How Long Does It Take To Get a Food Handler Card?

A food handlers card — or food handlers certificate, permit or license — is issued after you complete a course on important food safety principles.

Many states and health departments — as well as many employers — require that you earn a food handlers card as evidence that you know how to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illnesses.

However, whether you need to get a food handlers card for the first time or yours is up for renewal, you may wonder how long it takes to get one.

This article explains how long it takes to get a food handlers card, how long it lasts, and how to earn one.

How long it takes to earn your food handlers card

To earn your food handlers card, you must complete a food handler training course and then pass a test.

You do this online but some organizations offer in-person training.

The course content of food handler courses takes anywhere from 30–75 minutes to complete.

Food handler courses cover important food safety topics, including:

• food hazards
• time-temperature controls for safety (TCS) foods
• cleaning and sanitizing
• cross-contact and cross-contamination prevention
• proper hand hygiene and glove use
• the temperature danger zone
• proper food thermometer use
• personal hygiene
• foodborne illnesses

You can — and should — take notes while going through the course content to help you prepare for the food handler test.

The test usually consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, so if you assume 60 seconds per question, the assessment should take you around 40 minutes to complete.

Therefore, from start to finish, it takes 70 to 115 minutes (1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 55 minutes) to get a food handlers card.

This assumes that you pass the test the first time.

Most organizations that issue food handler cards allow at least one free retake, so if you don’t pass the first time, you’ll have more time invested in reviewing the content and retesting.

How to get a food handlers card

Whether you need to earn a food handlers card for the first time or renew it, getting one is an easy and quick process that offers many benefits.

There are many organizations through which you can get a food handlers card, but you should verify that the card they issue is approved by your state or local health department.

To this point, some states only accept food handler card be accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), like FoodSafePal’s food handler training.

Other states like Alaska and Washington, along with some counties, have their own food handler course and don’t accept food handler cards earned through other organizations.

Most organizations that issue food handlers cards will let you know if they are not approved by the state, city, or county in which you live, but you can always check with your manager if you’re unsure.

Once you find the right program, simply enroll in the course and get started.

Once you complete the course content and pass the test, you can print or download your food handlers card immediately and provide your manager with a copy.

How long does a food handlers card last?

Most food handler cards expire 2–3 years from the date of issuance at which time you must retake the course and pass the assessment.

Renewing your food handlers card every 2–3 years keeps you fresh and current on important food safety principles so you can keep people safe from foodborne illnesses.

You can find the expiration date of your food handlers card on the card or certificate itself.

If you lose your food handlers card, you can get a replacement from the organization in which you earned it.

If you have trouble logging in or can’t find where to redownload your certificate, you can always call or email the organization to have them direct you where to go or email you a copy.

You may have to renew your food handlers card sooner than its expiration date to meet your health department’s requirements.

However, most organizations issue food handlers cards that expire based on the regulations of where you live.

The bottom line

Many states, cities, and counties, as well as some employers, require that you earn a food handlers card.

Doing so proves that you have the know-how to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illnesses.

You can expect to spend between 70 and 115 minutes (1 hour and 10 minutes to 1 hour and 55 minutes) to get a food handlers card, which expires 2–3 years from the date of issuance.

To get a food handlers card, simply enroll in a course that is approved by your health department, complete the course, and pass the test.