Vermont Food Handlers Card & Training Online

How do I get a food handler card in Vermont?

Obtaining a food handler card in Vermont couldn't be simpler.  Finish a brief training program, pass the test, and you can print your certificate of completion immediately. Bring it to your employer as proof of training and ask if local authorities require any additional steps like registration. Enroll now to get your food handler certificate in Vermont!

Does Vermont require food handler training?

Food handler training is recommended in Vermont, because it supports the food safety goals of the Vermont Department of Health & the Environment.

It can also make you a more attractive hire by making your resume stand out from the rest. It's useful for a variety of establishments like:

• Casual and fine-dining restaurants
• Fast food places
• Coffee shops, sandwich shops, and delis
• Lounges or bars that serve food
• Bakeries and donut shops
• Grocery stores
• Food trucks

Be sure to check with your city/county or employer; some jurisdictions have stricter requirements than the state. 

Can I take an online course to get my food handler certificate?

Getting your food handler certificate online is a great choice.  Online food handler courses are less time-intensive, cheaper, and more convenient than in-person courses.

Our food handler certificate course at Learn2Serve, by 360training, is ANAB-accredited—meaning it follows the highest training standards in the industry.

You'll learn how to:

• Control food time and temperature to prevent pathogen growth
• Prevent contamination between hands and food or food-contact surfaces
• Wash your hands effectively
• Recognize when you should stay home from work
• Sanitize equipment and food-contact surfaces

How long does a Vermont food handlers permit last?

Vermont food handler permits generally need to be refreshed every 2-3 years.  Ask your employer or local health authority about their specific standards.

Why should I take food handler training?

If you plan to work as a food employee in Vermont, you need to know how to keep yourself and your customers safe from foodborne illness.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food handlers are the source for many foodborne illness outbreaks.  For example, an estimated 70% of reported norovirus outbreaks can be traced to food employees coming to work with diarrhea or vomiting

Vermont has seen an increasing number of foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years.  In 2017, the CDC reported 5 foodborne disease outbreaks in Vermont, up from the 4 outbreaks recorded in 2016 and the single outbreak in 2015.

If you practice what you learn in food handler training, you can help bring the number of outbreaks down.

What jobs can I get in Vermont with my food handler license?

In Vermont, a food handler license qualifies you for a variety of work. The training is good for anyone who handles unpackaged food and/or food-contact surfaces, equipment, or utensils.

That includes jobs like:

• Cooks and chefs
• Food prep workers
• Wait staff
• Food counter workers
• Dishwashers
• Bus persons
• Catering workers
• Any job that involves contact with food or food-contact surfaces

And job demand is high because the food and beverage industry in Vermont is growing.

According to the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, in 2019 there were 29,600 restaurant and food service jobs, which translates to 9% of total employment. That number is projected to grow 6.8% by the year 2029.

If you’re looking to get a job in the food and beverage industry in Vermont, here are some good options, along with how much money you can expect to make based on wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

If you get your food handler card before you apply for any of these jobs, you’ll be way ahead of the competition!

Where can I find more information about food safety in Vermont?

Vermont Department of Health & the Environment: The department ensures food safety through licensing and inspections, and serves as an educational resource for food safety to the public and the food service industry.

Vermont Local Health Departments: Locate your local health department to learn more about requirements in your jurisdiction.