Arkansas Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

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

Because unsafe food handling is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handler card.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Arkansas?

Neither Arkansas nor any of its counties require food workers to earn a food handler card.

However, dietary staff working in nursing homes or other healthcare facilities must have an approved food handler card to prove to health inspectors or surveyors they possess the knowledge necessary to handle food safely (1).

Additionally, many food establishments across Arkansas have a strong food safety culture and still require their workers to earn a food handler card regardless of state law.

If you are searching for a new foodservice gig, earning your food handler card — even if Arkansas or your prospective employer doesn’t require it — can make landing one easier and may even earn you a higher starting salary.

How to get an Arkansas food handler card?

You can easily earn an Arkansas food handler card online in under two hours.

Simply enroll with a valid training provider, such as FoodSafePal.

Then, complete the course content, which cover essential food safety topics, including:

• food hazards
• personal hygiene
• handwashing procedures
• time-temperature controls (TCS)
• cleaning and sanitizing
• cross-contamination and cross-contact prevention

After that, take and pass the final test, which usually consists of multiple-choice questions.

Most food handler training programs — including FoodSafePal’s — require at least a 70% to pass and earn your food handler card.

If you don’t pass the first time, you’re usually allowed one free retake.

How long does an Arkansas food handler card last?

Arkansas food handler cards are generally good for three years from the date you earn it.

Renewing your food handler card every three years keeps you current and fresh on important food safety principles.

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

Whether you’re earning your food handler card for the first time or renewing it, make sure to save and print a copy for yourself and your manager.

When you earn your food handler card, it belongs to you, not your employer.

This means that you can take your food handler card with you if you change jobs.

However, some food handler cards are not always transferable if you move states.

If you lose your food handler card, you should be able to reprint it from the account you created with the online training provider.

The bottom line

Your employer may require it, but neither Arkansas nor any of its counties require food workers to earn a food handler card.

However, Arkansas requires dietary staff of nursing homes and other healthcare facilities to earn one.

To earn an Arkansas food handler card, enroll with a valid training provider — such as FoodSafePal — complete the course content, and pass the test.

An Arkansas food handler card is generally good for three years from the date of issuance.