North Carolina Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

A food handler card — also known as a food handler certificate or license — proves that you have passed a course on important food safety topics.

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

However, you may wonder whether North Carolina or any of its counties require you to earn a food handler card.

This article explains everything you need to know about a North Carolina food handler card, including whether it’s required, how to get one, and more.

Do you need a food handler card in North Carolina?

Neither North Carolina or its counties require a food handler card to work in foodservice.

However, many North Carolina healthcare facilities such as nursing homes and hospitals may require annual food handler training since they serve populations that are highly susceptible to developing foodborne illnesses.

Additionally, many North Carolina restaurants, bars, and other food establishments may require food handler training to demonstrate their commitment to serving safe food.

If you are searching for a job in foodservice, earning your food handler card, while not required by North Carolina, can make it easier to land a job or even negotiate a higher salary.

How do you get a North Carolina food handler card?

Whether your employer requires it or you want to increase your marketability or pay, earning your North Carolina food handler card is simple.

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

After enrolling, complete the course lessons, which cover essential food safety topics, including:

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

Make sure to pay close attention and take notes if you need to as you progress through the course so you can pass the test and earn your food handler card.

The number of test questions and the minimum passing score varies by the organization offering the training.

You must pass the test to earn your food handler card, but if you don’t pass the first time, most organizations allow a free retake.

How long does a North Carolina food handler card last?

A North Carolina food handler card generally expires three years from the date you earn it.

However, your employer may require food handler training more frequently, such as annually if you work at a healthcare facility.

Regularly renewing your food handler card keeps you fresh and current on important food safety principles to keep people safe from foodborne illnesses.

Always keep your food handler card in a secure location and provide your manager with a copy.

In healthcare facilities like nursing homes, health inspectors or surveyors usually ask to verify that you have successfully completed food safety training if it’s part of your employer’s policy.

Most food handler training programs issue certificates as a PDF, making it easy to print or email a copy to your manager.

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

North Carolina and its counties don’t require food workers to earn a food handler card.

However, owing to the importance of food safety, the restaurant or other foodservice establishment at which you work may still require it.

Certain healthcare facilities like nursing homes and hospitals may also require regular food handler training since they serve highly susceptible populations.

To earn your food handler card, simply enroll in a valid online course, complete the course content, and pass the test.

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