Food Handler Test Requirements by State (2026)

State Food Handler Requirements in 2026

Understanding your state’s food handler requirements is essential whether you are a new food service employee, a restaurant owner, or a manager responsible for staff compliance. While the core food safety concepts are universal, the specific rules about who needs certification, how quickly they must obtain it, and which training programs are accepted vary significantly from state to state.

States with Mandatory Statewide Requirements

These states require all food handlers to obtain certification:

• California — All food handlers must obtain a California Food Handler Card within 30 days of hire. Must use a provider approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Card valid for 3 years. Cost: $10–$15.
• Texas — All food handlers must complete a DSHS-approved food handler training program. Must be certified within 60 days of employment. Card valid for 2 years.
• Illinois — All food service employees must complete food handler training within 30 days of hire. City of Chicago has additional requirements.
• Arizona — Maricopa County (Phoenix area) requires food handler cards. Other counties may vary.
• Oregon — All food handlers must obtain an Oregon Food Handler Card before starting work. Valid for 3 years.
• Washington — All food workers must obtain a Washington State Food Worker Card before handling food. Valid for 2 years.
• Utah — All food handlers must obtain a Utah Food Handler Permit within 30 days. Valid for 3 years.
• West Virginia — County-level requirements; most counties require food handler training.

States with Local or Employer-Driven Requirements

These states do not have statewide mandates but may have local requirements:

• New York — No statewide requirement, but NYC requires food protection certificates for supervisors. Many employers require food handler training.
• Florida — DBPR requires food service employees to have training. Specific requirements depend on the type of establishment.
• Pennsylvania — No statewide food handler card requirement, but Philadelphia requires it.
• Ohio — No statewide mandate. County health departments set local requirements.
• Michigan — No statewide food handler card requirement. Some counties require training.
• Georgia — No statewide requirement. Many employers require training as a best practice.

Common Requirements Across States

While specific rules differ, most states share these common elements:

• Food handler training must be completed within 30–60 days of starting employment.
• The training must be from an accredited or state-approved provider.
• A passing score of 70–75% is required on the exam.
• The card or certificate must be kept on file at the workplace.
• Renewal is required every 2–3 years.
• At least one person per shift with a manager-level certification (like ServSafe) is required in many states.

What Happens If You Do Not Comply?

Failure to meet food handler requirements can result in:

• Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 per violation.
• Points on health inspection reports, potentially lowering the establishment’s grade.
• Temporary closure of the food establishment in severe cases.
• Termination of employment for individual food handlers.

The safest approach is to get certified as soon as possible, regardless of your state’s specific timeline. Our free practice test will prepare you for any state’s food handler exam.