By Mitti (by SafetyCulture) Content Team · 14 Sept 2026
Create a valuable dining experience for your customers with this food handler refresher course by Mitti (by SafetyCulture). The lessons offer a comprehensive guide to food safety and the roles of food handlers in Illinois. It also shares crisis management tips for emergencies like power outages and floods.
Divided into six parts, your team can refresh their knowledge on food safety hazards, hygiene practices, and cleaning and sanitation procedures. Plus, they can also learn about temperature control and the necessary skills to prevent cross-contamination and foodborne illnesses.
Once they’ve completed their digital training, you can quickly evaluate your team’s skills on the job with Practical Assessments. This in-person assessment tool allows you to pass or fail members in real time. Simply scan their individual QR code to access the digital checklist, which you can customize from the mobile app.
The next Illinois food handler certification by eFoodHandlers covers basic food safety principles for your business. Your team can learn how poor handling causes allergic reactions and illnesses. It also offers tips to reduce food contamination, manage time and temperature, and maintain a clean environment.
This course is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), so the quality of its training materials is industry-approved. Your team can claim their Illinois food handlers license upon completing the lessons and passing the test. This course is also available in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, and Vietnamese.
This food handler course from Learn2Serve by 360training caters to those working in fast food, fine dining, and counter-service restaurants. Specifically, it targets those handling food equipment, unpackaged food, or food-contact surfaces.
The modules tackle food safety, types of foodborne illnesses, and personal hygiene. It takes two hours to complete, and your team will have up to two attempts to pass the exam. Only then can they access their food handler card and certificate.
Approved by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB), this course can help your staff learn the basics of food safety. It explores the different types of foodborne illnesses and their causes. The modules offer practical advice for preventing food contamination during handling and preparation.
Upon purchase, your employees will have 60 days to access the course. Like the other food handler training courses on this list, this course is self-paced. Should anyone misplace their printable certificate, they can get a duplicate from their online account.
Premier Food Safety is one of those health and safety training companies that offer Illinois food handler certificate training. Its online course outlines the eight main food allergens, steps for proper handwashing, and cooling and thawing methods. It also talks about the importance of keeping the station and equipment clean to reduce cross-contamination.
This course combines interactive videos, photos, and quizzes to engage your learners. Near the end of the course, there’s a 40-question exam to test their knowledge. A minimum score of 70% is needed to claim their food handlers card and completion certificate.
Another Illinois food handler certificate training is this one by Tap Series. Split into 10 parts, it covers essential restaurant staff training topics such as food safety awareness, cross-contamination prevention, and temperature control.
The modules highlight the importance of observing hygiene, health, and safe storage protocols. While there aren’t any prerequisites, note that your team must score at least 70% in the course exam to receive their certificate.
This Illinois food handler certificate from Always Food Safe equips your team with the knowledge and skills for safe food handling and storage. It delves into time and temperature controls and hygiene practices. Other lessons discuss specific food hazards, like allergens and pathogenic bacteria.
Once your team passes the 40-question exam, they can earn their certification. This is accredited by ANAB and is valid for three years. Note that this is a video-based course, so it may not be as interactive as the others on this list.
You can help your workers earn their food handlers card with StateFoodSafety’s online training. As an ANAB-accredited course, it explains basic food handling principles and the proper techniques to prevent contamination. The lessons also offer tips for maintaining a clean environment during service.
This short course only takes 30 minutes to complete and can be accessed on any device. Your team will have two attempts to pass the test, which requires a minimum score of 70%. The certificate will remain valid for three years.
Food Handler Solutions’ ANAB-accredited course aims to equip your staff with valuable knowledge and skills to handle food properly. Its lessons discuss food safety regulations, proper handling, and personal hygiene. Other topics include sanitizing procedures and cross-contamination prevention.
Your team must create an account to access the course and exam. Upon passing the test, they can download and print their certificate. Each purchase allows them to answer the test up to two times.
Our last food handling course is from Food Service Prep. It outlines crucial topics on foodborne illness, time and temperature control, and proper handwashing techniques. Your team can also learn sanitation protocols to prevent cross-contamination during food service.
Once your team completes the course, they will receive their printable food handler certificate and card via email. Both are valid for three years. Teams looking to renew their certification can also take this course.
Article by
Mitti (by SafetyCulture) Content Team
Mitti (by SafetyCulture) Content Contributor
View author profileWhen it comes to food preparation and service, it’s crucial that your employees observe safety protocols. To help your business stay compliant and prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses, let’s explore these 10 Illinois food handler certificate courses for your team.
Running a food business is both a profitable and risky pursuit. Since food is a basic necessity, there will always be a high demand and diverse markets to explore. However, as employers, you’re required to strictly comply with health regulations to keep customers safe and avoid legal action, fines, or even closure.
Food contamination is a serious health problem across the country. Every year, it’s estimated that 8 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But by investing in proper food handler training, you can avoid contributing to this alarming statistic.
Illinois food handler training equips your staff with the necessary skills and knowledge on food safety. Anyone who deals with unpackaged food, food utensils or equipment, and food-contact surfaces is considered a food handler.
Based on the Food Handling Regulation Enforcement Act of Illinois, food handler training programs must cover these key topics:
Food safety
Time and temperature management concerning foodborne illnesses
Personal hygiene
Steps to prevent food contamination
Common hazards during food handling, preparation, and delivery
Cleaning and sanitation procedures for food equipment/utensils
Procedures to avoid cross-contamination
Proper housekeeping and maintenance
Under the Illinois Administrative Code, all food handlers must receive mandatory food handler training within 30 days of being hired. Upon completion of training and passing the exam, your staff can claim their food handler card and certification, which is valid for three years. Note that the following groups are exempted from mandatory training:
Valid holders of the Illinois Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification (FSSMC)
Staff workers in facilities who aren’t classified as food handlers
Unpaid volunteers at temporary events
Food handler training must be taken every three years to renew the food handler certificate. For compliance purposes, the course must be accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board.
If workers fail to take or complete their Illinois food handler training, your business may face legal issues and financial penalties for non-compliance. This would reflect poorly on your reputation. The lack of proper training can also increase the spread of foodborne illnesses, putting your staff and customers’ health and safety at risk.
The business of food handling should never be taken lightly. When it comes to food preparation and service, your employees should never skip out on safety protocols. Investing in a food handler training course is a proactive step you can take to support your team.
Proper training equips them with knowledge of food safety principles, giving them the confidence to perform their jobs properly. Not only does this reflect compliance with local regulations, but it also promotes a safe and enjoyable dining experience for your customers.
Make health and safety a priority with the leading Illinois food handler certificate course. Sign up for Mitti (by SafetyCulture) today!
