Vermont Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

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

Owing to the importance of safe food handling for the prevention of foodborne illnesses, many states and cities require a food handler card to work at a food establishment.

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

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

Do you need a food handler card in Vermont?

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

However, to demonstrate their commitment to food safety, many Vermont food establishments still require their workers to earn a valid food handler card.

Additionally, Vermont nursing homes and other healthcare facilities rely on food handler training to ensure their dietary staff know how to handle food safely and prevent foodborne illnesses.

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

How to get a Vermont food handler card?

Whether required by your employer, or for the benefits it offers, you can easily earn your Vermont 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
• handwashing and glove use
• 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 consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least a 70% to pass and earn your Vermont food handler card.

If you don’t pas the first time, you can usually retake it for free.

Once you earn your Vermont food handler card, it belongs to you and not your employer, meaning it follows you if you change jobs.

How long does it take to get a Vermont food handler card?

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

However, your employer may require that you renew it more often.

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

This course can be from the same provider or you can choose a different provider.

Renewing your Vermont 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 always keep a copy of your food handler card with you while working — whether a physical copy or saved to your phone — and provide your manger with a copy to keep on file.

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

The bottom line

Neither Vermont 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 Vermont food handler card, enroll with a valid online training provider — such as FoodSafePal — complete the course content, and pass a test.

A Vermont 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.