department of Health-approved provider	The cost of the food handler course varies depending on the provider and typically ranges from $10 to $25 Some providers offer training packages that include food handler and food manager courses	Attend an approved food handler course, either online or in-person Pass the final exam with a score of at least 70% Renew the certificate before it expires by retaking the food handler course and passing the exam again The food handler certificate is valid for three years in Minnesota
Mississippi	Attend food handler training from an approved food safety training provider Employers may enforce their own food safety training requirements	The cost of the course and exam may vary depending on the provider	Register and pay for an approved food handler training course Complete the course, which typically takes 2-3 hours Pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher Food handler certificates in Mississippi are valid for 2 to 3 years
Nebraska	No state-level requirement for food handler certification Local health departments or employers may require food handlers to obtain a food handler card or certificate	Fees vary depending on the provider and course selected	Select a provider that offers a Nebraska-approved food handler training course Complete the course and pass the exam with a score of at least 70% Some providers may offer the option to print the certificate immediately or have it mailed to the participant
Nevada	Anyone who handles or prepares food for public consumption in Nevada must obtain a Food Handler Safety Training card A separate certification, the Certified Food Safety Manager (CFSM) certification, is required for those in supervisory positions	The fee varies depending on the provider, but much of the training material is free online	Choose an approved provider from the Nevada Health District’s list of approved food handler training providers Complete the online or in-person training and pass the exam with a score of at least 70% Pay the fee for the training and receive the card The card is valid for three years
New Jersey	There is no state-level requirement for food handler certification, but it is required in some counties and municipalities, such as Newark and several municipalities in Bergen Counties that require a food handler certification only accept specific accredited training providers, preferably an ANSI accredited-provider	The fee varies depending on the provider	Check with the employer or local health authority to obtain the certificate from an accredited training provider Complete the training Take and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher Receive a digital or printed copy of the certificate from the training provider
New York	Complete the online Food Protection Course the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene offers The certificate is valid for three years, and retaking the test is necessary for renewal	The online course and exam are free of charge	Create an account on the NYC Health Academy website and log in Complete the Food Protection Course and pass the final exam with a minimum score of 70% Print the certificate of completion Provide a copy of the certificate to the employer as proof of certification
North Carolina	Food handler certification is not mandatory statewide; some counties or cities may require it If required, the certification is valid for three years Some jurisdictions may also require additional training, such as allergen awareness training	The cost of food handler certification courses may vary depending on the provider and the jurisdiction	To obtain a food handler certificate in North Carolina, individuals must complete a certification course and pass an exam The exam may be taken online or in person, depending on the provider Some jurisdictions may also require additional steps, such as submitting the certificate to the local health department
Ohio	Food service establishments in Ohio are required to have at least one person who has completed an approved Level One or Level Two food safety training program on staff The Ohio Department of Health recognizes various training programs, including those offered online	The fee varies depending on the provider and the level of training chosen Some training providers offer additional resources and services, such as study materials and practice exams, for an additional fee	Complete the food safety training program and pass the exam Receive a certificate, which is valid for three years
Oklahoma	All food service employees must obtain a Food Handler Permit The permit must be renewed every three years	The cost of the permit is $10, while reprints are free	The Cleveland County Health Department offers a Food Handler’s Permit Course that can be taken online The online course includes a final exam, and a score of 70% or higher is required to pass
Oregon	All food handlers in Oregon must obtain a food handler card within 30 days of starting work The card can be obtained through an online course or by attending a classroom course Cards issued in other states are not acceptable in Oregon	The cost of obtaining a food handler card in Oregon costs $10	Complete a course offered by an Oregon Health Authority (OHA)-approved provider Pass the exam and receive the card from the provider The card is valid for three years and must be renewed before it expires
Pennsylvania	Food service workers must obtain a food handler certificate from a state-approved training program The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture must approve the training program Food service establishments are responsible for ensuring their employees have valid certificates	The cost of the training program and the food handler certificate can vary depending on the provider The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture offers a non-profit online training program for food handlers	Complete the training program and obtain the food handler certificate, which is valid for three years After three years, the certificate must be renewed by completing a new training program and obtaining a new certificate
South Carolina	Food workers must obtain a food handler certificate from an accredited food handler training provider	The cost of the training course and certification exam varies depending on the provider, but it typically ranges from $10 to $20	Complete an accredited food handler training course Pass a final exam with a score of at least 70%
Texas	Obtain a Food Handler Card within 30 days of employment	Texas does not regulate the fees for food handler training courses, so prices may differ from one training provider to another	Complete an approved food handler training course Pass the certification exam with a score of 70% The training can be completed online or in person, and the exam can be taken online or in person as well Obtain the card, which is valid for two years
Utah	A state-approved training provider must provide the training Employers may require food handlers to obtain a permit or card before they start working	The cost of a food handler permit or card is $15 Some training providers may offer discounts for group training or if the training is taken online	Choose an approved food handler training provider from the list provided by the Utah Department of Health Complete the food handler training course, which may be offered online or in person Pass the exam with a score of at least 70% Obtain the food handler permit or card from the training provider upon completing the course and exam Renew the food handler permit or card before it expires every three years
Virginia	Complete an approved training program	The cost of obtaining a Food Handler’s Certificate in Virginia is $15	Complete classroom training or online courses Pass an exam with a score of at least 70% Receive the Food Handler’s Certificate, which is valid for two years
Washington	Food workers are required to obtain a Food Worker Card within 14 days of being hired	The cost of the Food Worker Card is $10	Take an approved food worker training program, either completed online or in person Pass a test with a minimum score of 70% Pay the fee for the Food Worker Card Receive the card, valid for two years, while renewal cards after that are valid for 3 to 5 years

To Wrap Up!

The journey may seem overwhelming, but with careful planning and dedication, certified food handlers can confidently enter any restaurant or food-related business, knowing they are current on all safety regulations. Now that you have all the necessary information, it is time to take your culinary career to new heights!

References

^{Food Handler. (n.d.). Who Needs the Food Handler Card Certification? - Retrieved from https://food-handler.com/blog/who-needs-the-food-handler-card-certification/52/}
^{National Restaurant Association. (n.d.). Food Safety. - Retrieved from https://restaurant.org/education-and-resources/learning-center/food-nutrition/food-safety/}
^{ServSafe. (n.d.). ServSafe Food Handler. - Retrieved from https://www.servsafe.com/ServSafe-Food-Handler}
^{Southern Nevada Health District. (n.d.). Food Handler Safety Program. - Retrieved from https://www.southernnevadahealthdistrict.org/programs/food-handler-safety-program/}
^{US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. (n.d.). - State Contacts. Retrieved from https://www.fsis.usda.gov/contact-us/state-contacts}
^{National Environmental Health Association. (n.d.). Professional Food Handler Certificate. - Retrieved from https://www.neha.org/professional-food-handler-certificate}
^{US Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). - Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma}

FAQ

Where can you get the food handlers to permit?

To obtain food handlers permit, you must take an approved course and pass an exam. The courses can be taken online or in person from various sources such as accredited training providers, local health departments, or professional organizations.

How long does a food handler’s card last?

Depending on the state or county, the card may need to be renewed every two to five years to remain valid. Renewing a food handler’s card requires attending a class or passing an online test to meet all relevant safety standards.

How to get a food handlers card?

A food handlers card can be obtained by taking a course online or in person and passing an exam. The exact requirements will vary from state to state, so it is important to research what is required in one’s local area. After completing the course and exam, participants will receive their card, which must be kept safe while working in the food industry.

Who needs a food handler certificate in a restaurant?

Everyone working in kitchens preparing meals, as well as those who are responsible for serving or handling food directly to customers, require a food handler certificate.

Can you use food service licenses in other states?

This depends on each state’s requirements and other factors, such as state reciprocity agreements. While it may be possible in some cases, this should be done only with the help of a qualified professional or legal advisor to ensure that all requirements are met.

How much does a food handler’s permit cost?

The cost of a food handler’s permit can vary depending on the state or county but typically range from $5 to $30. Remember that some states may charge additional fees for exams or other requirements.