Illinois Food Handlers Card
Card needed Food workers in Illinois need a food handlers card no later than 30 days after they start. Expect to pay $7.95 to $15 for one of the five approved online courses, and the card stays valid for three years.
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Where in Illinois do you work?
Illinois
Accredited courses from
$7.95
eFoodHandlers and Premier Food Safety, two of five approved courses
- Deadline
- Within 30 days of starting work
- Card lasts
- three years
- Card name
- Illinois food handler certificate
Every course listed is approved for Illinois, and each one gives you the same card as soon as you pass. This site does not issue cards. See the official rule.
All Illinois rules and coursesWork out when your card expires
Approved Courses in Illinois
eFoodHandlers
$7.95
Lasts three years
Start the eFoodHandlers coursePremier Food Safety
$7.95
Lasts three years
Start the Premier Food Safety courseLearn2Serve
$9.99
Lasts three years
Start the Learn2Serve courseAlways Food Safe
$10
Lasts three years
Start the Always Food Safe courseServSafe
$15
Lasts three years
Start the ServSafe course
Getting Your Card, Step by Step
- Choose a course that Illinois approves (every course listed here is). The cheapest courses for Illinois cost $7.95: eFoodHandlers and Premier Food Safety.
- Read the lessons, then pass the short test. You can stop and come back, and most people are done in one or two hours.
- As soon as you pass, print or save your card, and give your manager a copy.
Here is the rule, word for word: “Generally, employees should receive training within 30 days of hire and may be required to renew their training every three years.” (illinois-doit-prod-idph.amsadobe.com).
Renewing Your Card
Your Illinois card is good for three years from the day you pass. To get a new one, you take the same course and test again. Many people go back to the course company they used the first time. Type the date on your card into the renewal date tool to see the day it runs out.
Common Questions About the Illinois Food Handlers Card
Do I need a food handlers card in Illinois?
Yes. The state gives you 30 days from your start date to get the card.
How much does an Illinois food handlers card cost?
The cheapest is $7.95. Prices for Illinois: $7.95 at eFoodHandlers, $7.95 at Premier Food Safety, $9.99 at Learn2Serve, $10 at Always Food Safe, and $15 at ServSafe.
How long does an Illinois food handlers card last?
You can use it for three years after you get it.
Can I get my Illinois food handlers card online?
Yes. All five Illinois courses are online, and you can print your card as soon as you pass.