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Food-safety certification

Illinois Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Illinois requires — the employee food handler card and the manager (CFPM) certification — who needs each, accepted programs, cost and renewal.
Educational summary, not legal advice — requirements change and localities can add their own; confirm with your health authority.

Food handler card

Required?
Required — Every food service employee (food handler) must complete food handler training within 30 days of hire. Holders of a valid Certified Food Protection Manager cert and unpaid volunteers are exempt.
State card
No distinct state card — ANAB-accredited food handler training accepted statewide.
Accepted programs
ServSafe Food HandlerStateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlersany ANAB-accredited provider
Typical cost
$8-20
Valid for
3 years · Retake an accredited course every 3 years
When to get it
Within 30 days of hire
Local exceptions
Applies statewide including Chicago; no separate Chicago handler card (Chicago uses the state framework).
Governed by
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) — Food Service Sanitation Act

Source: official page

Employee-level statewide requirement met by any ANAB-accredited course.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Food establishments must be under the supervision of a Certified Food Protection Manager (410 ILCS 625 / Illinois Food Code, adopting FDA Food Code 2-102.12).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one CFPM supervising the establishment
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Complete 8 hours of approved training and retake the ANSI-CFP accredited exam (no exam-only renewal)
Local registration
Chicago still requires a separate City of Chicago Food Service Sanitation Manager Certificate in addition to the state CFPM.
Governed by
Illinois Department of Public Health

Source: official page

Statewide Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC) was eliminated Jan 1, 2018 in favor of the CFPM (except Chicago). 8-hour training required.

Opening in Illinois? See Illinois food-business requirements, the inspection self-audit, and Illinois cottage food law if you're starting from home.

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Illinois?
Yes — Illinois requires a food handler card. Every food service employee (food handler) must complete food handler training within 30 days of hire. Holders of a valid Certified Food Protection Manager cert and unpaid volunteers are exempt. A card usually costs $8-20 and is valid for 3 years.
Does Illinois require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Illinois requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Food establishments must be under the supervision of a Certified Food Protection Manager (410 ILCS 625 / Illinois Food Code, adopting FDA Food Code 2-102.12). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Illinois?
A food handler card is an entry-level credential for employees who handle food — a short course and quiz. A manager (CFPM) certification is a more rigorous, proctored exam (like ServSafe Manager) held by a person responsible for food safety at the establishment. Many states require the manager credential even where they don't require handler cards for every employee.
Which food safety courses are accepted in Illinois?
Accepted programs are ANSI-accredited providers such as ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, National Registry, Prometric, and 360training/Learn2Serve, plus any state-specific card where one exists. Confirm the current accepted list with your health authority before paying.
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