How Can I Earn a Food Handler's License?

<h3 id="section---FoodHandlerSDefinition">Food Handler's Definition</h3> <p>A food handler is anyone working in the food industry who handles unpackaged food or works with food preparation equipment or in areas where food is prepared. All of these professionals may be required to have a food handler permit/license. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>Continuing Education</td><td> Food safety employee training, food allergen training</td></tr> <tr><td>Work Environment</td><td> Restaurants, cafeterias, grocery stores, hospitals</td></tr> <tr><td>Online Availability</td><td> License programs are available online</td></tr> <tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td> Chef, line cook, food and beverage server, bakery assistant</td></tr> <tr><td>Median Salary (2018)</td><td>$23,730 <i>(food preparation workers)</i></td></tr> <tr><td>Job Outlook (2016-2026)</td><td>8% <i>(food preparation workers)</i></td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatIsAFoodHandlerSPermit">What Is a Food Handler's Permit?</h3> <p>In most cases, the term 'food handler's license' refers to a permit or card required to work with food. Food handlers may be regulated by the state, but regulation is often administered at the county or city level by <a href="http://learn.org/articles/How_Do_I_Become_a_Restaurant_Health_Inspector.html">restaurant health inspectors</a>. Requiring a food handler's card or permit is a safeguard for the public that helps the government ensure safe food-handling practices are being followed. Safe food handling regulations help to reduce the transmission of food-borne illnesses and diseases. </p> <h3 id="section---FoodHandlerSCardRequirements">Food Handler's Card Requirements</h3> <p>A food handler card is issued by a local health department agency. Although the requirements for obtaining this license, such as the initial cost, vary by each state, all applicants are required to take a licensing exam. Some states also require the completion of a food handler course before allowing an applicant to take an exam. Courses are offered online through a local health department or government agency and can typically be completed in one day. A course covers safe food-handling practices, personal hygiene, equipment sanitation, and potential hazards. During the course, you may review handbooks, watch videos, and attend lectures. After completing the course, you may take or schedule a licensure exam. </p> <p>These programs may be offered online or in a classroom setting at a local community college, restaurant, or cafeteria businesses. You might also seek courses through your state's health department. </p> <h3 id="section---FoodHandlingLicenseRenewal">Food Handling License Renewal</h3> <p>Food handler cards or permits often must be renewed on a regular basis. A typical license period is for three years; however, the length of time a card is valid depends upon the individual agency issuing the food handler license. License renewal typically includes updating personal information and a passing score on an exam. License renewal agencies provide testing options online via their website, on computers at their office and through an examination class, also at their office. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerInformation">Career Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), food preparation workers made a median annual salary of $23,730 in 2018. Additionally, this career was predicted to grow at a rate of 8%, which is as fast as average compared to other jobs, from 2016-2026. Food preparation workers may perform a variety of basic tasks that have to do with assembling or preparing meals for buying customers. Although generally not required for most positions in this field, there are degrees available in <a href="http://learn.org/articles/Where_Can_I_Earn_a_Degree_in_Food_Service_Management.html">food service management</a> for those wishing to advance their career.</p>