Illinois
Food Handler Card
Accredited, approved online food handler training. Complete in 75 minutes, print your certificate immediately.
- ANAB Accredited
- State Approved
- Complete in 75 Minutes
- Instant Certificate
- Mobile Friendly
- No Hidden Fees
Limited Time Offer
Ends 11/30
$15.00
$8.00
Valid for 3 Years👥 Buying for a team? You'll get assignable seats plus a manager dashboard — taking the course yourself is an option at checkout. Learn more about team training
Who Needs an Illinois Food Handler Card?
Illinois requires food handlers to complete food handler training within 30 days of starting work, under the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act (410 ILCS 625/3.06). In restaurants, the training must be ANSI-accredited, and it covers every food handler except someone holding a food service sanitation manager certificate. The Illinois Department of Public Health oversees the rule, and local health departments check training records during inspections.
Restaurants & Cafés
Cooks, servers, prep and dish staff
Grocery & Convenience Stores
Deli, bakery and produce staff
Schools & Child Care
Cafeteria and kitchen staff
Hospitals & Nursing Homes
Food service and dietary staff
Catering Teams
Event staff and food prep
Food Trucks
Mobile food crews
Illinois Food Handler Requirements
Illinois sets one rule for the whole state, and local governments can't add their own. For more detail, see our Illinois food handler requirements guide.
30 Days From Hire
Food handlers must complete training within 30 days of starting work (410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)). Many employers want it before your first shift.
ANSI-Accredited Training
Restaurant food handlers need ANSI-accredited training, which ANAB now accredits. IDPH automatically approves accredited programs, and ANAB's directory lists our Illinois Food Handler program.
Renew Every 3 Years
Restaurant food handlers renew their training every 3 years, and so do food handlers in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, child care and long-term care facilities.
One Rule Statewide
Food handler training is regulated only by the state. Cities and counties, including Chicago, can't add their own requirements (410 ILCS 625/3.06(h)).
Proof on Request
Your employer must be able to show a health inspector proof of your training, and an electronic copy counts. Accredited training moves with you to a new restaurant job.
Managers Are Exempt
Food handlers who hold a food service sanitation manager certificate don't need this training (410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)).
What You Will Learn
Our Illinois food handler course covers the core food safety topics every food handler needs, aligned with the FDA Food Code.
- 1
Foodborne Pathogens
Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and the Big 5 foodborne illnesses food handlers must recognize.
- 2
Employee Health & Hygiene
Proper handwashing, when to wash, illness reporting, and personal hygiene.
- 3
Time & Temperature Control
The temperature danger zone, safe cooking temperatures, and proper cooling.
- 4
Contamination Prevention
Cross-contamination risks, allergen awareness, and safe food storage.
- 5
Cleaning & Sanitizing
Sanitizer concentrations, three-compartment sinks, and food-contact surfaces.
How It Works
How to Get Your Illinois Food Handler Card
Enroll Online
Sign up in under 2 minutes. Just $8, no hidden fees.
Complete Training
Self-paced course takes about 75 minutes. Save and resume anytime.
Pass the Exam
Multiple-choice exam with a free retake included.
Download Your Card
Get your certificate instantly. Your employer keeps proof of your training for health inspectors.
Food Handler Card Comparison
Here is how our $8 Food Handler Card compares to other ANAB-accredited providers.
| Provider | Price | ANAB Accredited | Certificate Access | Mobile Friendly | Sells Your Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FenixFoodSafetyBEST VALUE | $8 | In 9 states | 3 Years | Yes | No |
| 360Training | $9.99 | Yes | 60 Days | Yes | Yes |
| eFoodHandlers | $9.95 | Yes | 3 Years | Yes | No |
| StateFoodSafety | $10.99 | Yes | 1 Year | Yes | No |
| ServSafe | $11.99 | Yes | 3 Years | Limited | Yes |
Prices verified as of February 2026. Competitor prices may change.
How Long Is an Illinois Food Handler Card Valid?
Illinois restaurant food handlers renew their training every 3 years (410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)). Your certificate shows how long it's valid.
3 Years
Renew your food handler training every three years.
Renewal
Take the course again before your certificate expires to stay compliant.
Keep Proof Handy
Your employer must be able to show a health inspector proof of your training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online food handler course accepted in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois accepts ANSI-accredited food handler training, online or in person, and IDPH automatically approves accredited programs. Ours is ANAB-accredited for Illinois.
When do I need my Illinois food handler card?
Within 30 days of starting work (410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)). The deadline is the same everywhere in Illinois, including Chicago.
Does Chicago have its own food handler requirement?
No. Illinois law makes food handler training a state-only matter, so Chicago and other cities can't add their own rules (410 ILCS 625/3.06(h)). The Chicago Department of Public Health checks training records during inspections.
Do managers need an Illinois food handler card?
Not if they hold a food service sanitation manager certificate. Those managers have their own requirements, including allergen awareness training (410 ILCS 625/3.07).
How long is an Illinois food handler card valid?
Three years. Restaurant food handlers must renew their training every 3 years (410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)).
Can I use my certificate at a new job?
Yes. Accredited training transfers between employers, though not between people (410 ILCS 625/3.06(b)).
What if I fail the food handler exam?
A free retake is included with your purchase, and you need 70% to pass.
How much does an Illinois food handler card cost?
$8, with no added fees.
Is the Fenix course ANAB-accredited for Illinois?
Yes. The ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) lists our Illinois Food Handler program in its directory, valid through September 16, 2030. FenixFoodSafety is ANAB Certificate Issuer #9262. Verify our Illinois listing on ANAB's website. (opens in a new tab)
Start Your Food Handler Training Today
Join a growing number of certified food handlers. Just $8 — no hidden fees, instant certificate.
Local guides by city
County rules, local health department contacts, and how the card works where you live.