Yes. The Illinois Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act requires all food handlers in restaurants and other food service establishments to complete an ANSI-accredited food handler training course, such as FHC® Food Handler Classes. This applies to employees involved in food preparation, food storage, or food service.

To get a food handler's card in Illinois, follow these simple steps:

1. Choose an Approved Training Program: The first step is to select a food handler training course that is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Programs like FHC Food Handler Classes offer this training 100% online.

2. Complete the Online Course: The training typically covers essential food safety topics such as proper hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, cooking temperatures, and food storage.  The FHC course is designed to be quick and easy, taking about 1 to 2 hours to complete.

3. Pass the Final Exam: After completing the FHC Food Handler Classes course for Food Handlers in Illinois, you will need to take and pass a multiple-choice exam. The FHC exam tests your understanding of the food safety concepts taught during the training.

4. Receive Your FHC Food Handler Classes Illinois Food Handler Card: Once you pass the exam, you will be able to download and print your official FHC food handler card and certificate immediately. Keep a copy for yourself and provide a copy to your employer.

5. Renew Your Card: In Illinois, your FHC food handler card is valid for three years. Be sure to renew your training before it expires to stay compliant with state regulations.

At FHC Food Handler Classes, we offer a fast, affordable, and accredited solution for earning your Illinois food handler card online.

FHC® is available online statewide, including major Illinois cities like: Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet, Rockford, Springfield, Peoria, Elgin, Champaign, and Waukegan.

Whether you work in a small-town café or a downtown Chicago restaurant, our course meets state compliance requirements.

Food handler training is required for employees working in:

• Restaurants, bars, grills, and cafes

• Resorts, hotels, and lodges

• Casinos and horse racing tracks

• Convenience stores and grocery stores with food service

• Theme parks and movie theaters

• Catering companies and school cafeterias

• Culinary programs and institutional kitchens

If your job involves handling food, utensils, or food-contact surfaces, you must complete training within 30 days of hire.

Yes. FHC® Food Handler Classes is ANAB-accredited, which means it meets the state’s requirement for approved training providers under the Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines. Your certificate is valid statewide for restaurants, catering, and more.

The FHC® food handler certificate is valid for 3 years in Illinois from the date of completion, unless otherwise required by your employer or local jurisdiction.

Absolutely. FHC® Food Handler Classes offers a 100% online, mobile-friendly course. You can train and test anytime, anywhere—perfect for working professionals in the Illinois food industry.

The Illinois FHC® course starts at just $7, making it one of the most affordable and convenient training options in the state. You’ll receive a downloadable certificate upon passing.

Yes. FHC® is ideal for:

• Culinary students

• Interns or apprentices

• Hospitality program participants

It’s an excellent way to meet your certification requirement before or during your training placement in Illinois.

Yes. Food handlers in K-12 schools, colleges, universities, and daycares must also be certified. FHC® meets Illinois regulations for food safety training in educational institutions.

 You can verify your FHC® certificate instantly using the QR code on your certificate or by visiting the verification page at:  www.FoodHandlerClasses.com/verify-certificate