Illinois Department of Public Health, Food, Drugs and Dairies Version 6 (April 12, 2016)
How is the training administered?
Training can be on-line, computer, classroom, live trainers, remote trainers and by certified food service sanitation
managers. For those food handlers working in restaurants, the training must be ANSI approved, unless their local health
department has been approved by the Department to provide food handler training to restaurants or they work for a
business with a Department approved internal training program.
Will everyone receiving food handler training receive a certificate?
Not every food handler training course will issue a certificate, but proof of training must be available in the facility upon
inspector request. Proof of training can be in the form of a written or electronic list that must contain the food handler’s
name, training received and date of training.
How long is the certificate valid?
Those working in non-restaurants are not required to take another food handler training, unless they go to work for
another employer or if they work in nursing homes, licensed day care homes and facilities, hospitals, schools or long-
term care facilities. Food handlers working in those facilities must receive training every three years. Food handler
training for those working in non-restaurants is not transferable between employers.
Will the state issue food handler certifications?
No, the state will not issue food handler certifications. The state will continue to issue the Food Service Sanitation
Manager Certification (FSSMC).
Will my food handler certificate be valid throughout Illinois?
No, non-restaurant training is not transferable between employers.
Is the employer responsible for paying for food handler training?
No, an employer is not responsible for paying for food handler training, since it is the property of the certificate holder.
Who can teach food handler courses?
Anyone can teach food handler training courses. It is important to remember it is not who is teaching the training, but
that you receive the appropriate training based on whether you work in a restaurant or non-restaurant.
Food handlers working in non-restaurants can take any food handler training course registered and approved by the
Department.
Common Questions Regarding Food Handler Training
Do nursing or therapy staff working in a hospital, nursing home, etc. need to have food handler training?
Nursing and therapy staff are not required to have food handler training. Even though some nursing and therapy staff
may deliver trays or assist patients with feeding, the intention of the food handler training requirement is for food
handlers working in the food preparation and food service areas of the facility that fall under the Illinois Food Code.
However, because nursing and therapy staff serve a highly susceptible population, food handler training is strongly
encouraged.
Are teachers in daycares or other childcare centers required to have food handler training?
Because some daycares and childcare centers portion, serve and consume their meals in the classroom, outside of the
food preparation area of the facility, it is strongly encouraged that they receive food handler training. It is not required
because the classrooms do not fall under the Illinois Food Code. However, because they serve a highly susceptible
population, food handler training is strongly encouraged.
I work at a Summer Food site, do I need food handler training?
Yes, food handlers working at Summer Food sites are required to have food handler training.