Illinois Food Handler Card · ANAB-Accredited Training

Get or Renew Your Illinois Food Handler Card

Finish in 90 minutes on any device.

Complete your accredited training online, pass the test, and your Illinois food handler card is on your screen the moment you pass.

Illinois-Approved. ANAB-Accredited.
See our Illinois approval letter (PDF)
Start Now | $15 › Tomar en español
Immediate access · Guaranteed acceptance
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 683 reviews)
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FoodSafePal Food handlers card and certificate

How to Earn Your Illinois Food Handler Card

1

Enroll

Takes seconds

Check out in a few clicks — quick and secure, and your course opens the moment you pay.

2

Complete the Course

As little as 90 minutes — pause anytime

Watch short videos and pass the test on your schedule. Most people pass on their first try — and if not, your retake is free.

3

Get Your Card & Certificate

Issued the moment you finish

Download, print, or email your official food handler card and certificate instantly — or upgrade to have a professionally printed copy mailed to you.

Start Now | $15 › Tomar en español
FoodSafePal food handlers card

Does Illinois Require a Food Handler Card?

Yes — Illinois law requires anyone who handles food or works around food-contact surfaces to get a food handler card within 30 days of starting the job. This video explains who needs one, how to get it online, and how to renew it before it expires — all with FoodSafePal.

Why People Like You Choose FoodSafePal

4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 683 reviews)

Fast and easy

08/20/26

Convenient, fast and easy

chelseagrube
Waco, TX

Great course

08/20/26

This was very convienient and professionally done. Gives you something to be happy to hang on any show you attend to give customers peace of mind. Highly reccomend.

Chad
Kansas City, MO

Very pleased and easy

08/18/26

Watching the video and answering the questions after each chapter will give you a 100% you can do practice test going back to review at anytime before test.

kimberlyh1011
Decatur, IL

Food safe review

08/18/26

Great course, covers everything important you need to know from safety to full operation of a serve safe kitchen. When you finish this course you definitely feel prepared. I feel much better prepared having taken this course.

Jan Creitz
Palm Bay, FL

Easy

08/16/26

Thank you so much

Laura Martin
Phoenix, AZ

Response from FoodSafePal®

THANK YOU, Laura! Congrats on earning your certificate!

Easy!

08/16/26

It was easy and to the point lot a lot of needless info!

Kelly Hollars
Detroit, MI

Response from FoodSafePal®

Thanks, Kelly! We’re big on cutting out unnecessary information, so we’re glad you noticed. Congrats on passing!

Common Questions About Getting or Renewing Your Illinois Food Handler Card

To get or renew your Illinois food handler card, just complete the training videos and pass the test. The entire process takes about 90 minutes from start to finish. Your card will be issued instantly after you pass.

The Illinois Department of Public Health requires that all food handlers or employees earn a food handler card within 30 days of employment at a foodservice establishment.

Examples of foodservice establishment include:

  • restaurants
  • concessions
  • retail food stores
  • convenience stores
  • mobile food stands or trucks
  • schools
  • licensed daycare homes and facilities
  • healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals

Only dietary staff at healthcare facilities are required to earn a food handler card.

However, because healthcare facilities serve populations highly susceptible to foodborne illnesses, Illinois strongly encourages food handler training for nursing and therapy staff too.

Your FoodSafePal food handler card will be valid throughout Illinois, no matter your county or city.

Your Illinois food handler card will be valid for three years from the date you earn it.

Your Illinois food handler card will be issued digitally as soon as you pass the exam. You can download, print, or email it anytime by logging into your account. If you’d like a professionally printed copy mailed to you, you can order one directly from your account.

To operate a cottage food business in Illinois, you must earn food safety manager certification.

For more information on the requirements for cottage food businesses, visit our guide on Illinois cottage food laws.

Illinois · Food Handler Card

Ready to Get Your Illinois Food Handler Card?

Train at your pace, and your food handler card is on your screen the moment you pass.

Start Now | $15 › Tomar en español
Finish in 90 minutes · Guaranteed acceptance
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 683 reviews)
 Buying for your team? See group pricing →
Framed FoodSafePal Food Handler Certificate of Training, ANAB-accredited