New Jersey Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

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

Owing to the importance of safe food handling practices for preventing the spread and development of foodborne illnesses, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handler card.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in New Jersey?

Neither New Jersey nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, such as a restaurant, market, or food truck (1).

However, many New Jersey food establishments have a strong food safety culture and still require their employees to earn a food handler card.

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

Even if you 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 New Jersey food handler card?

You can easily earn a New Jersey 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 essential food safety topics, including:

• time and temperature controls for food safety
• good personal hygiene
• cross-contact and cross-contamination prevention
• cleaning and sanitizing procedures

Then, test your knowledge on these topic by passing the test to 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.

If you don’t pass the first time, you can usually review the content and retest.

How long does a New Jersey food handler card last?

A New Jersey food handler card usually expires three years from the date you earn it.

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 job in foodservice, make sure to mention that you 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 New Jersey nor any of its counties require a food handler card, but your employer may still require it to ensure you’re knowledgable of important food safety practices.

To earn your New Jersey food handler card, simply enroll in an online course like FoodSafePal’s, complete the course content, and pass the test.

New Jersey food handler cards are generally good for three years.