In the state of Vermont there are no state or county regulations in place that require an individual to receive a Vermont food handlers license.
It is important to keep in mind though, that some employers or restaurant managers will require food handlers to complete training regardless of the state’s lenient food safety guidelines.
What is a Vermont food handlers license?
The Vermont food handlers license, also known as the Vermont food handlers permit or card, is a certificate proving to employers and health inspectors alike that you are qualified to handle unpackaged food products that are served to the general public. Once you successfully pass a food safety course, you then receive a certification. These will typically last 2-3 years.
⚠️ Listen up: Please be aware that many online food safety course providers claim that the state requires food handler licenses. This is faulty information. Instead, they are just trying to get you to buy something that you may not necessarily need!
The only certification the state of Vermont requires is specifically for a food manager. These are typically shift leaders, Persons-in-charge (PIC), or kitchen managers that oversee all other workers.
Vermont Food Manager Certification and Training
Vermont requires that every food establishment has a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff.
This means someone in the facility must become food manager certified by taking a course, paying a small fee, and passing their test.
So although a Vermont food handlers license may not be required for common kitchen employees, it still may be in your best interest to receive and pass the test for Food Protection Manager training. Not only will this help you during your job application, but it will make you well-rounded and better employee. This stuff can also boost a resume! 🙂
Currently, Vermont allows Food Protection Manager Certifications from the following list of course providers:
- 360training: Learn2Serve Food Protection Manager Certification Program
- National Registry of Food Safety Professionals: Food Protection Manager Certification Program, International Certified Food Safety Manager
- National Restaurant Association: ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Program
- Prometric: Food Protection Manager Certification Program
Other Requirements That May Be Helpful:
- Good Communication Skills
- Being able to stand long periods of time
- Knowledge of basic food safety
For more information, please visit the Official site of Vermont’s Department of Public Health.