Illinois Food Handler Card · ANAB-Accredited Training

Get or Renew Your Illinois Food Handler Card

Finish in 90 minutes on any device.

Complete your accredited training online, pass the test, and your Illinois food handler card is on your screen the moment you pass.

Illinois-Approved. ANAB-Accredited.
See our Illinois approval letter (PDF)
Start Now | $15 › Tomar en español
Immediate access · Guaranteed acceptance
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 731 reviews)
 Buying for your team? See group pricing →
FoodSafePal Food handlers card and certificate

How to Earn Your Illinois Food Handler Card

1

Enroll

Takes seconds

Check out in a few clicks — quick and secure, and your course opens the moment you pay.

2

Complete the Course

As little as 90 minutes — pause anytime

Watch short videos and pass the test on your schedule. Most people pass on their first try — and if not, your retake is free.

3

Get Your Card & Certificate

Issued the moment you finish

Download, print, or email your official food handler card and certificate instantly — or upgrade to have a professionally printed copy mailed to you.

Start Now | $15 › Tomar en español
FoodSafePal food handlers card

Does Illinois Require a Food Handler Card?

Yes — Illinois law requires anyone who handles food or works around food-contact surfaces to get a food handler card within 30 days of starting the job. This video explains who needs one, how to get it online, and how to renew it before it expires — all with FoodSafePal.

Why People Like You Choose FoodSafePal

4.9
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 731 reviews)

Food Handler Experience

09/30/26

The course videos were simple, interactive, and straight to the point, with quality information that was useful for real life encounters and to pass the exam. The sample tests after each short video and module made for taking the exam less intimidating and more confident.

The exam itself was quick and asked the most important questions every food handler should know. It was easy to navigate and the results were instantaneous, as well as recieving the food handler certification.

Esther Evans
Portage, IN

Great !!

09/28/26

It was very easy to navigate and was expensive at all. Very great content and imaging.

Fantasia Dye
Lancaster, TX

Response from FoodSafePal® Food Manager Certification

Thanks Fantasia! Glad you found the training user-friendly, and enjoyed the format. Congrats on passing the exam!

Awesome course

09/28/26

It gave me a complete refresher from when I first taken it back in 2015.

Shonta
Atlanta, GA

Response from FoodSafePal® Food Manager Certification

Thank you Shonta! Glad the training served as a good refresher. Thanks for trusting FoodSafePal to renew, and congratulations on earning your cert!

Training

09/28/26

Excellent

Emily Aker
Huntsville, AL

Response from FoodSafePal® Food Manager Certification

Thank you Emily! Congrats on getting certified!

Great course

09/26/26

The course provides a lot of information that’s extremely needed

martin.nita
Spring, TX

Response from FoodSafePal® Food Manager Certification

Thank you Nita! Happy to hear you found the content valuable. Congratulations on earning your cert!

Food Safety

09/26/26

Extremely informative

Sonya
Grand Prairie, TX

Response from FoodSafePal® Food Manager Certification

Thank you for the 5-star review Sonya! Congratulations on passing!

Common Questions About Getting or Renewing Your Illinois Food Handler Card

To get or renew your Illinois food handler card, just complete the training videos and pass the test. The entire process takes about 90 minutes from start to finish. Your card will be issued instantly after you pass.

The Illinois Department of Public Health requires that all food handlers or employees earn a food handler card within 30 days of employment at a foodservice establishment.

Examples of foodservice establishment include:

  • restaurants
  • concessions
  • retail food stores
  • convenience stores
  • mobile food stands or trucks
  • schools
  • licensed daycare homes and facilities
  • healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals

Only dietary staff at healthcare facilities are required to earn a food handler card.

However, because healthcare facilities serve populations highly susceptible to foodborne illnesses, Illinois strongly encourages food handler training for nursing and therapy staff too.

Your FoodSafePal food handler card will be valid throughout Illinois, no matter your county or city.

Your Illinois food handler card will be valid for three years from the date you earn it.

Your Illinois food handler card will be issued digitally as soon as you pass the exam. You can download, print, or email it anytime by logging into your account. If you’d like a professionally printed copy mailed to you, you can order one directly from your account.

To operate a cottage food business in Illinois, you must earn food safety manager certification.

For more information on the requirements for cottage food businesses, visit our guide on Illinois cottage food laws.

Illinois · Food Handler Card

Ready to Get Your Illinois Food Handler Card?

Train at your pace, and your food handler card is on your screen the moment you pass.

Start Now | $15 › Tomar en español
Finish in 90 minutes · Guaranteed acceptance
4.9 out of 5 stars (based on 731 reviews)
 Buying for your team? See group pricing →
Framed FoodSafePal Food Handler Certificate of Training, ANAB-accredited