Getting your card
In Oregon, only an OHA-approved card counts
Only a card from a provider approved by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) counts in Oregon: $10, due within 30 days of starting work, good for three years (as of October 2026). A Professional Food Handler (PFH) certificate from the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) isn't one of them.
- ExamPFH
- UpdatedOct 14, 2026
On this page 4 sections
How the Oregon system works
OHA keeps a table of approved providers, sorted by county, and says any provider not listed there isn't approved for Oregon certification (OHA food handler certification, as of October 2026). Copycat sites are a known problem. OHA warns about fake online courses claiming Oregon approval and tells you to use your county's link to reach a real provider.
A card from any Oregon county is good statewide, Multnomah included. A Portland card works in Salem and the other way round.
Holding a valid food manager training certificate? OHA accepts it in place of a food handler card.
Where that leaves the PFH: NEHA's course isn't an OHA-approved Oregon card, so it doesn't meet the Oregon rule. Our practice test still helps with the material itself, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code basics, before you sit an approved provider's test. Other states: card rules by state.
Food handler cards issued in other states are not valid in Oregon.
Oregon's numbers
| State | What's required | Deadline | Good for | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | Card from an OHA-approved provider | Within 30 days of beginning work | 3 years | Oregon Health Authority |
Card fee $10. Program rules: Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 333-175.
Your Oregon card, start to finish
- Find your county on OHA's approved-provider table.
- Take that provider's class and test, online or through your local environmental health office.
- Pay the $10 card fee.
- Print the card and give your manager a copy.
- Note the issue date; the card runs three years from it.
When something goes sideways in Oregon
How much is an Oregon food handlers card?
$10, and it's valid for three years (OHA, as of October 2026). Comparing with other states? See what a food handler card costs.
Is there an Oregon food handlers card practice test?
Approved providers train you for their own test. For extra reps on the food safety itself, our practice is free. It issues nothing; Oregon cards come only from approved providers.
How do I renew my Oregon food handlers card?
The card runs three years from issue. Check with an approved provider or your local environmental health office before it runs out.
I lost my card. Can I get a duplicate?
If you tested at a local environmental health office, that office issues a duplicate for $5. Took the class online? Contact that provider directly (OHA).
Does a Washington card count in Oregon?
No. Oregon doesn't take cards issued in other states, and Washington has the mirror-image rule; see the Washington food worker card.