Is It Easy to Get a Food Handlers Card?
If you’re new to foodservice, you probably haven’t heard of a food handlers card, but you probably have to earn one.
A food handlers card — also known as a food handlers certificate — proves that you have taken a basic food safety course and passed a test.
While taking a food handlers card and passing a test can seem daunting and hard, getting your food handlers card is easy.
This article breaks down why earning your food handlers card is easier than you think and how to go about earning one fast.

Getting a food handlers card is easier than you think
To earn your food handlers card, you must take a course approved by your health department or employer.
This means, you cannot earn a food handlers card — even if it’s free — from any Joe Schmo with a website.
Nearly every state and local health department and employer only accept food handler cards that have been issued by courses that are ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) accredited.
ANAB-accredited food handler courses have undergone a rigorous third-party review to ensure they meet and maintain specific national standards.
ServSafe is perhaps the most recognized food handler training provider since the company is owned by the National Restaurant Association.
However, there are several other companies with food handler training courses that have the same ANAB-accreditation as ServSafe’s food handler training, including FoodSafePal’s course.

Earn Your Food Handler Card + Certificate Fast & Easily
Guaranteed to be approved by your health department
Most food handler courses are offered online only, making the process of earning your food handlers card easy and convenient.
To get started, simply enroll in an approved course and complete the course modules. It usually takes two hours or fewer to complete all the modules, but because online food handler courses are usually self-paced, you can exit and return as you need or go back and review before the test.
Next comes the test. FoodSafePal’s Food Handler course consists of 40 multiple-choice questions of which you need to answer at least 28 (70%) correctly to pass and earn your food handlers card.
If you payed close attention while completing the course and reviewed other articles from our blog, including articles on how to pass the food handlers test, you should be able to ace the exam.
But, if you don’t pass the first time, FoodSafePal allows you to review the content and retest for free.
There is no time limit to the test, but most people who take FoodSafePal’s Food Handler course can learn and pass the test in fewer than two hours.
Once you pass, you can immediately download or print your wallet-sized food handlers card and certificate — no waiting several days for it arrive by snail mail.
Summary
Getting your food handlers card is easy as enrolling in an approved online food handler course, complete the course modules, and passing the test — all of which you can do in fewer than two hours.
Who needs a food handlers card?
You probably need a food handlers card if you’re here.
But, it’s good to have some background knowledge of who needs one and when.
For starters, there are several states that require all food workers to earn an ANAB-accredited food handlers card before or within a certain period of starting work.
These states include:
Other states have specific requirements for the course length, food safety topics covered, and the passing score.
For example, Utah require food handler training providers to apply and have their food handler program approved by the state to be valid. FoodSafePal is one approved food handler training providers in Utah.
Where food handler training isn’t required by state law, it can be required by local county health departments.
New York, Missouri, and Kansas are just a few of the examples where there exist no state law requiring food handler training but there are certain counties that require the training.
All these state- and county-specific food handler training requirements can be confusing and may change over time, but you can stay up-to-date on these laws with this article on food handler training requirements by state.
Keep in mind that even if you don’t live in a state or county that requires food handler training, your employer still can — and many employers do.
While some do, your employer doesn’t have to pay for your food handler card — unless you live in California — since they can require what you learn from the training as a necessary qualification for the job.
Another reason your employer doesn’t have to pay for it is because it belongs to you — not them. This means you can use your food handlers card to work at a different food establishment without having to earn another.
This is true unless you move to a state or county with different food handler training requirements, but ANAB-accredited food handler cards like FoodSafePal’s transfer to most states since they are nationally recognized.
Summary
Many states have laws requiring a food handlers card to work at a food establishment. In places where no state law exists, counties and employer can still require food handler training.
How long does a food handlers card last?
Food handler cards — including FoodSafePal’s — are good for three years, except if you live in Texas, in which case it’s good for two years.
You must keep your food handlers card “active” through the duration of your employment by renewing it every three years — or two years in Texas.
Renewing your food handlers card requires the same easy process as earning your food handlers card for the first time.
Simply enroll with an approved or ANAB-accredited food handler training provider like FoodSafePal, complete the course modules, and pass the test. Boom — you’re kosher for another three years.
If you lose your food handlers card, you can usually download a free copy from the account you created on the food handler’s training website. If you earned your food handlers card with FoodSafePal, you can log in here to download another copy.
However, beware that some companies charge a fee to download or print a replacement copy.
Summary
A food handlers card lasts for three years — unless you live in Texas, in which case, it’s two years. You must keep your food handlers card “active” through the duration of your employment by renewing it before it expires.
The bottom line
If you need to earn a food handlers card for your job — rest easy, the process is easy and simple.
To earn your food handlers card, enroll online with an approved or ANAB-accredited food handler training provider like FoodSafePal, complete the course modules, and pass the test.
The course is self-paced but most people can complete and pass FoodSafePal’s food handler training in fewer than two hours.

Earn Your Food Handler Card + Certificate Fast & Easily
Guaranteed to be approved by your health department
Your food handlers card will be good for three years — or two years if you live in Texas. Don’t forget to keep it “active” through the duration of your employment by renewing it before it expires.