What a Food Handler's Permit Is and Who Needs One
A Food Handler's Permit in Utah is a certificate showing you have completed food safety training. It is required if you work with food in a commercial setting — restaurants, grocery stores, catering companies, food trucks, and similar businesses. The permit proves you understand how to prevent foodborne illness through proper handling, storage, and hygiene.
You need this permit before you start working with food. Your employer cannot legally have you handle food without one. The permit is issued by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Environmental Health, but you do not obtain it directly from them — you take an approved training course, pass a test, and receive the permit from the course provider.
The permit is valid for three years from the date you pass the test. After three years, you must renew it by taking the course and test again.
Key Takeaways
- Utah requires a Food Handler's Permit for anyone who handles food in a commercial kitchen, and you must have it before your first day of work.
- You obtain the permit by completing an approved online or in-person food safety course and passing the test at the end.
- The course takes one to two hours and covers topics like temperature control, cross-contamination, and personal hygiene.
- Your permit is valid for three years; after that you must retake the course and test to renew it.
- The cost varies by provider but typically ranges from $10 to $20 for the course and test combined.
Approved Training Courses in Utah
Utah does not run a single official course. Instead, the state approves multiple providers, and you can choose any of them. Most are online, which means you can complete the training on your own schedule from any device with internet access. Some providers also offer in-person classes at community colleges or health departments.
Common approved providers include the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals, ServSafe (operated by the National Restaurant Association), and several Utah-based online platforms. When you search for a course, confirm it says "Utah-approved" or "Utah Department of Health and Human Services approved" so you know the certificate will be valid in the state.
The course content is similar across all approved providers because they must all cover Utah's food safety rules. You will learn about safe food temperatures, how to prevent cross-contamination, proper handwashing, and how to recognize and report foodborne illness.
How to Complete the Course and Get Your Permit
The process is straightforward. First, find an approved provider online or ask your employer if they have a preferred one. Many employers cover the cost or reimburse you after you complete it.
Next, register with the provider and pay the course fee. You will receive login credentials or a link to the training material. Read or watch the material — most courses take one to two hours — and take notes if you want to.
At the end, you take a short test, usually 10 to 20 questions. You must pass with a score of 70 percent or higher on most platforms. If you do not pass on your first try, you can retake the test, usually for free or a small fee. Once you pass, the provider issues your Food Handler's Permit certificate when ready, either as a printable PDF or a physical card mailed to you.
Bring this certificate to your first day of work. Your employer will keep a copy on file.
Cost and Timeline
The course and test cost between $10 and $20 depending on the provider. Some employers pay for it; others expect you to pay and may reimburse you later. A few community colleges and health departments offer free or low-cost courses, so it is worth asking your local health department if you are on a tight budget.
You can complete the entire course and test in a single sitting, usually within two hours. Many providers allow you to start and stop, so you can pause and come back later if needed. Once you pass the test, you receive your permit when ready or within a few business days if it is being mailed.
Plan to finish the course before your start date at your job. If your employer needs proof that you have started the training, ask the provider for a screenshot or email confirmation of your enrollment.
Renewing Your Food Handler's Permit
Your permit is valid for three years. About a month before it expires, you should plan to renew it. Renewal is the same process as the initial permit: take an approved course again and pass the test.
You do not have to wait until the permit expires to renew it. Many people renew it a few weeks early to avoid any gap in coverage. If your permit expires and you have not renewed it, you cannot legally handle food until you do, so your employer may have to reassign you temporarily.
Keep your permit in a safe place and note the expiration date. Some employers send reminders; others expect you to track it yourself.
What Happens If You Work Without a Permit
Working with food without a valid Food Handler's Permit is illegal in Utah. If a health inspector finds someone handling food without a permit, the business can be cited and fined. The employee may also face consequences depending on the situation.
More importantly, the permit exists because food safety matters. Improper food handling causes foodborne illness outbreaks that can make customers seriously sick. The training teaches you how to prevent that, which protects both customers and your job security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start working before I get my permit if I promise to get it soon?
No. Utah law requires the permit before you handle food. Your employer cannot legally have you work with food without it, even for a day. Complete the course and test before your first shift.
Do I need a separate permit for each job, or does one permit work everywhere?
One permit works at any food business in Utah for three years. You do not need a new one if you change jobs. Just bring your certificate to your new employer.
What if I fail the test?
You can retake it. Most providers let you try again when ready or within a few days, often at no extra cost. Review the material and try again — the test is designed to be passable if you have read the course material.
Can I take the course in person instead of online?
Yes, some approved providers and local health departments offer in-person classes. Call your county health department to ask what options are available near you. In-person courses may cost slightly more but follow the same rules and produce the same valid permit.
What if my permit expires while I am traveling or sick?
You cannot legally handle food with an expired permit. If you know your permit is about to expire, renew it before you travel or before you expect to be unavailable. If it expires unexpectedly, you will need to complete the course and test again before you can return to work with food.