Wisconsin 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.
Because unsafe food handling practices at food establishments is a common cause of foodborne illness, many states and counties require food workers to earn a food handlers before or within a certain period of employment.
However, you may wonder whether Wisconsin or any of its counties require a food handler card.
This article explains everything you need to know about a Wisconsin food handler card, including whether you need one, how to earn one, and more.
Do you need a food handler card in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin doesn’t require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, such as a restaurant, market, bar, or food truck.
However, many Wisconsin food establishments have a strong commitment to food safety and still require their workers to hold a valid food handler card.
Additionally, Wisconsin nursing homes and other healthcare facilities commonly rely on food handler training for their dietary staff to meet state requirements.
For example, Wisconsin requires that dietary staff at nursing homes receive regular educational training on the proper handling of food and personal hygiene and grooming (1).
An issued food handler card can serve as proof of this education.
Besides it being required by some Wisconsin food establishments, earning your food handler card can make it easier to land your next gig or earn a higher wage.
Summary
Neither Wisconsin nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, but many Wisconsin employers still require it.
How to get a Wisconsin food handler card?
Whether your employer requires it, or you want one for the value it provides, you can easily earn your Wisconsin food handler in under two hours.
To get started, enroll with a valid online food handler training provider — such as FoodSafePal.
Earn Your ANAB-Accredited Wisconsin Food Handler Card
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After enrolling, complete the course content, and pass the test to earn your Wisconsin food handler card.
The course covers important food safety topics, such as:
- how food becomes unsafe
- 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 and take notes as you progress through the course.
You usually need at least a 70% to pass the test. If you don’t pass the first time, many providers — including FoodSafePal — allow one free retake.
Once you earn your food handler card, it belongs to you and not your employer.
This means you don’t need to earn another — unless it’s expired — if you change jobs.
However, if you move to a different state, make sure to check the local requirements of the area you move to since they may be different than Wisconsin.
Summary
To earn a Wisconsin food handler card, enroll with a valid online provider — such as FoodSafePal — complete the course content, and pass the test.
How long does a Wisconsin food handler card last?
A Wisconsin 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 frequently.
To renew your food handler card, you must retake and pass a food handler course, which may be the course you originally took or a different one.
Renewing your Wisconsin food handler card at least every three years keeps you current and fresh on important food safety practices.
Make sure to download or print several copies of the certificate or card, and provide your manager with a copy if required.
If you lose your food handler card, you can redownload or print it — usually for free — from the training provider. Just visit the provider’s website and sign in to your account.
Summary
A Wisconsin 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 frequently.
The bottom line
Neither Wisconsin nor any of its counties require a food handler card to work at a food establishment, but your employer may still require it.
To earn a Wisconsin food handler card, simply enroll with a valid online training provider — such as FoodSafePal — complete the course content, and pass the test.
Earn Your ANAB-Accredited Wisconsin Food Handler Card
Use code “WI” at checkout for 30% OFF
A Wisconsin food handler card is generally good for three years.