Rhode Island 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 practices is a common cause of foodborne illness, many states and counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Rhode Island?

Neither Rhode Island nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, such as a restaurant, market, bar, or food truck.

However, many Rhode Island food establishments have a strong food safety culture and still require food handler training for their employees.

Additionally, Rhode Island nursing homes and other healthcare facilities rely on food handler training for their dietary staff to ensure they know how to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illness.

For example, Rhode Island requires that nursing home dietary staff receive annual training on food safety (1).

Even if your employer doesn’t require food handler training, earning your food handler card can make it easier to land your next foodservice gig or earn you a higher wage.

How to get a Rhode Island food handler card?

Whether required by your employer, or for the benefits it provides, you can easily earn your Rhode Island food handler card in under two hours.

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

Then, complete the course content and pass the test.

The course covers essential food safety topics, including:

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

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

The test usually includes 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least a 70% to pass and earn your Rhode Island food handler card.

If you don’t pass the first time, you can usually retest for free.

Once earned, your Rhode Island food handler card belongs to you and not your employeer, meaning it follows you if you change jobs.

How long does a Rhode Island food handler card last?

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

However, some employers may require that you renew it more often, such as annually.

To renew your Rhode Island food handler card, you must take another valid food handler course and pass the test.

You can retake the same course or enroll in a course from a different provider.

Renewing your Rhode Island food handler card at least every three 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 on you or saved on your phone while working, and provide your manager with a copy to keep on file.

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

The bottom line

Neither Rhode Island nor any of its counties require food workers to earn a food handler card to work at a food establishment, but your employer may still require it.

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

A Rhode Island food handler card is generally good for three years from the date you earn it, but your employer may require that you renew it more often.