Do You Need a Food Handler Card?

Whether you need a food handler card depends on where you work. Food handler certification requirements are set at the state level, and they vary dramatically across the country. Some states require every single food service worker to be certified, while others have no statewide requirement at all and leave it to counties, cities, or individual employers. Understanding your state’s specific rules is essential for both employees and employers.

As of 2026, approximately 16 states have mandatory statewide food handler certification requirements. Many more states have county-level or city-level requirements. Even in states without legal requirements, many employers require food handler certification as a condition of employment.

States with Mandatory Statewide Requirements

The following states require food handler certification for all (or most) food service workers:

Western States

• California: All food handlers must be certified within 30 days of hire. ANSI-accredited programs accepted. Card valid for 3 years.
• Oregon: All food workers must have a Food Handler Card. Valid for 2 years in most counties (3 in some). Can test in multiple languages.
• Washington: Food Worker Card required. Valid for 2 years. Can be obtained through local health departments or approved online providers.
• Arizona: All food handlers must be certified. Card valid for 3 years. Multiple approved providers available.
• Utah: Food Handler Permit required. Valid for 2 years. Must use a provider approved by the Utah Department of Health.
• Montana: Food Handler Certificate required. Valid for 2 years.
• New Mexico: Food Handler Card required. Valid for 3 years.

Central and Southern States

• Texas: All food handlers must be certified within 60 days of hire. Card valid for 2 years. Must use a DSHS-approved provider.
• Illinois: All food service employees must have a Food Handler Certificate. Valid for 3 years. Training must be ANSI-accredited.
• Oklahoma: Food handler certification required. Valid for 2 years.
• West Virginia: Food Handler Card required. Valid for 3 years.

Eastern States

• Rhode Island: Food handler training required for all food workers.
• Maine: Requires food safety training for food service workers.

States with County or City Requirements

Many states do not have statewide requirements but have counties or cities that mandate food handler certification. These include:

• Florida: No statewide requirement, but many counties and employers require it.
• New York: No statewide food handler card requirement, but NYC has its own food safety regulations.
• Pennsylvania: No statewide requirement, but many employers require certification.
• Ohio: Requirements vary by county.
• Michigan: No statewide requirement, but some counties mandate training.
• Colorado: Varies by county. Some counties have strict requirements.
• Nevada: Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) have specific requirements.

Common Requirements Across States

While specifics vary, most states with food handler requirements share these common elements:

• Timeline: Employees must be certified within 30 to 60 days of starting a food service job
• Cost: $10 to $15 for the certification exam
• Format: Online or in-person training followed by a multiple-choice exam
• Passing score: 70% to 75%
• Validity: 2 to 3 years before renewal is needed
• Languages: Most providers offer exams in multiple languages including Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, Korean, and Filipino

Manager Certification Requirements

In addition to food handler cards for all employees, most states require at least one certified food protection manager per establishment. This is a higher-level certification such as ServSafe Manager. The requirement is usually that a certified manager must be on duty during all hours of operation, or at minimum, one manager per establishment must be certified.

What If Your State Has No Requirement?

Even if your state does not legally require a food handler card, getting certified is still a good idea for several reasons:

• Many employers require it: Major restaurant chains and food service companies often require food handler certification regardless of state law.
• It makes you more employable: Having a food handler card on your resume shows initiative and demonstrates your commitment to food safety.
• It protects you and your customers: The knowledge you gain genuinely helps prevent foodborne illness.
• It is cheap and fast: For under $15 and 2 hours of your time, the return on investment is excellent.

Find Your State’s Requirements

For detailed information about your specific state, including approved providers, costs, and deadlines, visit our comprehensive state requirements page. We keep this information updated so you always have the latest requirements.

Prepare for Your State’s Exam

No matter which state you are in, the core food safety content is the same. Prepare with our free tools:

• Practice Test with questions covering all exam topics
• Study Guide with detailed explanations
• Flashcards for quick memorization
• Exam Simulation to practice under timed conditions