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: Illinois Department of Public Health

License Number (if applicable):

Approval Documentation:

Regulations:

Illinois Food Handler Training

Illinois Department of Public Health – Food Handler FAQs

Accreditation Information

Accredited:

Accreditation Documentation:

Illinois Food Handler Card FAQ

General Information

What is a food handler card?
A food handler card is a certificate that proves you have completed a food safety training course approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) or accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). It demonstrates your understanding of basic food safety practices, including hygiene, contamination prevention, and temperature control.

Who needs a food handler card in Illinois?
Any individual working with unpackaged food, food equipment, utensils, or food-contact surfaces in Illinois must have a food handler card within 30 days of hire. This includes employees in restaurants, food trucks, concession stands, and some non-restaurant settings like nursing homes or schools. Exemptions include unpaid volunteers, certified food protection managers, and employees handling only pre-packaged items.

Is food handler training mandatory in Illinois?
Yes, under the Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act (effective July 1, 2014), food handlers in restaurants must complete ANAB-accredited training. Non-restaurant food handlers need training approved by IDPH. Training must be renewed every three years for restaurant employees.

Getting Your Card

How do I get a food handler card in Illinois?

1. Enroll in an ANAB accredited or IDPH-approved online or in-person training course
2. Complete the course, which typically takes 1-2 hours.
3. Pass the final exam (minimum 70% score).
4. Download or print your certificate immediately, or receive a wallet card by mail depending on the provider.

Can I take the course online?
Yes, Illinois accepts online courses from ANAB-accredited providers or IDPH-approved programs. These are self-paced and accessible 24/7 on devices like computers or smartphones.

How much does it cost?
Training costs vary but must not exceed $15 per the Illinois law.

How long does it take to complete the training?
Most courses around 2 hours, depending on the provider and your pace.

Validity and Renewal

How long is my food handler card valid?
The card is valid for three years from the issue date. You must retake the course and pass the exam to renew before expiration.

How do I renew my food handler card?
Re-enroll in an approved course, complete the training, pass the exam, and obtain a new certificate. Some providers allow you to reprint expired cards, but you may need to retake the course.

What if I lose my card?
Log into your training provider’s account to reprint your digital certificate for free.

Additional Details

Do employers have to pay for the training?
No, employers are not required to cover the cost, though some may reimburse employees based on company policy.

What if I fail the exam?
Most providers allow two attempts to pass. If you fail both, you may need to re-register and pay for the course again, though some offer unlimited retakes.

Where can I find official guidelines?
Visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website (dph.illinois.gov) for current regulations and approved training programs.