Connecticut Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

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

Because unsafe food handling by food workers is a leading cause of foodborne illness, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handler card before or within a certain period of employment.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Connecticut?

Neither Connecticut nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, such as a restaurant, market, bar, or food truck.

Still, many food establishments have a strong food safety culture, and require a food handler card before or within a certain period of employment regardless of state law.

Additionally, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities rely on food handler training for their dietary staff to ensure they’re equipped with the knowledge to handle food safely.

This is important since healthcare facilities serve people highly susceptible to foodborne illnesses, such as older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

For example, Federal requirements require that dietary staff are knowledgable on safe food storage, cooking, holding, and handling practices, which usually requires annual training.

Even if you aren’t required to earn a food handler card, doing so can make it easier to land your next gig or earn a higher wage.

Summary

Neither Connecticut nor any of its counties require food workers to earn a food handler card. However, many employers still require food handler cards, relying on the training to ensure safe food handling practices for their staff.

How to get a Connecticut food handler card?

You can easily earn your Connecticut food handler card in under two hours for $10 to $15.

To do so, enroll with a valid online food handler training provider — such as FoodSafePal — complete the course modules, and pass the test.

Valid Connecticut Food Handler Training

Easily earn your food handler card in under 2 hours

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The course modules cover essential food safety topics, including:

The test consists of multiple-choice questions that cover these topics, so pay close attention and take notes if you need to as you advance through the course.

You will need at least a 70% to pass most food handler courses and earn your food handler card.

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

Once you earn your food handler card, it belongs to you and not the place at which you work.

This means you can change jobs within the state and not have to worry about retaking the course.

If you plan to work in a different state, make sure to check that state’s requirements to verify whether the card you hold is transferable.

Summary

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

How long does a Connecticut food handler card last?

A Connecticut food handler card is generally good for three years, unless your employeer requires that you renew it sooner.

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, you must renew it to keep it active by retaking a valid food handler course.

You can renew your food handler card with the organization from which you first earned your card, or choose a new organization.

Whether earning your card for the first time or renewing it, make sure to print or save yourself a copy and provide a copy to your manager to keep on file.

If you lose your food handler card, you can reprint one from your account on the organization’s website that issued it.

Summary

A Connecticut food handler card is generally good for three years. Renewing your food handler card every three years keeps you sharp and current on the best food safety practices.

The bottom line

Neither Connecticut nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, but your employer may still require it.

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