North Dakota Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

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

Because unsafe food handling is a leading cause of foodborne illness, many states and counties require that food handlers earn a food handler card to work at a food establishment.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in North Dakota?

North Dakota has no law requiring a food handler card to work at a food establishment, such as a restaurant, market, bar, or food truck (1).

However, North Dakota counties have the ability to pass their own food handler regulations, and many do require food handler training.

North Dakota counties that require food handler training, include (2, 3):

• Bottineau County
• Burke County
• Grant County
• McHenry County
• McLean County
• Mercer County
• Morton County
• Oliver County
• Renville County
• Sheridan County
• Sioux County
• Ward County

Employees at food establishments who cook, prepare or handle food, or who wash dishes or clean food contact equipment are required to complete and pass an approved food handler course within 30 days of employment.

Even if you don’t work in one of these counties, many food establishments have a strong food safety culture and require food handler training for their employees.

Additionally, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities rely on food handler training for their dietary staff to ensure they have the knowledge necessary to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illnesses.

How to get a North Dakota food handler card?

You can easily earn your North Dakota food handler card online in under two hours.

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

If you work in one of the counties that requires food handler training, the program must be approved by the health department.

After enrolling, complete the course content, and pass the test.

The course covers essential food safety topics, including:

• how food becomes unsafe
• good personal hygiene
• handwashing and glove use
• time and temperature controls
• cross-contamination prevention
• cleaning and sanitizing procedures
• food allergens and pest control

The test asks questions about these topics, so pay close attention as you progress through the course, taking notes as necessary.

The test usually consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, you will need at least a 70% to pass and earn your North Dakota food handler card.

Once earned, your North Dakota food handler card belongs to you and not your employer, meaning it follows you if you change jobs.

If you change jobs and work in a different county that requires food handler training, just make sure the health department recognizes that training.

How long does a North Dakota food handler card last?

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

The same is true if you work in Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan, and Ward County.

However, if you work in Grant, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, or Sioux County, your food handler card expires after two years.

When your food handler card is near its expiration, you must renew it by retaking another valid or approved food handler course and passing the test.

Regularly renewing your food handler card every few years keeps food safety at the top of mind and informs you of any changes to the Food Code.

It’s best practice to keep a copy of your food handler card with you or saved to your phone while working, and provide your manager with a copy to keep on file.

If you lose your food handler card, you can download or print another from the provider’s website.

The bottom line

While recommended, North Dakota does not require food handler training, but many of its counties do.

Many North Dakota food establishments also require food handler training, regardless of state or local law.

To earn your North Dakota food handler card, enroll with a valid online training provider, complete the course content, and pass the test.

If you work in a county that requires food handler training, make sure the training is approved by the health department.

A North Dakota food handler card is good for three years from the date you earn it, but Grant, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, and Sioux Counties require that you renew it every two years.