How to Obtain a Food Handler's Certificate

In order to legally work in the food service industry, most local health departments require that you take a class and a test to qualify for a food handler's certificate or food handler's card. In addition to fulfilling the legal requirement, the process of learning the required information and taking the food handler's test provides you with valuable information that enables you to protect yourself and your customers from foodborne illnesses.

Things You'll Need

• Food handler's certificate fee

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Instructions

Obtaining a Food Handler's Certificate

• 1

  Contact your local health department and ask when you can take a food handler's test to receive a food handler's certificate. If you live in a major city, your local health department will probably offer food worker classes at multiple locations on multiple days each week.

• 2

  Arrive early for your food worker's test, register and pay the fee. Pay attention during the class and remember the information the instructor teaches about effective handwashing procedures, food temperature control, sanitation and proper food storage.

• 3

  Take and pass the multiple choice test administered at the end of the food handler's class to receive your food handler's certificate.

• 4

  Keep your food handler's certificate in your wallet and provide a copy for your employer. Renew your food handler's certificate as often as your municipality requires.