Indiana Food Handler Card Online

Can this course make me a Certified Food Handler under 410 IAC 7-22?

Not this course. Indiana's language is confusing.

Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) Rule 410 IAC 7-22 requires one so-called "food handler" on site at all times to be certified in food safety.  But a food handler course doesn't count. 

You need to acquire ANAB Food Safety Manager Certification, instead—which is not actually a course; it’s an exam. Luckily, we offer that, too!

So, does Indiana require food handler training?

Food handler training is recommended in Indiana to ensure you practice food safety. You won't qualify under 410 IAC 7-22, but you will learn what you need to know to do your job…in much less time, for much less money.

You'll also make yourself a more attractive hire, since you'll already be trained in the food safety principles your employer would otherwise have to teach you. 

That includes:

• An understanding of the causes of biohazards, foodborne illnesses, and food spoilage
• Types of contamination and how to preserve food
• The time and temperature controls that prevent hazardous pathogen growth
• Food handling and personal hygiene practices to prevent contamination
• Proper storage, cleaning, and sanitization procedures

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

You can!  Just be sure you sign up with a reputable training provider.

Our food handler permit course at Learn2Serve, by 360training, is ANSI-accredited and follows the highest standards for food handler training.

How long does an Indiana food handlers certificate last?

Indiana food handler certificates 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?

Aside from beefing up your resume, you need to have the knowledge to keep yourself and your customers safe from foodborne illness if you're going to serve food in Indiana.

Indiana typically has a low rate of foodborne illness outbreaks, compared to the rest of the country. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) records, it's been in the lowest quartile since 2015.  

By practicing the techniques you'll learn in food handler training, you can help keep the number of outbreaks as low as possible.

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

In Indiana, a food handler license qualifies you for many types of jobs. The training's designed for anyone who works with unpackaged food and/or food-contact surfaces, equipment, or utensils.

That includes positions like:

• Chefs, line cooks, and prep workers
• Waitstaff, food runners, and bartenders
• Bussers and dishwashers
• Store clerks where unpackaged food is sold

You can work in a variety of establishments like:

• Casual and fine-dining restaurants
• Fast food eateries
• Food trucks
• Cafeterias
• Coffee shops
• Bakeries, sandwich shops, and delis
• Grocery and convenience stores

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

According to the Indiana Restaurant & Lodging Association (InRLA), in 2019 there were 311,400 restaurant and food service jobs, which translates to 10% of total employment. More importantly, that number is projected to grow 10.3% by the year 2029. That's well over the national projections for all jobs (5%).

If you’re looking to get a job in the food and beverage industry in Indiana, 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 Indiana?

Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH): The ISDH develops regulations, conducts routine inspections, investigates foodborne illness complaints, and responds to other food safety-related incidents.  You can find more resources on food safety and defense here, including the Indiana Food Code.

Indiana Department of Education (DOE):  Find additional food safety resources specific to child care here.