Food Handler Card Requirements by State
Food handlers play a critical role in preventing the spread of foodborne illnesses.
For this reason, most states require people who work with food to obtain a food handler card or certificate in food safety.
However, the food handler training requirements differ by state.
This article provides an overview of the food handler card requirements by state so you can know whether you need to earn one for your job.
What is a food handler?
A food handler is anyone who works with food.
Food handlers work in various places, including:
- restaurants, from fine dining to fast food
- food manufacturing or packaging companies
- hotels
- schools and colleges
- convenience stores that serve food like pizza or chicken
- nursing homes or assisted living facilities
- hospitals
- grocery stores
- bars and pubs that serve food
Working with and around food requires a basic understanding of food safety to prevent the growth and spread of germs like bacteria and viruses that can lead to foodborne illnesses.
Without proper food safety knowledge, food handlers can contaminate food and surfaces that come in contact with food like counters, flatware, and serving utensils, through various means.
This contaminated food can then make people sick and may even lead to hospitalization or death, especially in highly susceptible populations, like older adults and those with certain conditions like cancer.
As such, many states require food handlers to take a course on food safety and pass an exam demonstrating knowledge of basic food safety principles.
These principles generally include:
- personal hygiene and handwashing
- cross-contamination and food allergies
- time and temperature abuse
- cleaning and sanitation
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Knowing these topics in detail will ensure that you pass your food handler test.
Passing the exam grants you a food handler card or certificate.
These cards or certificates must be renewed — usually every 2–3 years — to ensure the card or certificate holder stays current on all things food safety.
Summary
Food handlers work in a variety of settings, including restaurants, hotels, schools, nursing homes, and hospitals, among others. Many states require food handlers to take a course on food safety and pass an exam demonstrating knowledge of basic food safety principles.
Food handler requirements
States either require food handlers to take an approved food handler course and exam or they strongly recommend them.
The state requirements for these food handler courses vary but they generally must be accredited by the ANSI-National Board Accreditation Board (ANAB).
Some states have their own food handler course that you must take, while others may allow any ANAB-accredited course.
States may require all food handlers at a food service location to carry a card or just one person per shift.
And even if a state doesn’t require a food handler card or certificate to work with food, some counties or municipalities within the state may.
Additionally, the company for which you work may require that you obtain a food handler certificate, regardless of your state or local regulation to ensure food safety.
With these factors in mind, here’s an overview of the food handler requirements by state:
| State | Food Handler Card Requirement |
|---|---|
| Alabama | No, but Jefferson and Mobile counties require it. |
| Alaska | Yes |
| Arizona | No, but several counties do, and your employer may require it. |
| Arkansas | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| California | Yes, within 30 days of employment. Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties have their own food handler card requirements. |
| Colorado | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Connecticut | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Delaware | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Florida | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Georgia | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Hawaii | Yes |
| Idaho | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Illinois | Yes, within 30 days of employment. |
| Indiana | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Iowa | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Kansas | No, but Leavenworth requires it. |
| Kentucky | No, but several counties do, and your employer may require it. |
| Louisiana | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Maine | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Maryland | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Massachusetts | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Michigan | No, but Lenawee County requires it, and your employer may require it. |
| Minnesota | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Mississippi | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Missouri | No, but several counties and cities require it. |
| Montana | No, but Sanders County requires a four-hour food safety training course. |
| Nebraska | No, but Lincoln-Lancaster County requires it. |
| Nevada | No, but Clark County — also known as the Southern Nevada District — does. |
| New Hampshire | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| New Jersey | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| New Mexico | Yes, within 30 days of employment. |
| New York | No, but Orleans County, Livingston County, and New York City require it. |
| North Carolina | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| North Dakota | No, but several counties require it with 30 days of employment. |
| Ohio | Yes, person in charge certification in food protection is required. |
| Oklahoma | No, but Norman, Moore, and Tulsa require it. |
| Oregon | Yes, within 30 days of employment. |
| Pennsylvania | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Rhode Island | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| South Carolina | Yes |
| South Dakota | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Tennessee | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Texas | Yes, within 30 days of employment. |
| Utah | Yes, within 30 days of employment. |
| Vermont | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Virginia | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Washington | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes |
| Wisconsin | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
| Wyoming | No, but it is recommended and your employer may require it. |
Even if you’re not required to obtain a food handler card or certificate, doing so is a relatively inexpensive way to make you stand out from your peers and may be justification for a pay raise.
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Summary
States and some counties either require food handlers to take an approved food handler course to obtain a food handler card or they strongly recommend them.
The bottom line
Working with food requires a basic understanding of food safety to prevent the spread of germs that cause foodborne illnesses.
Many states require food handlers to take and pass an exam on food safety.
The requirements for these courses differ by state, local jurisdictions, and the company for which you work.
