Idaho Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

A food handler card — also known as a food handler certificate, license, or permit — proves that you have completed a food safety course.

Unsafe food handling by food workers is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses, so many states and counties require food handler training before or within a certain period of employment at a food establishement.

However, you may wonder whether Idaho or any of its counties require a food handler card.

This article explains everything you need to know about an Idaho food handler card, including whether you need one, how to earn, and more.

Do you need a food handler card in Idaho?

Nether Idaho nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, such as a restaurant, market, bar, or food truck.

However, Idaho strongly encouraged the training, and many Idaho food establishments require it (1).

Idaho nursing homes and other healthcare facilities also rely on food handler training for their dietary staff to ensure safe food handling practices.

Even if it’s not required, earning your food handler card is a great resume booster, and can make it easier to land your next gig or earn a higher wage.

Summary

Neither Idaho nor any of its counties require food workers to earn a food handler card, but many food establishments still require it.

How to get an Idaho food handler card?

Idaho doesn’t have a law requiring food workers to earn a food handler card, but food establishments still require it.

You may also want to earn a food handler card for the value it provides.

To earn your Idaho food handler card, simply enroll with a valid online training provider, such as FoodSafePal.

Valid Idaho Food Handler Training

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Then, complete the course content and pass the final test, which you can usually do in under two hours.

The course covers essential food safety topics, including:

The final test asks questions over these topics, so pay close attention as you progress through the course and take notes if needed.

The test usually consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least a 70% to pass.

Once you earn your Idaho food handler card, it belongs to you and not your employer or future employer.

This means it follows you if you change jobs within Idaho.

However, other states have different training requirements, and you may need to take another food handler course if you move to a different state.

Summary

To earn an Idaho food handler card, enroll with a valid online training provider — such as FoodSafePal — complete the course content, and pass the test.

How long does it does an Idaho food handler card?

An Idaho food handler card is generally good for three years from the date you earn it.

However, some employers may require you to renew it more frequently.

To renew your Idaho food handler card, you must retake another valid food handler course — whether from the same or a different provider — and pass the test.

Regularly renewing your food handler card keeps you current and fresh on the best food safety practices.

It’s best practice to keep your food handler card physically with you or saved on your phone.

If your employer requires that you earn and hold a valid food handler card, provide your manager with a copy to keep on file.

You can redownload or request a replacement from the food handler training provider — usually for free — if you lose your food handler card.

Summary

An Idaho food handler card is generally good for three years from the date of issuance, but your employer may require that you renew it more often.

The bottom line

Neither Idaho nor any of its counties require food workers to earn a food handler card, but your employer may still require it before or within a certain period of employment.

To earn an Idaho food handler card, enroll with a valid online training provider — such as FoodSafePal — complete the course content, and pass the exam.