Food Handler Card Requirements
Madison County, Kentucky

Richmond, Berea, and all of Madison County. Administered by the Madison County Health Department.

Central Kentucky REQUIRED for All Food Workers Online OK • 3 Years

Madison County Quick Facts

Required
Food Handler Card
REQUIRED
Cost (in-person)
Varies — call dept.
Valid For
3 years
Online Accepted?
Yes (ANAB-accredited)
Testing Location
MCHD — Richmond & Berea offices
Health Dept. Phone
(859) 623-7312
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Required by local ordinance. All food service employees in Madison County must hold a valid food handler card. Unlike Fayette County, Madison County does accept ANAB-accredited online food handler courses — you are not required to test in person.

Does Madison County Require a Food Handler Card?

Yes. Madison County, Kentucky requires all food service employees to hold a valid food handler card. This requirement applies county-wide — in Richmond, Berea, and all other communities in Madison County. The requirement is administered by the Madison County Health Department (MCHD), which operates offices in both Richmond and Berea.

Madison County's food handler requirement is long-standing — the county has maintained a food worker certification program for decades, predating many similar county programs in Kentucky. New food service employees are typically expected to obtain their card within a specified period after starting work, usually 10–30 days from hire, though you should confirm the exact grace period with your employer and the MCHD.

Online Training Option: What Madison County Accepts

Madison County is notably more flexible than Fayette County (Lexington) in one important respect: ANAB-accredited online food handler courses are accepted as satisfying the county requirement. You do not have to test in person at the health department unless you prefer to.

ANAB stands for ANSI National Accreditation Board. When selecting an online course, look specifically for the ANAB accreditation mark. Numerous providers offer this, typically at a cost of $10–$25 for the course and test. You should receive a certificate upon completion that you can print or present digitally to your employer.

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Verify accreditation before purchasing. Not every online food handler course is ANAB-accredited. Before buying a course online, confirm that it carries ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) accreditation. Check the Madison County Health Department's current accepted provider list by calling (859) 623-7312 — the list may have been updated since this page was last reviewed.

In-Person Testing in Madison County

If you prefer to test in person — or if your employer requires the county-issued card — testing is available at the Madison County Health Department. The MCHD maintains offices in both Richmond (the county seat) and Berea, providing reasonable access for workers throughout the county.

Contact the MCHD at (859) 623-7312 or visit madisoncohd.com to confirm current walk-in testing hours, cost, and any updated requirements before making the trip. Testing procedures and fees can change.

How to Get a Food Handler Card in Madison County

  1. Confirm requirements with your employer first Some employers in Madison County accept online ANAB-accredited cards; others may prefer the county-issued in-person card. Ask before purchasing anything.
  2. Choose your method: online or in-person Online: Select an ANAB-accredited course ($10–$25). Complete the training and pass the test. Print or save your certificate.
    In-person: Visit the Madison County Health Department office in Richmond or Berea. Walk-in or by appointment — call (859) 623-7312 to confirm current hours.
  3. Complete training and test The test covers basic food safety: safe temperatures, cross-contamination prevention, personal hygiene, and proper food storage. Most people pass on the first attempt without advance study.
  4. Receive and keep your certificate Your card is valid for 3 years. Keep a copy for your own records and provide a copy to your employer — businesses in Madison County are required to keep food handler cards on file for inspection.
  5. Renew before expiration Set a reminder to renew at 2.5 years. Renewal follows the same process — retake the course and test online or return to the MCHD in person.

Madison County vs. Neighboring Counties

Madison County is one of several central Kentucky counties that require a food handler card. It is bordered by Fayette County (Lexington) to the northwest, where the requirement also exists but online cards are not accepted. Understanding the difference matters if you work in multiple counties.

CountyRequired?Online OK?CostValidity
Madison CountyYESYes (ANAB)Varies3 years
Fayette County (Lex.)YESNo — in-person only$233 years
Franklin CountyYESYes (approved)~$15 online2 years
Boone CountyNoYes (voluntary)VoluntaryN/A
Warren CountyNoYes (voluntary)VoluntaryN/A

Employer Responsibilities in Madison County

Food establishments in Madison County are required to maintain records showing that all food-handling employees hold valid cards. During routine health inspections, inspectors verify these records. An establishment found with uncertified food workers is typically issued a required correction and given a specified time to come into compliance.

Employers should keep a physical or digital log of all employee certifications, including card issue dates and expiration dates, to ensure no worker's card lapses between inspections.

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions — Madison County

Does Madison County accept online food handler cards?▾
Yes, as long as the online course is accredited by ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board). This makes Madison County more flexible than Fayette County (Lexington), which only accepts its own in-person card. Confirm with the Madison County Health Department at (859) 623-7312 that your specific online provider is currently on the accepted list before purchasing.
How long does a Madison County food handler card last?▾
Three years. Whether you obtain your card in person at the MCHD or through an approved online provider, the card is valid for 3 years from the date of issue. Renewal requires retaking the training and test — there is no shortened renewal process.
I work in both Madison County and Fayette County. What cards do I need?▾
You may need two separate cards. Madison County accepts ANAB-accredited online cards, but Fayette County (Lexington) only accepts cards issued in-person by the LFCHD at 650 Newtown Pike. If you regularly handle food in both counties, you should obtain the Fayette County card (which satisfies the more restrictive requirement) and carry it with you to both jobs. Contact both health departments to confirm the current status of cross-county acceptance before acting on this.
Where exactly is the Madison County Health Department?▾
The Madison County Health Department operates two offices: one in Richmond (the county seat) and one in Berea. The Richmond office is the primary location for food safety services. Call (859) 623-7312 for current hours and exact addresses, as office locations and testing schedules can change. The MCHD website is madisoncohd.com.
Do I need a food handler card to work at a food booth at the Madison County Fair or similar events?▾
Temporary food events in Madison County typically fall under the MCHD's temporary food establishment permit rules. Whether a handler card is required for temporary event workers depends on the nature of the event and how long the booth operates. Contact the MCHD at (859) 623-7312 to confirm requirements for your specific situation before the event — temporary food permits and associated requirements are reviewed case by case.
Disclaimer: This page provides general informational guidance only. Requirements and accepted training providers can change. Verify current Madison County food handler card requirements with the Madison County Health Department at (859) 623-7312 or madisoncohd.com.