Who needs training?

Under the Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act (410 ILCS 625), food handlers must complete food handler training within 30 days of being hired. That includes cooks, servers, bussers, dishwashers, deli and bakery staff, and anyone who works with unpackaged food, equipment or food-contact surfaces.

Exempt: people who hold a valid Certified Food Protection Manager certification, and unpaid volunteers.

Is this course accepted?

Yes. Illinois law says an ANSI-accredited food handler training program is automatically approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). This course is ANAB-accredited, so you don’t need to register it with IDPH.

Sources: 410 ILCS 625/3.06 · IDPH Food Handler FAQ

How long is it valid?

Restaurant food handlers must renew every 3 years, and restaurant training is valid statewide and transfers when you change employers.

Food handlers in nursing homes, child care, hospitals, schools and long-term care facilities also renew every 3 years. In other non-restaurant settings, such as grocery stores, training does not transfer between employers.

Chicago and Cook County

The state food handler rule applies everywhere in Illinois, including Chicago, Cook County, Springfield, Rockford, Peoria and Naperville. Keep your certificate where your manager can show it: inspectors can ask for proof of training at any inspection, and electronic copies are allowed.

¿Prefiere tomar el curso en español? Las lecciones y el examen final están disponibles en español por $15.95. Vea la página en español. La página de pago está en inglés.

Need the manager certification instead? Managers and persons in charge need a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate. See our Illinois ServSafe^® Food Manager course.

1Register Online

Sign up in a few minutes and start the course online.

2Complete the Training

Work through short lessons at your own pace on any device. Most people finish in about 1 hour, and your progress is saved.

3Pass & Print Your Certificate

Pass the course exam (70% or higher) and download or print your Illinois food handler certificate right away.

Why employers use this course

• ✓$15.95 per employee – no subscriptions or setup fees
• ✓Set the quantity at checkout (up to 50 per order)
• ✓Each employee gets their own login and certificate
• ✓Mobile-friendly, so staff can finish between shifts
• ✓Certificates can be kept electronically for inspections

Who should take this course?

• ✓Restaurant, café and diner staff – servers, cooks, dishwashers and bussers
• ✓Fast food and quick-service employees
• ✓Food truck, concession and festival workers
• ✓Catering and banquet staff
• ✓Grocery deli, bakery and prepared-foods employees
• ✓School cafeteria, hospital, child care and long-term care food staff

What You’ll Learn

• How foodborne illness happens and how to prevent it
• Time and temperature control for safety
• Personal hygiene and proper handwashing
• Preventing cross-contamination and allergen cross-contact
• Safe storage, thawing and handling
• Cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces

What You Get for $15.95

• ✓ANAB-accredited Illinois food handler training
• ✓Final exam and printable certificate
• ✓3-year certificate for Illinois restaurant workers
• ✓Available in English and Spanish – choose your language when you start the course
• ✓Works on any phone, tablet or computer – nothing to download

Is this course accepted in Illinois?

Yes. Illinois law says an ANSI-accredited food handler training program is automatically approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This course is ANAB-accredited and built to the ASTM E2659 standard.

Do I need an Illinois food handler card?

Most food employees do. Illinois requires food handlers to complete training within 30 days of being hired. People with a valid Certified Food Protection Manager certification and unpaid volunteers are exempt. If you are unsure, ask your employer or local health department.

Is it accepted in Chicago?

Yes. The state food handler training rule applies throughout Illinois, including Chicago and Cook County.

How long does the course take?

Most people finish in about 1 hour. The course is self-paced, saves your progress, and works on any device.

How much does it cost?

$15.95 per person. That includes the training, the final exam and your certificate.

What score do I need to pass?

You need 70% or higher on the course exam. Illinois does not set its own minimum score; each accredited course sets its passing score.

When do I get my certificate?

As soon as you pass the exam, you can download and print your certificate. You can also keep a digital copy on your phone.

How long is my certificate valid?

Restaurant food handlers must renew every 3 years. Food handlers in nursing homes, child care, hospitals, schools and long-term care facilities also renew every 3 years.

If I change jobs, do I need a new certificate?

Restaurant food handler training is valid statewide and transfers to a new restaurant employer. Training taken for other non-restaurant settings, such as grocery stores, does not transfer between employers.

Is the course available in Spanish?

Yes. You choose English or Spanish when you start the course, and the lessons and exam appear in that language.

Is this the ServSafe Food Handler course?

No. This is a different ANAB-accredited food handler course that meets the same Illinois requirement. It is not affiliated with ServSafe.

I have a Food Protection Manager certification. Do I need this too?

No. Illinois exempts people who hold a valid Certified Food Protection Manager certification from food handler training.

Can I buy the course for my employees?

Yes. Set the quantity at checkout, up to 50 per order, and each employee receives their own course access and certificate.