Course Details

Course Length: 75 minutes

Languages Available: English

Trip to Health Department Required?: No

Certificate/Card Length of Validity: 3 years

Test Details

Test Format: Multiple Choice

Number of Questions: 40

Test Attempts: 2

Passing Score: 70%

Learning Objectives

After successful completion of this course you should know:

Protect customers from germs spread from people to food by correctly handwashing, reporting illness symptoms, and following other hygiene practices.

Limit bacteria growth in food by controlling time and temperature and avoiding cross-contamination.

Identify major food allergens and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Correctly clean and sanitize food contact surfaces while preventing chemical contamination of food.

Reduce the spread of dangerous germs from pests by preventing their entrance into the workplace and correctly identifying and reporting signs of infestation.

Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing this course you will be able to:

Identify which illness symptoms, diagnoses, or conditions require them to notify a food manager prior to working with food.

Determine when and where to wash hands before working with food.
Identify major food allergens and communicate effectively with stakeholders.

Identify correct behaviors or practices for protecting food from physical or biological hazards originating from the food worker's own body.

Identify correct practices for preventing cross-contamination.

Identify correct practices for protecting food from time and temperature abuse throughout the flow of food.

Given a list of ingredients or food items, determine which is a considered a major food allergen by the FDA.

Identify correct practices for preventing allergen cross-contact throughout the flow of food.

Identify correct practices for protecting food from contamination originating from customers.

Determine when, where, and how to properly clean and sanitize equipment, ware items, and food contact surfaces.

Identify correct practices for using and storing chemicals to prevent chemical contamination of food or food contact surfaces.

Identify correct practices for preventing contamination originating from pests and other animals.

Approval Information

Approving Body: Arizona Department of Public Health

License Number (if applicable):

Approval Documentation:

Regulations:

Arizona Food Handler Statute

Arizona Food Handler Regulations

Accreditation Information

Accredited: Yes, this course is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board

Accreditation Documentation:

Arizona Food Handler Card FAQ

1. What is an Arizona Food Handler Card?

An Arizona Food Handler Card is a certificate that demonstrates an individual has completed a food safety training course approved by the state or county. It verifies understanding of essential food safety practices to prevent foodborne illnesses. The card is required for most food service workers in Arizona who handle unpackaged food, food equipment, or food-contact surfaces.

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) and Maricopa County Environmental Services

2. Who needs an Arizona Food Handler Card?

Any food service worker in Arizona who handles unpackaged food, potentially hazardous foods, or food-contact surfaces must obtain an Arizona Food Handler Card. This includes chefs, cooks, servers, baristas, bartenders, and others involved in food preparation or service. Managers with a Food Protection Manager Certification may be exempt.

Source: Arizona Revised Statutes Title 11. Counties § 11-269.12; Maricopa County Environmental Services

3. Is a Food Handler Card required statewide in Arizona?

Arizona state law requires an accredited food handler training program. Counties with mandatory requirements include Maricopa, Coconino, Gila, Pinal, Yavapai, La Paz, Greenlee, Mohave, and Yuma. Other counties, like Apache, Cochise, Graham, Navajo, and Pima, may not require it, but employers might still mandate it.

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services; County Health Department regulations

4. How do I get an Arizona Food Handler Card?

To obtain an Arizona Food Handler Card, follow these steps:

1. Enroll in an Approved Training Program: Choose an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited online or in-person course. FenixFoodSafety is currently in the accreditation process.
2. Complete the Training: Courses typically take 90-120 minutes and cover topics like foodborne illness, personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, and temperature control. FenixFoodSafety’s course takes approximately 75 minutes.
3. Pass the Exam: Achieve a minimum score of 70% on a 40–50 question multiple-choice test. Most providers offer 1–2 attempts.
4. Download or Receive Your Card: Upon passing, you can download and print your card instantly. Some counties may require you to register the certificate with the local health department for an official county-specific card, which may involve additional fees or proof of legal presence.

5. How much does it cost to get a Food Handler Card in Arizona?

The cost of an ANAB-accredited training course typically ranges. Some providers are as much as $15.00, which is cap set by state law. FenixFoodSafety has a price of $10. Some counties may charge additional fees for issuing a county-specific card. For example, Maricopa County may require a fee or proof of legal presence.

Source: Arizona Revised Statutes; Maricopa County Environmental Services

6. How long is the Food Handler Card valid?

The Arizona Food Handler Card is generally valid for 3 years from the date of issuance. However, Yuma County requires annual renewal. Check with your local health department for specific renewal requirements.

7. Can I take the Food Handler training online?

Yes, Arizona recognizes online food handler training from ANAB-accredited providers.

8. What topics are covered in the Food Handler training?

The training covers essential food safety topics, including:

• Foodborne illness prevention
• Personal hygiene (e.g., handwashing, grooming)
• Preventing cross-contamination
• Time and temperature control for safe food storage and preparation
• Cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces
• Allergen awareness

9. What happens if I fail the exam?

Most ANAB-accredited providers allow 1–2 retakes at no additional cost. If you fail after the allowed attempts, you may need to repurchase and retake the course. Check with your provider for specific policies.

10. Do I need to register my Food Handler Card with the county?

In some counties (e.g., Maricopa, Pinal, Yuma), you must present your certificate of completion to the local health department to obtain an official county-specific card. This may require additional fees or documentation, such as proof of legal presence (e.g., Arizona driver’s license, birth certificate, or U.S. employment authorization document).

Source: Maricopa County Environmental Services

11. Is the Food Handler Card valid across all Arizona counties?

An ANAB-accredited Food Handler Card is generally accepted in counties that require it, including Maricopa, Mohave, Coconino, Pima, Yuma, Pinal, and others. However, the Navajo Nation does not accept standard Arizona Food Handler Cards, and some counties may require additional registration or fees.

12. Can I reprint my Food Handler Card if I lose it?

Yes, most providers allow you to log into your account and reprint your card for free while it remains valid. If you received a county-issued card, contact the local health department for a replacement.

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services; County Health Departments

13. What are the consequences of not having a Food Handler Card?

Working without a valid Food Handler Card in a county that requires it can result in fines, penalties, or business closure until compliance is met. It also increases the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks, which can harm public health and a business’s reputation.

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services; CDC

14. Do I need a Food Handler Card for a cottage food business?

Yes, Arizona requires individuals operating a cottage food business to complete a food safety course to obtain a Food Handler Card or equivalent training.

15. How can I contact my local health department for more information?

For specific county requirements, contact your local health department:

• Maricopa County Environmental Services: www.maricopa.gov
• Pinal County: www.pinalcountyaz.gov
• Yuma County: www.yumacountyaz.gov
• Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS): www.azdhs.gov

Source: Arizona Department of Health Services

Disclaimer

This FAQ provides general guidance based on available information. Always check with your local health department or employer for specific requirements, as regulations may vary by county or change over time.