Earn Your Food Handler Certificate 100% Online

Food Handler

Our online food handler courses provide state-specific instruction on food safety and hygiene, ensuring that food service professionals can meet their training requirements with one convenient course.

It's fast and simple to get your food handler certificate 100% online. Online courses ensure everyone has access to the training they need to handle, prepare and serve food responsibly. Upon successful course completion, you can instantly download your safe food handling certificate and food handler safety training card.

Most state governments require food service workers to complete safe food handling training, including employees who work with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food contact surfaces. This training reinforces safety and hygiene standards and helps prevent the spread of foodborne illness.

Who Needs Food Handler Training?

Food handler training is required for employees who work with food, food equipment or food contact surfaces. This can include a wide variety of jobs across multiple industries.

Examples of workers who need a safe food handling certification include:

  • Cooks
  • Kitchen assistants
  • Servers
  • Food industry cashiers
  • Fruit pickers
  • Butchers
  • Bakery employees
  • Caterers
  • Delivery personnel
  • Warehouse employees
  • Shop assistants
  • Nursing home employees
  • Cafeteria workers
  • And more

Employers often require food handlers to complete their training before starting work. Some businesses will give employees a certain amount of time to complete their training, such as within 60 days of beginning employment.

What Will I Learn in Food Handler Training?

Food handler training covers a wide range of topics related to food safety and hygiene, including state-specific laws and regulations for food handlers. Course topics can vary depending on your state's training requirements.

Online food handler training topics include:

  • Basic food safety
  • Personal hygiene
  • Avoiding cross contamination
  • Preventing foodborne illness
  • Time and temperature controls
  • Food receiving and storage
  • Cleaning and sanitization
  • Pest control
  • Food spoilage

Select your state at the top or bottom of this page to learn more about food handler training requirements in your area.

My son and I had to take the class to get our food handlers certificate. This one was great. Easy to take and print certificate.

— Gayla B.

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Food Handler Training FAQs

What is food handler training?

Food handler training provides workers with the knowledge and skills to handle food safely and prevent the spread of foodborne illness. Students learn about a variety of topics, including personal hygiene, types of foodborne illnesses, cleaning and sanitization, and time and temperature controls.

This training helps prevent hazardous outcomes like cross-contamination and food poisoning. In most states, safe food handling requirements are governed by the Department of Health. Select your state from the top or bottom of this page to learn more about specific training requirements for your state.

How do I get my food handler card?

Online food handler training provides everything you need to become a certified food handler in your state. You'll earn your food handler card after completing the course.

Most safe food handling courses require you to complete knowledge checks after each module and pass a final exam. Specific training requirements do vary by state, however. Select your state from the top or bottom of this page to find specific info about your state's requirements.

Once you have successfully completed the course, your food handler safety training card and certificate will be available for instant download.

Will my food handler certification expire?

Yes. In most states, food handler cards expire every two or three years. Once your card has expired, you will need to take a refresher course or test in order to remain compliant.

Card expirations are typically set by state laws and regulations, so be sure to check with your state health board or employer for more information.

Do I need to complete my food handler training in one sitting?

No. Because our course is 100% online, you are free to log on and off as needed. Taking the course at your own pace ensures that you learn at the speed that works best for you. Our easy-to-follow courses are short enough to complete in one sitting, and you can take breaks at any time.