How to Put a Food Handlers Card on a Resume

A food handlers card proves that you have completed a course and passed a test on basic food safety principles.

Owing to the importance of handling food safely for preventing foodborne illnesses, many states, local health departments, and employers require a food handlers card to work at a food establishment like a restaurant or place that prepares and serves food like schools and healthcare facilities.

If you’re looking for a new job, you might be wondering how to highlight your food handlers card on your resume.

This article will guide you on how to effectively include a food handlers card on your resume—even if you haven’t earned it yet—so you can stand out to potential employers.

Where and how to highlight your food handlers card on your resume

A food handlers card is like a professional license in that it demonstrates that you have the specific knowledge or skills needed to do a job.

Including your food handlers card on your resume, even if it’s not required in your area, offers several advantages that can set you apart from other candidates. It demonstrates your commitment to food safety, showing employers that you take this aspect of the job seriously.

This proactive step can also broaden your job opportunities, making you eligible for a wider range of positions, and potentially lead to a faster onboarding process with a higher starting wage.

Additionally, having this certificate builds trust with employers, who may view you as more reliable and responsible, while also enhancing your professional credibility by signaling that you are well-prepared for the role.

When structuring your resume, it’s important to present your qualifications clearly and effectively. Your food handlers card can be included in the Certificates and Licenses section, typically placed after your education or skills sections.

Be sure to list the Food Handlers Certificate title, issuing organization, and the date you obtained it, along with its expiration date. It also helps to add it to the top of your resume under the Professional Summary section. Doing so brings it to the hiring managers attention immediately that you hold a food handlers card.

What to do if you don't have a food handlers card yet

If you don’t have a food handlers card yet, don’t worry — there’s still time to earn one and boost your resume.

Most employers don't require that you have the training before starting a job in foodservice, but they certainly prefer it.

To get started, you can easily enroll in an online food handler training course, such as the one offered by FoodSafePal.

FoodSafePal's food handler course is accepted by most health departments and employers since it holds ANSI-National Accreditation Board (ANAB)–accreditation.

Once you’ve completed the training, you’ll take a short exam, and upon passing, you’ll receive your food handlers card. You can train and test in under two hours.

Even if you’re in the middle of earning your certificate, you can still mention it on your resume. In the Certifications and Licenses section, list “Food Handlers Card (in progress)” with the expected completion date.

This shows potential employers that you’re actively working towards meeting the qualifications and are committed to the role. Once you’ve earned your card, be sure to update your resume with the full certificate details.

The bottom line

You should always include your food handlers card on your resume to show future employers that have the necessary knowledge to handle food safely.

Add your food handlers card in the Certificates and Licenses section, typically placed after your education or skills sections. Don't forget to include the Food Handlers Certificate title, issuing organization, the date date you earned it, and its expiration date.

Although most jobs don't require a food handlers card before you apply, having it is a great way to make your resume stand out. Plus, in less than two hours, you can earn your health department-approved food handlers card with FoodSafePal and include it on your resume.