Alaska Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

A food handler card — also known as a food handler permit, license, or certificate — proves that you have passed a course about food safety.

Because unsafe food handling commonly causes the development and spread of foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handler card.

However, you may wonder whether Alaska or any of its counties require a food handler card.

This article explains everything you need to know about an Alaska food handler card, including whether you need one, how to earn one, and more.

Do you need a food handler card in Alaska?

Alaska requires food workers to earn a food handler card within 30 days of hire, or within 21 days if you work within the Municipality of Anchorage.

A food worker is any person working with unpackaged food, potentially hazardous food, or food-contact surfaces.

Examples of food workers include:

• chefs and cooks
• servers and bartenders
• meat cutters
• food counter workers
• dishwashers

Examples of activities that don’t require a food handler card include:

• greeting or seating customers in a restaurant
• processing payment for food other purchases
• working only with pre-packed food (cashiers, grocery baggers, delivery drivers, etc.)
• assisting patients or residents with their meals at a nursing home or other healthcare facility
• children under age 18 assisting with school meal service
• volunteer activities

How to get an Alaska food handler card?

Alaska only accepts food handler cards issued by the state food worker card program.

To earn your Alaska food handler card, follow these steps:

1. Review the food handler card handbook here
2. Purchase a test ID here to access the food worker card test
3. Take and pass the test

The test consists of 20 and questions, and you must answer at least 15 to pass.

The exam includes questions on topics from the following areas:

• receiving food from an approved source
• food protection
• temperature and time requirements for potentially hazardous foods
• health and hygiene
• handwashing procedures
• washing and sanitation procedures

You can also take the test in-person at your nearest food safety and sanitation program office. Find your location here.

You can take retake the test as many times as you need until you pass.

After passing your test, you can print your food handler card.

If you live in the Municipality of Anchorage, you must earn a food handler card issued by the municipality within 21 days of hire.

The cost to enroll is $10, and you can complete the course online or in person.

To access the course online, click here.

How long does an Alaska food handler card last?

Both an Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage food handler card is valid for three years from the date it is issued.

Renewing your food handler card every three years keeps you current and fresh on the best food safety safety practices.

Once your card is near its expiration date, you must retake the course and pass the test.

Make sure to keep your food handler card in a safe spot and provide your manager with a copy if required.

If you lose your Alaska food handler card, you’re allowed up to three reprints, which you can do from your myAlaska account.

However, if you lose your Anchorage food handler card, you must pay $5 to order a replacement.

The bottom line

Alaska requires food workers to earn a food handler card within 30 days of employement.

Alaska only accepts food handler cards issued by the state — no other training is valid.

If you work in the Municipality of Anchorage, you must earn a food handler card issued by the municipality.

You can earn your Alaska or Municipality of Anchorage food handler card online or in person, and both are valid for three years from the date you earn it.