New Hampshire 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.

Because unsafe food handling by food workers is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handler card before or within a certain period of employment.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in New Hampshire?

Neither New Hampshire nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment.

However, many New Hampshire food establishments like restaurants, bars, and markets have a strong food safety culture and require their staff to earn a food handler card.

Additionally, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities commonly rely on food handler trainings to equip their staff with the knowledge necessary to handle food safely.

For example, New Hampshire requires that dietary staff receive regularly scheduled training on food safety and sanitation, and proof of these trainings, which a food handler card can provide (1).

Even if your current or future employeer doesn’t require it, earning a food handler card can make it easier to land your next gig or earn a higher wage.

How to get a New Hampshire food handler card?

Earning a New Hampshire food handler card — whether required for your job, or because you want to for the value it provides — is simple, and something you can usually do in under two hours.

To get started, enroll with a valid online training provider, such as FoodSafePal.

After enrolling, complete the course content and pass the test to earn your food handler card.

The course content covers important food safety topics, including:

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

The test includes multiple-choice questions that cover these topics, so pay close attention as you progress through the course, taking notes as necessary.

You usually need at least a 70% to pass the test. If you don’t pass the first time, most organizations allow at least one free retake.

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

However, if you move to a different state, make sure to check that state’s requirements for food handler training as they differ by state and even county.

How long does a New Hampshire food handler card last?

A New Hampshire food handler card generally lasts three years from the date you earn it.

When your card is near its expiration, you must renew it be taking and passing another valid food handler course to keep it active.

Renewing your food handler card every three years keeps you current and fresh on important food safety topics.

Always print or save a copy for yourself, and provide your manager — if they require it — to keep on file.

If you lose your food handler card, you should be able to redownload or print it from the organization’s website on which you earned it by logging into your account.

The bottom line

Neither New Hampshire nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment.

However, many food establishments and the dietary departments of healthcare facilities like nursing homes still require food handler training.

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

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