Nevada 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 course on food safety.

Owing to the importance of safe food handling practices for the prevention of foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require food worker to earn food handler card before or within a certain period of employment.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Nevada?

Nevada does not a require a food handler card to work with food, but one of its counties does.

The only Nevada county that requires a food handler card is Clark County.

Clark County — also known as the Southern Nevada District — includes Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, and Mesquite.

Even if you don’t work in Clark County, and although Nevada doesn’t mandate it, your employer may still require that you earn a food handler card before or within a certain period of employment.

Additionally, many nursing homes and healthcare facilities rely on food handler training to equip their dietary staff with the knowledge necessary to handle food safely.

Even if it’s voluntary, earning your food handler card can make it easier to land your next gig and earn a higher starting wage.

How to get a Nevada food handler card?

If you don’t work in Clark County, but need to earn your food handler card for your job or want to because of the value it provides, the process is easy.

To get started, enroll with an online valid food handler training provider, such as FoodSafePal.

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

The course modules cover important food safety topics, including:

• food hazard types and prevention
• good personal hygiene
• handwashing and glove use procedures
• time-temperature control for safety (TCS) foods
• cross-contamination prevention
• food allergies and cross-contact prevention

The test consists of multiple-choice questions on these topics, so pay close attention and take notes as you progress through the content.

Most organizations, including FoodSafePal, requires a 70% to pass and earn your food handler card.

Once you earn your food handler card, it belongs to you and not your employeer, so you can take it with you if you change jobs.

However, if you get a job in Clark County, you must earn a food handler card through the health department.

Clark County food handler card

If you work in Clark County, you must earn food handler card through the health department.

If you’re a first-time applicant, you must take the test in-person, otherwise, you can complete the test online.

The cost — whether in-person or online — is $20.

The test consists of 10 or 20 multiple-choice questions, and you must earn a 70% to pass.

If you don’t pass the first time, you can retake the test as early as the following day for $5.

Learn more about earning your Clark County food handler card here.

How long does a Nevada food handler card last?

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

A Clark County food handler card is also valid for three years.

Renewing your food handler card every three years keeps you current and fresh on the best food safety practices.

Don’t forget to renew your food handler card when its near its expiration date to keep it active.

Remember that you must renew with the health department if you work with Clark County, otherwise, you can renew with any valid food handler training provider like FoodSafePal.

Whether you’re earning your food handler card the first time or renewing it, make sure to keep a copy of your card or certificate in a secure location and provide a copy to your manager.

If you lose your food handler card, you can usually reprint it from the account you created to enroll.

However, Clark County charges a $20 fee to replace a lost card.

The bottom line

Nevada does not require a food handler card, but Clark County does, and so do some Nevada food establishments.

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

If you work in Clark County, you must earn your food handler card directly with the health department.

Both a Nevada and Clark County food handler card are good for three years.