Yes.

While Marion County (home to Fairmont) does not currently have a county-wide ordinance mandating food handler certification, many local employers, school systems, and food service operations require it as part of their internal policy. FHC® Food Handler Classes is ANAB-accredited, which meets recognized national standards and is commonly accepted by restaurants, convenience stores, schools, and catering businesses throughout Marion County.

If you're preparing or serving food in Fairmont, White Hall, or surrounding areas, completing FHC® training is a smart way to meet job requirements and stay inspection-ready.

Not across the board—but don’t skip it.

West Virginia does not have a statewide law that mandates food handler certification. However, many county health departments and employers require it, especially in places where restaurants, schools, or lodging businesses are regulated more strictly.

In other words, if you handle food, your employer probably expects you to be certified—even if the state doesn’t force it.

 Training is often expected in or near:

• Charleston

• Huntington

• Morgantown

• Wheeling

• Parkersburg

• Beckley

• Fairmont

• Martinsburg

• Bluefield

Especially in tourist areas, college towns, and larger school districts, food handler training is becoming a standard expectation.

Here’s a quick list:

• Restaurants, cafés, and diners

• Bars, grills, and taverns

• Resorts, hotels, and mountain lodges

• Casinos and racetrack kitchens

• Grocery store delis and convenience store hot food counters

• Movie theaters and fairgrounds

• Caterers and food trucks

• School cafeterias and child nutrition programs

• Vocational and culinary training programs

If you touch food—or clean things that touch food—you probably need this training.

Yes. FHC® is ANAB-accredited, which means it meets national standards for food safety training. This credential is widely accepted by West Virginia employers and recognized by many county health departments.

Here’s the scoop:

• Online and self-paced—take it on your schedule

• Works on any device—computer, tablet, or phone

• Takes about 60–90 minutes to complete

• Instant certificate download after you pass

• Just $7 for everything—no hidden fees

• Available in English and Spanish

Yes. Many West Virginia school systems require their food service staff to complete food safety training. FHC® meets those expectations and makes certification quick and easy for school kitchen teams.

Yes! FHC® is ideal for culinary and hospitality students in West Virginia. Whether you're in a high school program, community college, or technical school, this training typically satisfies food safety requirements for internships, externships, or food labs.

Your FHC® Food Handler certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of completion—though some employers may suggest earlier renewal.