Beginning July 1, 2014, if you work in a restaurant in Illinois and prepare, store or serve food, handle food equipment, food utensils, or food-contact surfaces you must have a food handler certificate within 30 days of hire. This includes most restaurant jobs, including servers, chefs, head chefs, head cooks, cooks, bussers, bartenders, dishwashers, hosts and hostesses who handle food and supervisors, such as the general manager or managers. Managers who already have a Food Service Sanitation Manager Certification do not need a food handler certificate.

PLEASE NOTE: All restaurant Food Handler training must be accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and certificates must be renewed every three years.

Free In-Person ServSafe Food Handler Classes

Classes at the IRA
The Illinois Restaurant Association has partnered with the Illinois Hotel & Lodging Association to offer ServSafe Food Handler Certification classes at NO COST for a limited time. The free classes are in-person and attendees must present a valid photo ID and successfully complete the training to receive the certification.

Register today -- it's FREE! Use promo code "IRAFREE" when registering.

Food Handler Certification In-Person Class Information

• Classes are held at the IRA office, located at 33 W. Monroe St., Ste. 250, Chicago, IL 60603
• Attendees must bring a photo ID, and a #2 pencil for the exam
• Class times are 8:30am-12:30pm, check in at 8:15 a.m.
• A minimum passing grade of 75% is required for certification
• Please note - all Food Handler Certificates expire three years after their date of issue.
• Check your certificate to ensure it is renewed before expiration.
• Walk-ins are welcome.
• Late attendance is not permitted.

Private Classes
Looking to hold a class at your location? Free ServSafe Food Handler certification classes through the IRA are available for booking at your location for groups of 10 or more. Please call 312-787-4000 to book free private classes.

Online ServSafe Food Handler Classes

Online ServSafe Food Handler certification classes are also available for $12 using code "Employee20" when registering.

Register online at www.foodhandlerusa.com
Enter Coupon Code EMPLOYEE20 at check-out to receive 20% discount.

• ServSafe Food Handler classes are approved statewide
• Available online 24/7 in English and Spanish
• Certificates are available immediately upon successful completion of course

GET YOUR FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATE ONLINE. COURSE APPROVED BY THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. EXAM AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH & SPANISH 24/7.

Upcoming In-Person Class Schedule

Below are upcoming class dates. To register, simply click on a class.

Register today -- it's FREE! Use promo code "IRAFREE" when registering.

IF A CLASS DATE IS FULL — call 312-787-4000 to reserve your place on the Wait List. While not guaranteed, seats almost always become available on the morning of class and seating will be offered based on the the wait list order. Walk-ins are also welcomed! Just arrive before 8:30am on the day of class to add your name to the Wait List.

JANUARY

FREE Food Handler Class Tues 1/27

FEBRUARY

FREE Food Handler Class Tues 2/25