Food Handlers Card & Certificate Training

"Food handler" covers individuals employed in food service establishments who handle unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, and food-contact surfaces. This includes to back-of-house roles such as cooks or dishwashers, as well as front-of-house positions like waitstaff or bussers.

A food handler certificate is a document, whether it's a certificate, card, license, or permit, that proves that you completed an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited, state or county-approved food safety course and passed the final exam successfully. It verifies that you understand the basics of food safety.

Food safety training is required in most states, with food workers needing to complete training and obtain a food handlers certificate. Even in areas where a food handlers card isn't required, food safety training is strongly encouraged.

In many states and local jurisdictions, including counties or municipalities, regulations require that individuals in these positions complete food safety training. This is because of the direct impact their hygiene practices can have on food safety. The specifics of who requires food handler mandatory training is determined by these regulations. Sometimes, the focus is solely on those directly involved in food prep or service, while at other times, support staff may also be included.

The duration of Food Handlers training can vary depending on the time an individual spends on the course and the type of course taken. On average, it takes between 1 to 2 hours to complete. The National Food Handler Certificate course typically takes around 2 hours, but state-specific courses may be shorter or longer. For example, California’s Food Handler training takes about 90 minutes, while Utah’s Food Handler course requires around 4 hours. The exact time may also depend on the course structure and the learner’s pace.

The main difference between a food handler “card” and a food handler “certificate” is the size of the document. A food handler card is small and can fit in your wallet, while a food handler certificate is bigger. Both show that you successfully completed food safety training.

Getting a food handler card, also called a food handler certificate, permit, or license, is easy. In most states, you just need to pass an online training course. Once you’re done, you can print your food handler certificate right away and start working! Sometimes, you might need to fill out an additional application to get your permit, license or card but even if you do, you’ll still need to complete a training course.

Food Handler training teaches you everything you need to know to prevent foodborne illness while you’re at work. Once you have your certificate, card or license, you can use it to show your employer and state health officials that you understand food safety best practices.

Most food handler courses take between two and four hours to complete. Some training providers, like us at Learn2Serve® by 360training, offer courses completely online. Our training course includes the most engaging content-related gaming activities, which not only keep your attention level high but also educate you with real-life scenarios. That means no crowded classrooms or driving to strange areas of town.

Plus, when you take your training online, you can take the course in one sitting or break it up over multiple sessions. You learn at your own pace, which is great if you have a busy schedule.

Select your state above to learn more about our online program!

In jurisdictions where a food handler’s license is mandatory, there will be a designated renewal period. While the most common frequency is every 2-3 years, this timeframe can vary. It's important to be aware of the renewal requirements specific to your location to ensure compliance with local regulations.

According to the CDC, ill or infectious food workers play a role in 40% of foodborne illness outbreaks. That means foodborne illness can be significantly reduced by food handlers following proper safety protocols. Food handler training includes education on topics like contamination and employee health and hygiene that contribute directly to the reduction of contagious foodborne illness.

Additionally, food handler training addresses prevention measures for other sources of foodborne illness, like food spoilage, temperature and time control, the safe cleaning of food contact surfaces, and more.

Even when a food handler card is not legally required, many employers prefer to hire someone with valid proof of food safety training. Up-to-date training proves to a prospective employer that you’re serious about working in food service and that you’re more likely to be a reliable employee. Additionally, it means that you know how to do your job safely and in compliance with food safety regulations, and it may save your potential employer in training costs. In other words, it will put your resume at the top of the pile.

ANAB-accredited food handler training is most likely valid or recognized in a different jurisdiction, but you should check what is accepted or required locally.