Tennessee Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

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

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

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Tennessee?

Neither Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 commonly rely on food handler training since they serve populations highly susceptible to foodborne illnesses.

For example, Tennessee requires that dietary staff of nursing homes receive regular training on personal hygiene and how to handle, prepare, and serve food safely (1).

And even if you’re not 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 Tennessee food handler card?

You can easily earn a Tennessee 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 important food safety topics, including:

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

Then, test your knowledge by earning a passing score — usually at least 70% — on a multiple-choice test to earn your food handler card.

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

How long does a Tennessee food handler card last?

A Tennessee 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 food handler training program to keep it active.

Renewing your food handler card every three years keeps you current and fresh on important food safety practices to keep people — and you — 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 foodservice job and have earned a food handler card, make sure to highlight that achievement on your resume.

If you lose your food handler card, you can redownload it from the organization in which you earned it or contact them to request another copy.

The bottom line

Neither Tennessee nor any of its counties require a food handler card, but your employer may still require it to ensure you know how to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illnesses.

You may also need to earn a food handler card if you work in a nursing home or other healthcare facility.

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

Tennessee food handler cards are good for three years.