Food Handler Card
REQUIRED
Online Accepted?
Yes (approved courses)
Health Dept. Phone
(502) 564-7647
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Required. All food handlers and food managers in Frankfort and Franklin County are required to hold a valid food safety certification per local Board of Health rules. The card is valid for 2 years — shorter than many neighboring counties. Online courses from approved providers are accepted.
Does Franklin County (Frankfort) Require a Food Handler Card?
Yes. Franklin County, Kentucky — home to the state capital Frankfort — requires all food service employees to hold a valid food handler or food safety certification. The Franklin County Health Department (FCHD) administers the program and maintains a list of approved training providers, including online options.
One notable difference from other Kentucky counties: Franklin County's food handler card is valid for only 2 years, compared to 3 years in Fayette and Madison counties. If you previously held a card in a county with a 3-year validity and move to a job in Frankfort, be aware the renewal schedule is shorter.
Getting Certified in Franklin County
Franklin County accepts both in-person and approved online training. The Franklin County Health Department offers in-person food safety certification courses directly, or you can use an approved provider from their list. The FCHD website at fchd.org maintains the current approved provider list and course schedule.
Online options are available around the clock and typically cost approximately $15. In-person courses are offered on a scheduled basis at the Franklin County Health Department. Contact the FCHD at (502) 564-7647 to confirm the current schedule and cost before enrolling.
Who Is Required to Get Certified in Franklin County
The Franklin County requirement covers all food handlers and food managers working in licensed food establishments in the county. This includes cooks, servers, bussers who handle food, dishwashers, prep workers, and anyone else who comes into contact with unpackaged food destined for consumers. The requirement also applies to food truck operators and temporary food event workers — check with the FCHD for how temporary event certifications are handled.
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Franklin County food handler cards expire after 2 years. Set a reminder to renew well before the expiration date. Renewal requires repeating the training course and test. There is no abbreviated renewal process.
Frequently Asked Questions — Franklin County
Why is the Franklin County food handler card only valid for 2 years when other counties are 3 years?▾
Local boards of health set their own card validity periods. Franklin County's Board of Health established a 2-year renewal cycle, which is shorter than Fayette and Madison counties (both 3 years) but consistent with their local food safety policy. If you work in multiple counties, track each card's expiration separately, as they may differ.
Can I use my Fayette County food handler card in Franklin County?▾
No. County-issued food handler cards in Kentucky are specific to the county that issued them. A Fayette County card is not valid for employment in Franklin County. You would need to obtain a Franklin County certification separately. Contact the Franklin County Health Department at (502) 564-7647 to ask whether any reciprocal arrangements exist — policies can change.
Does the food handler card requirement in Franklin County apply to state government cafeterias?▾
Food service operations in state government buildings in Frankfort are typically subject to the same local food safety regulations as commercial restaurants, including the food handler card requirement. State facilities are not generally exempt from county health department food safety rules. The FCHD can confirm the current status for specific state-operated cafeterias at (502) 564-7647.
How do I find the Franklin County Health Department?▾
The Franklin County Health Department (FCHD) is located in Frankfort, Kentucky. Visit fchd.org for current address, hours, and contact information, or call (502) 564-7647. The food safety certification section handles all food handler card inquiries and can confirm the current approved online provider list and in-person testing schedule.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current Franklin County food handler requirements with the Franklin County Health Department at (502) 564-7647 or fchd.org. Requirements and approved providers may change.