Pennsylvania Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

A food handler card — also known as a food handler certificate or license — is proof that you have successfully completed a course on important food safety principles.

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

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Pennsylvania?

Neither Pennsylvania nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a restaurant, hotel, grocery store, or other food establishment (1).

However, many Pennsylvania food establishments have a strong food safety culture and require food handler training as a brand standard, regardless of state law.

You may also be required to receive food handler training if you work at a nursing home or other healthcare facility since they serve populations highly susceptible to foodborne illnesses.

Even if you’re not required to earn a food handler card, doing so can make it easier to land your next gig or justify a higher starting salary.

How do you get a Pennsylvania food handler card?

You can earn your Pennsylvania food handler card online in under two hours.

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

Then, test your knowledge on these topics by passing a test to earn your food handler card.

Most food handler training programs consist of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you usually need at least a 70% or higher to pass.

If you don’t pass the test the first time, most programs — including FoodSafePal’s — allow one free retake.

How long does a Pennsylvania food handler card last?

A Pennsylvania 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 you to earn a food handler card, make sure to provide your manager with a copy so they can keep it on file.

In nursing homes and other healthcare facilities, health inspectors or surveyors commonly observe dietary staff and may request evidence of food safety training, which a food handler card can serve as proof.

FoodSafePal’s food handler training program issues a certificate and card as a PDF, making it easy to print or email 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

Neither Pennsylvania nor any of its counties require a food handler card, but your employer may still require it.

To earn your Pennsylvania food handler card, simply enroll in a valid online course like FoodSafePal’s, complete the course content, and earn a passing score on the assessment.

Pennsylvania food handler cards are generally good for three years.