Food Handler Card Requirements
Davidson County, Tennessee

Nashville, Brentwood (part). Administered by the Metro Nashville Public Health Department.

Middle Tennessee Card REQUIRED

Davidson County Quick Facts

Required
Food Handler Card
REQUIRED
Cost
$15
Valid For
3 years
Online Accepted?
Yes (approved)
Health Department
Metro Nashville Public Health Department
Phone
(615) 340-5616
🚨
Required by local ordinance. All food service employees in Davidson County must hold a valid food handler card.

Food Handler Card Requirements in Davidson County

Davidson County (Nashville) requires food handler certification for food service employees through Metro Nashville Public Health. Nashville's food scene has grown significantly and the Metro Public Health Department administers a robust certification program. The card costs $15 and is valid for 3 years. Both online (through approved providers) and in-person testing at the Metro Public Health office are available. Nashville Metro Public Health also maintains a searchable restaurant inspection database online.

For current, authoritative requirements, contact the Metro Nashville Public Health Department directly at (615) 340-5616
Website: nashville.gov/health. Requirements can change when local boards of health adopt new ordinances.

Tennessee's Statewide Food Manager Certification Requirement

Regardless of whether a food handler card is required in Davidson County, every licensed food establishment in Tennessee must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff under Tennessee Rule 0080-04-01. This applies in every Tennessee county without exception.

The CFPM must hold a current certification from an ANAB-accredited exam provider such as ServSafe, Prometric, or NRFSP. The exam typically costs $130–$180 and is valid for approximately 5 years. This is the single food safety credential that no Tennessee food establishment can operate without.

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions — Davidson County

Do I need a food handler card to work at a restaurant in Nashville?▾
Yes. Davidson County requires all food service employees to hold a valid food handler card. Contact the Metro Nashville Public Health Department at (615) 340-5616 for current approved courses and cost.
Who do I contact about food service permits in Davidson County?▾
Contact the Metro Nashville Public Health Department at (615) 340-5616
Website: nashville.gov/health for all food service permit applications, food handler card questions, and inspection inquiries in Davidson County.
What food safety certification is required statewide in Tennessee?▾
Tennessee state law requires every licensed food establishment to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on staff. This applies in every Tennessee county. The CFPM must pass a proctored exam from an ANAB-accredited provider such as ServSafe. This is the one food safety credential no Tennessee food business can skip, regardless of local food handler card rules.
Could Davidson County add a food handler card requirement in the future?▾
Yes. Local boards of health in Tennessee have authority to adopt food safety requirements beyond the state baseline. If Davidson County were to adopt a food handler card requirement, this page would be updated. Always verify current requirements directly with the Metro Nashville Public Health Department at (615) 340-5616.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Metro Nashville Public Health Department at (615) 340-5616. Requirements can change.