Nevada Food Handlers Card Requirements

Getting a Nevada food handlers card can be a very confusing process. Is it required?… Do I have to get a food handlers card if I work for a restaurant in Las Vegas? …Which kitchen employees are required to receive training?

Well, thats where we come in…

We’re here to make the Nevada food handlers card process simple.

And instead of surfing government websites that are way out of date, we’re here to tell you all the important, updated, and ACCURATE information pertaining to food handlers across Nevada.

Apron up, let’s dive in.

Are you required to have a food handlers card in Nevada?

From the state level, Nevada does NOT require typical food workers to become certified as food handlers.

Important Note: The only food handlers requirement the state of Nevada enforces is called the Certified Food Protection Managers (CFPM) card… and it’s specifically for restaurant and/or food facility managers and other supervisory positions.

If you are a supervisor looking to get a CFPM card, please check with your employer on where to get certified.

Counties in Nevada though, have the right to establish their own food safety laws and regulations.

The ONLY county in Nevada that REQUIRES all food workers to receive a food handlers card is Clark county, also known as the Southern Nevada District. (That’s you, Vegas!)

In the section below, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the Las Vegas & Clark county food handlers requirements… and all the steps a food worker must take in order to become food handler certified!

Keep in mind, just because your county or local jurisdiction does NOT require a food handlers card, that doesn’t mean you’re entirely off the hook to receive food safety training. Some owners and kitchen managers may still ask for their employees to receive a Nevada food handlers card.

Southern Nevada Food Handlers Card: Requirements, Steps & Course Details

All food workers in Las Vegas and Clark county, Nevada are REQUIRED to receive a county-approved food handler safety card.

After successful completion of the county’s food handler safety test, food workers will then be granted a food handlers card (formerly called a Health Card) by the county.

There was a new county law implemented recently (in July of 2018) that is directly aimed at food workers so it’s important to pay close attention.

NEW LAW: Beginning July 1, 2018, all food handler safety card applicants will be required to complete testing at a Southern Nevada Health District location during business hours to obtain their cards. – Source

This means that you MUST receive the a card from the county, in-person, and that no other online food handler course and card provider will be valid.

It’s also important to keep in mind that these new county food handler cards will expire exactly one (1) year after issuance. This means food workers in Clark county must take the retake and pass the food safety test at a Southern Nevada Health District center every year. (more details on renewals and lost cards are below)

What type of employees are considered food handlers in Southern Nevada?

By county law, any PAID employee working for a restaurant that deals directly with unpackaged food product(s) is considered a food handler.

Here’s the definition of food handler, courtesy of the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD):

NRS 446.030 “Food handler” defined.
 
1. “Food handler” means any person employed in or operating a food establishment, whether that person is an employer, employee or other natural person, who handles, stores, transports, prepares, manufactures, serves or sells food, or who comes in contact with eating or cooking utensils or other equipment used in the handling, preparation, manufacture, service or sale of food.

2. The term does not include a person who:
(a) Only handles, stores, transports, sells or otherwise comes in contact with food that is sealed and packaged for sale directly to the consumer

This means that all employees that are directly involved in the storage, preparation, or service of unpackaged foods is a food handler. Simply put, nearly everyone in a food facility and/or restaurant inside Clark county will need a food handlers card.

Many times, restaurant owners will even require the host or hostess to receive training!

And if someone working in a facility is not a food handler on a regular basis, but fills in as a food handler when needed, they will most likely need a food handlers card as well.

To break it down even further, here’s a list of job titles that REQUIRE food handlers training in Southern District Nevada:

Who does NOT need a food handlers certification in Southern Nevada?

Those that are NOT required to receive a Southern Nevada food handlers card are mainly

1. Unpaid volunteers,
2. Those who already posses a Certified Food Protection Managers card
3. Workers in food establishments that only serve pre-packaged items

**Keep in mind, if you work in a non-restaurant facility (nursing homes, hospitals, schools, retail food stores, etc.) in Southern Nevada but directly work with unpackaged food products, you are STILL required to receive a food handlers card. If you are unsure, please be sure to double check with your employer or manager.

Where to Get Your Southern Nevada Food Handlers Card: Locations and Times

The Souther Nevada food handler cards are available at the following public health district centers:

Southern Nevada Health District Main Facility
280 S. Decatur Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89107
(702) 759-1099

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Notes:
– Check-in for testing closes at 4:00 p.m.
– Appointments are not necessary.

East Las Vegas Public Health Center
560 N. Nellis Blvd Suite E12
Las Vegas, NV 89110
(702) 759-1340

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Notes:
– Check-in for testing closes at 4:00 p.m.
– Appointments are not necessary.

Health District Services in Henderson
Henderson City Hall 240 S. Water St.
Henderson, NV 89015
(702) 759-1515

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Notes:
– Check-in for testing closes at 4:30 p.m.

Mesquite Public Health Center
830 Hafen Lane
Mesquite, NV 89027
(702) 759-1682 [If calling from Mesquite, dial direct (702) 346-9161]

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., closed noon – 1 p.m.

Notes:
– To allow time for processing, the health center will only accept applications before 4:15PM

Laughlin Public Health Center
55 Civic Way
Laughlin, NV 89029
(702) 759-1060

Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – noon.

Notes:
– To allow time for processing, the health center will only accept applications before 11:15AM
– An online food safety training kiosk is available; Appointments are not necessary. Bring headphones.

Steps to get a Southern Nevada Food Handlers Card

1. Study the Southern Nevada Health District Food Handler Training Book
2. Visit a southern Nevada health center and take the test. You do NOT have to make an appointment, just show up within business hours. The test will cost $20 (testing details are below). You must provide the health center with a valid form of identification
3. Once you’ve successfully completed the test you’ll get a certificate from county health center
4. Print out or make duplicate copies of your certification. This is just a safety measure, just in case you lose you original food handlers card
5. Provide your employer with a copy of your certificate

Test Details

The Southern Nevada Food Handlers Safety Test usually takes under an hour. But there is no time-limit to complete the test, so that helps.

You must pass the test with a score of 70% or better.

If you fail the test, scoring below a 70%, you will need to come back no earlier than the next business day to re-take the test after paying a $5.00 re-test fee.

How much does the Southern Nevada Food Handlers Card cost?

The Southern Nevada food handlers card costs $20. And re-test fee’s, just in case you fail the exam on your first attempt, only cost $5.

Nevada Food Handlers Practice Tests

The only study materials the county provides are this training book (pdf)! If you need the training book in languages other than English, simply click here.

Since we know that’s not a lot of study material, we’ve put together the best FREE Nevada food handlers card practice tests available. We’ve heard from many sources that these tests nearly replicate the questions that you’ll be receiving on the final exam!

• Premier Food Safety practice test
• Food handlers quiz flash cards
• ProProfs practice test

Is Your Southern Nevada Food Handlers Card Expired or Lost?

If you lost your Southern Nevada food handlers card, you will need to contact the Southern Nevada Health District and pay a fee of $20 for a duplicate. Always remember to create duplicate copies of your food handlers card for this very reason.

In Arizona, your food handlers card expires 1 year after the date of issuance. To renew your Arizona food handlers card, you must sign up for the county’s safety program and pass their test all over again! BUT – renewing applicants will only receive a 10-question test, instead of the 20-question test all first timers get.

This ensures that everyone in the county stays up to date with proper food safety procedures.

Southern Nevada Food Handlers Card Qualifications & Restrictions:

There aren’t really any restrictions on who can get a Food Handler card in the county. 

The only requirement is to pass the food safety test with a score of 70% or better.

The minimum age to get a card is 14.  For anyone younger, they can get a Food Handler card if they are taking a culinary class at school or if they work in a family-owned business.  In either case, the county would need documentation such as a class schedule or a business license with the owner’s name listed, respectively.

Other Requirements That May Be Helpful:

• Driver’s License and/or Passport
• Good Communication Skills
• Being able to stand long periods of time
• Knowledge of basic food safety

For more information, please contact your local health center, or visit our homepage. Additionally, feel free to visit the Southern Nevada District’s website and FAQ page.