Getting your card
Illinois food handler training: who needs it and by when
It depends on the kind of place you work. Where Illinois requires food handler training, you generally get it within 30 days of hire, from a program accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or an in-house one the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has approved, as of October 2026.
- ExamPFH
- UpdatedOct 14, 2026
On this page 4 sections
Who needs it, and by when
IDPH words this carefully: training is required for food employees based on the type of food establishment they work in. Generally that means training within 30 days of hire, and renewal may be required every three years (IDPH food handler training, as of October 2026). The words generally and may are IDPH's own. The detail lives in the state Food Code, so in a gray-area job your manager or the local health department has the final say.
Two kinds of training count: a program accredited by ANSI, or an internal program IDPH has approved. Right now IDPH approves internal programs only for non-restaurants. Work in a restaurant, then, and you're looking at an ANSI-accredited course.
The National Environmental Health Association's (NEHA) Professional Food Handler (PFH) course is one of those. Its accreditation comes from the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), and NEHA appears in ANAB's Illinois scope. Background: ANAB-accredited food handler cards. Other states: the state-by-state card rules.
Already a certified food protection manager? IDPH says this training isn't aimed at you.
Where Illinois stands
| State | What's required | Deadline | Good for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Food handler training by establishment type: ANSI-accredited, or an IDPH-approved internal program (non-restaurants only) | Generally within 30 days of hire | May be required every 3 years | IDPH |
Your first month, Illinois version
Day 1
Ask what the kitchen uses
Some employers buy one course for the whole crew. Others leave it to you. Asking on day one saves you buying a course twice.
Week 1–2
Get the basics down
Danger zone, handwashing, when a sick worker stays home, sanitizer strength. Drill them on the free practice test between shifts.
Before day 30
Pass an accredited course
NEHA's PFH: about two hours, seven modules, 70% to pass, $15 online (NEHA, as of October 2026). ServSafe Food Handler and StateFoodSafety also sit in ANAB's Illinois scope.
After that
A copy goes in the file
Your employer keeps training records for the inspector. You keep your own copy.
Straight answers on Illinois training
Is there a state of Illinois food handlers license?
IDPH frames it as training. What you end up holding is a certificate from the program you passed, ANSI-accredited or IDPH-approved.
Does a ServSafe food handler certificate work in Illinois?
ServSafe Food Handler is listed in ANAB's Illinois scope, same as NEHA's PFH (ANAB directory, as of October 2026). Both are ANSI-accredited routes. Go with what your employer prefers; the two are side by side on PFH vs ServSafe Food Handler.
When does Illinois training need renewing?
IDPH says renewal may be required every three years, and NEHA's certificate runs three years from your pass date. Timing and the how-to are on renewing a food handler card.
Is the Illinois food handler test something I take online?
Usually, yes. ANSI-accredited providers sell online courses with the test built in. NEHA's costs $15 in English or Spanish, assessment included (NEHA store).