Illinois Food Handling Certificate Training

Illinois requires that establishments serving food to the public are supervised by an individual with a management sanitation training certificate. Establishments considered low risk for food safety problems, such as facilities that serve only beverages are exempt, according to the Illinois Administrative Code.

Requirements

• To obtain an Illinois management sanitation training certificate, a person must take a 15-hour training course approved by the state Department of Public Health and pass an examination with a score of 75 percent or better. A fee of $35 is also required (as of September, 2010).

Time Frame

• A management sanitation training certificate is good for five years from the date of issuance. To renew a certificate, the individual must complete a five-hour refresher course approved by the health department. The department should receive the documentation concerning the course completion prior to the expiration date of the original certificate.

Special Circumstances

• Although Illinois food handling regulations require that a certified manger is on the premise of the establishment in most situations, a temporary absence due to an illness or running an errand is not considered a violation of the law. However, the establishment must show that the manager was scheduled to work during time she was away from the premises.