Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your West Virginia Food Handler Card
If you plan to work in a restaurant, food truck, cafeteria, or concession, understanding local food safety requirements is essential. Although the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources does not enforce food handler training at the state level, many counties and cities do require it. This guide will help you understand how to earn your food handler certificate in West Virginia and meet local compliance standards.
What is West Virginia Food Handler Card?
A Food Handler Certificate that confirms you have completed an approved food safety course. The training covers essential topics such as foodborne illness prevention, safe food handling, and sanitation practices. The card may be required by your employer or local health department if you work in a regulated county or city.
Is Food Handler Training Required Statewide in West Virginia?
No. The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources does not mandate food handler training statewide. However, specific counties and cities do require food handlers to hold a valid certificate.
Counties and cities with training requirements include:
Barbour, Braxton, Brooke, Cabell, Calhoun, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hancock, Hardy, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Kanawha, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Mineral, Monongalia, Monroe, Nicholas, Ohio, Pendleton, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, Wirt, and Wood — as well as the City of Huntington.
If you plan to work in any of these areas, you must complete an approved food handler training course and earn your card before beginning employment.
Who Must Hold a Food Handler Certificate?
If you are employed in a regulated county or city and your job involves food, you likely need to hold a West Virginia Food Handler Card. This includes workers in roles such as:
- Cooks (line, prep, or short-order)
- Dishwashers
- Food servers
- Bartenders and baristas
- Deli and grocery clerks
- Concession stand workers
- Catering staff
If your responsibilities involve handling, preparing, storing, or serving food, completing a food handler course is often required.
How Do You Get a Food Handler Certification in West Virginia ?
Follow these five steps :
Step 1: Check With Your Local Health Department
Not all counties require a card. Confirm requirements by contacting your local health department to avoid unnecessary training or missing a legal requirement.
Step 2: Choose an Approved Online Course
Select a provider that offers a course recognized in your specific West Virginia county. AAA Food Handler provides an online training program that is accepted in many regulated counties and cities across the state.
Features of the course include:
- 100% online and mobile-friendly
- Available in English and Spanish
- Designed for all skill levels
Select a provider that offers a course recognized in your specific West Virginia county. AAA Food Handler provides an online training program that is accepted in many regulated counties and cities across the state.
Features of the course include:
- 100% online and mobile-friendly
- Available in English and Spanish
- Designed for all skill levels
Step 3: Complete the Training
The course takes approximately one hour to finish. It covers:
- Foodborne illness prevention
- Time and temperature control
- Cleaning and sanitizing procedures
- Personal hygiene and handwashing
- Cross-contamination prevention
- Allergen awareness
This material ensures that you are prepared to work safely in any food service environment.
Step 4: Pass the Final Quiz
Once the training is complete, you will take a short multiple-choice quiz. A passing score is typically 70% or higher. If you don’t pass on the first try, you can retake the quiz at no additional cost.
Step 5: Download Your Food Handler Certificate
After passing, you’ll receive your food handler certificate immediately. You can print or email the certificate to your employer or the local health department.
How Long Is the Food Handler Card Valid?
In most counties, the food handler certificate is valid for 2 to 3 years. However, the exact validity period may vary depending on the local jurisdiction. Check with your health department to confirm the expiration date and renewal policy.
Can You Use the Certificate in Multiple Counties?
Some counties will accept a certificate issued by a course approved in a different county, especially if it’s from a widely recognized provider like AAA Food Handler. However, other countries may require separate registration or training.
What Does New York State Require for Food Manager Certification?
To avoid delays or re-training, always contact the new county health department before changing your place of work.
For statewide regulations, contact:
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
Public Health Sanitation Division
350 Capitol Street – Room 313
Charleston, West Virginia 25301
Phone: 304-558-2981
For city or county-specific rules, contact your local health department directly.
Why Choose AAA Food Handler ?
AAA Food Handler is a trusted provider for online food safety training in regulated areas across the U.S. The course is designed to help you earn your Food Handler card in WV easily and affordably.
Benefits include:
- 100% Online Access: Train anytime, from any device.
- Instant Certificate: Download your card right after passing.
- English & Spanish Support: Clear bilingual instruction.
- Quick Completion: Finish in about 1-2 hours.
- Meets Local Requirements: Accepted in many WV counties.
How to Get Started
If you work or plan to work in a regulated West Virginia county, don’t wait until it’s too late. Start your training online today and get your Food Handler card in just a few steps.
