To get a food handler's card in New Mexico, follow these easy steps:

1. Choose an Approved Training Program: Select a food handler training course that is recognized by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED). FHC Food Handler Classes offers a state-approved, 100% online course.
    
2. Complete the Online Course: The FHC food handler training covers essential food safety topics, including personal hygiene, preventing cross-contamination, proper cooking and holding temperatures, and safe food storage. The Food Handler Classes course usually takes 1 to 2 hours to complete.
    
3. Pass the Final Exam: After finishing the FHC food safety training course, you’ll take a multiple-choice exam to test your understanding of the food safety concepts you’ve learned.
    
4. Receive Your FHC New Mexico Food Handler Card: Once you pass the exam, you can immediately download and print your official FHC Food Handler Classes New Mexico food handler card. Be sure to keep a copy for yourself and provide one to your employer.
    
5. Renew Your Card: In New Mexico, your FHC food handler card is valid for three years. Make sure to renew it before it expires to remain in compliance with state requirements.

FHC Food Handler Classes offers a quick, affordable, and approved way to earn your New Mexico food handler card online!

In most cases, yes.

While the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) doesn’t impose a statewide requirement for food handler cards, many local health jurisdictions—especially in larger cities and counties—do.

Plus, most employers require food handler training within 30 days of hire as part of internal policy or to meet inspection standards.

You're most likely to need food handler certification if you're working in or near:

• Albuquerque

• Santa Fe

• Las Cruces

• Farmington

• Roswell

• Rio Rancho

• Carlsbad

• Gallup

• Taos

• Silver City

Even smaller towns often expect basic food safety training—especially in restaurants, schools, and hotels catering to tourists.

If your hands touch food, utensils, equipment, or prep surfaces, training is either required or strongly recommended in places like:

• Restaurants, bars, diners, and food trucks

• Casinos, hotels, lodges, and resorts

• Grocery stores, bakeries, and delis

• Theme parks, movie theaters, and cultural festivals

• Convenience stores with hot food

• Catering companies and event kitchens

• K-12 and college cafeterias

• Culinary programs and apprenticeships

• Local and tribal community kitchens

Whether you're serving green chile stew or assembling fry bread tacos—training matters.

Yes.

FHC® is ANAB-accredited and meets the nationally recognized standards that are accepted by many health departments and employers throughout New Mexico, including in tribal and rural jurisdictions where certified training is encouraged.

Let’s break it down New Mexico–style:

• Online and mobile-friendly – take it on your schedule, on your phone

• Short and straightforward – most complete it in under 90 minutes

• Available in English and Spanish – New Mexico’s most spoken languages

• Instant certificate – print it out or save it to your phone

• Just $7 – one of the most affordable options around

Yes!

Many New Mexico culinary arts programs—including at community colleges, tribal schools, and universities—accept this training as part of their lab, externship, or food service prep requirements.

Absolutely.  Public schools, charter schools, and childcare facilities across New Mexico often require their food service staff to complete food safety training. FHC® is accepted by many school districts statewide.

The FHC® food handler certificate is valid for 3 years, though some employers may suggest renewing it sooner depending on your position or risk level.