Massachusetts Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

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

Owing to the importance of safe food handling practices for reducing the risk of food hazards that lead to foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handler card.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Massachusetts?

Neither Massachusetts 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 (1).

However, many Massachusetts food establishments have a strong food safety culture and still require some or all employees to earn a food handler card.

Additionally, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities rely on food handler training for their dietary staff to meet state and federal regulations, and to ensure they are knowledgeable of safe food handler practices to keep residents and patients safe from foodborne illnesses.

Even if aren’t required to earn a food handler card, doing so can make it easier to land your next foodservice gig, negotiate a higher starting salary, or advance to a leadership role.

How do you get a Massachusetts food handler card?

You can easily earn a Massachusetts food handler card online in under two hours.

To get started, enroll in a food handler training program, like the one offered by FoodSafePal.

After enrolling, complete the course modules, which cover important food safety topics, such as:

• time and temperature controls
• receiving and storing food safely
• cooking and cooling food safety
• cross-contact and cross-contamination prevention
• cleaning and sanitizing procedures

Then, use what you learned to pass a test and earn your food handler card.

Most food handler training programs — including FoodSafePal’s — consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you usually need at least a 70% or higher to pass.

You usually get one retake if you don’t pass the first time.

How long does a Massachusetts food handler card last?

A Massachusetts food handler card usually lasts three years.

When your food handler card is near its expiration, you must renew it by reenrolling in a valid food handler training program.

Renewing your food handler card every three years keeps you current and fresh on important food safety practices to keep people safe from foodborne illnesses.

If your employer requires food handler training, make sure to provide your manager with a copy so they can keep it on file.

If you’re applying for a foodservice job, make sure to highlight that hold a valid food handler card on your resume.

FoodSafePal’s food handler training program issues a certificate and card as a PDF, allowing you to easily print or email it.

If you lose your food handler card or certificate, you can redownload it from the organization in which you earned it or contact them to request another copy.

The bottom line

Neither Massachusetts or any of its counties require a food handler card, but your employer may still require it to ensure you’re knowledgeable of important food safety practices.

To earn your Massachusetts food handler card, enroll in an online course like the one offered by FoodSafePal, complete the course modules, and pass the test.

Massachusetts food handler card are generally good for three years.