This online food handler course makes it easy to comply with state training requirements and learn how to safely prepare and serve food. If you have been hired as a food handler by any business in Illinois, you have 30 days to obtain a food handler card to meet Illinois state health regulations.
This two-hour food handler program is ANAB accredited and meets all requirements set forth by the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act of Illinois.
Once you complete the course, you can instantly print out your certificate and food handler card. Your food handler training is transferrable between jobs. Food handlers must refresh their food handler training every three years.
You don't need to go to a time-consuming in-person class. Our course is broken down into seven segments that you can complete all at once or whenever it fits into your day.
Sign up for food handler training online using our secure payment platform. You have up to 180 days to complete the course.
Finish the seven course modules on your schedule. Take the final test the same day or when it fits into your schedule.
Once you pass the exam, print out your wallet-sized food handler card and certificate. Your food handler card is valid for three years.
According to the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act of Illinois, any employee who handles unpackaged foods, food preparation surfaces, food equipment or utensils is considered a food handler. You may need a food handler card if you work in a restaurant, deli, food truck, concession stand or another place where food is prepared and served. This can include supermarkets and corner stores.
Some positions that require food handler training include:
Daycare centers, nursing homes and other facilities may require food handler training for employees who serve or prepare meals and snacks. Some positions such as nurses or teachers may not require training. However, if you are involved with handling food in any capacity, training is recommended.
You do not need an Illinois food handler certificate if you work at a one-day event or as a volunteer. If you have more questions about our food handler program and state training requirements, visit our FAQ page.
The Illinois Food Handler course covers a wide range of food safety subjects. The course includes seven modules. For an in-depth overview of each unit, see the course details page.
The course topics include:
After you complete the course, you will have a good understanding of how to protect the health of your customers through proper food handling practices. Your Illinois food handler certificate and card are good for three years, even if you switch jobs.
Each course module ends with a three-question quiz. You must score at least 66% on each quiz to proceed to the next section. You have unlimited attempts at each quiz, so you can continue trying until you receive a passing grade.
The course ends with a 40-question final exam. The questions are multiple choice. To earn your official food handler card and certificate, you must earn a passing score of 70%. Unlike the quizzes, you only have two attempts to pass the final exam. If you do not receive a passing score after two tries, you will be required to re-register for the course and restart your training.
As required by the state of Illinois, our online food handler program is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) through our partner StateFoodSafety. ANAB ensures that our training program meets or exceeds the institute's quality standards and follows industry standards and requirements for worker education. Because our food handler program is accredited by ANAB, we are permitted to issue food handler cards that are accepted in every business across Illinois and by your local health inspector.
