Do You Need a Food Handlers Card Before Applying to a Job?

You’ve updated your resume and now you’re ready to apply for that restaurant or other foodservice job.

However, before you apply, you might wonder whether you need to take a food handlers course first.

This article explains whether it’s necessary or beneficial to get a food handlers card before applying to a job in foodservice.

What is a food handlers card?

A food handlers card demonstrates that you have taken and passed a course about basic food safety principles, and as a result, know how to handle food safely.

In most cases, a food handlers card is the same as a food handlers certificate, just smaller.

Many states require a food handlers card to work at a food establishment such as a restaurant or another place that prepares and serves food such as schools and daycare and healthcare facilities.

Counties can also require a food handlers card, even if there is no state requirement.

Additionally, employers can require a food handlers card as a condition of employment, even if no local or state food handler training law exists.

Job application requirements

Each position has its own requirements and qualifications that you must meet to be considered or hired for the job.

Some advertised positions require or prefer a food handlers card or certificate before applying to a job, while others require it within a certain period from your hire date — usually within 30 days — if you live in certain states like Illinois, Texas, California, New Mexico, and North Dakota.

Other states like Utah require it within 14 days of hire.

Other positions mention nothing about earning a food handlers card, though you may still be required to earn it upon hire.

Thus, it makes the most sense to earn a food handlers card before applying to a job in foodservice so you can list it on your resume.

This will make your resume stand above other applicants, even if you have no or limited experience in foodservice.

Depending on where you live, you can usually get a health department approved food handlers card online in under two hours.

Alternatively, because you can earn your food handlers card relatively quickly, you can also apply without your food handlers card and then earn it before your scheduled interview.

This will also liken the chances of you getting the gig.

And even if you don’t get the gig, your time and money isn’t wasted since you can use the same food handlers card to apply and work at a different restaurant or food establishment.

Employers view food handlers card as a necessary qualification of the job — similar to a different type of certification or even a degree.

Thus, your employer — unless you live in California — doesn’t have to pay for your food handler training.

Still, many employers reimburse their employees for the cost of training or renewal.

How to get a food handlers card

Earning a food handlers card before you apply can significantly increase your odds of getting the job.

So it’s worth it to get one, even if the job to which you’re applying allows you to earn one within a certain period of employment, or makes no mention of it.

Besides, you can usually learn and test online in under two hours.

To get started, enroll with a valid online food handler training provider.

All food handler cards are not the same, so make sure you choose a provide or course that your health department approves.

Most places only accept ANAB-accredited food handler training courses like FoodSafePal’s.

You must be at least 14-years-old to earn your food handlers card — the minimum age you can be to work in foodservice.

After you enroll, complete the course lessons, which cover:

• handwashing
• good personal hygiene
• food hazards
• time and temperature controls
• food allergens and cross-contact prevention
• cleaning and sanitizing procedures

Pay attention and take notes as you progress the lessons so you can pass the final test.

FoodSafePal’s Food Handler tests consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need to answer at least 27 (70%) correctly to pass.

You can review the lessons and retest for free if you don’t pass the first time.

Remember that after earning your food handlers card and certificate, it belongs to you and not any place that you end up working at.

This means you can use it to work at any food establishment within your area.

You will need to renew your food handler card every three years — or two years if you live in Texas — to keep it active.

The bottom line

Many places require a food handlers card or certificate to work at a food establishment like a restaurant or other place that prepares and sells food.

Some jobs require or prefer that you hold a valid food handlers card before applying, some give you 30 days to earn one if you get the job, and others make no mention of it being requirement.

In either case, earning your food handlers card before applying so you can list it on your resume is a sure way to put you above other applicants, even if you have no or limited foodservice experience.

And if for some reason you don’t get the job, the time and money you invested in earning one isn’t wasted since you can use your food handlers card to apply and work at a different food establishment.

To work at most places, you can take and pass an ANAB-accredited food handler course to earn your food handler card in under two hours.