Food Handler Card Requirements
Hamilton County, Tennessee

Chattanooga, East Ridge, Collegedale. Administered by the Hamilton County Health Department.

Southeast Tennessee Card REQUIRED

Hamilton County Quick Facts

Required
Food Handler Card
REQUIRED
Cost
Varies
Valid For
3 years
Online Accepted?
Yes (approved)
Health Department
Hamilton County Health Department
Phone
(423) 209-8100
🚨
Required by local ordinance. All food service employees in Hamilton County must hold a valid food handler card.

Food Handler Card Requirements in Hamilton County

Hamilton County (Chattanooga) requires food handler certification for food service employees. The Hamilton County Health Department administers the program. Both online and in-person testing options are available. Chattanooga's growing food and tourism industry means active enforcement of food safety standards. Contact the Hamilton County Health Department at (423) 209-8100 to confirm the current cost, approved providers, and renewal schedule.

For current, authoritative requirements, contact the Hamilton County Health Department directly at (423) 209-8100
Website: hamiltontn.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 Hamilton 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 — Hamilton County

Do I need a food handler card to work at a restaurant in Chattanooga?▾
Yes. Hamilton County requires all food service employees to hold a valid food handler card. Contact the Hamilton County Health Department at (423) 209-8100 for current approved courses and cost.
Who do I contact about food service permits in Hamilton County?▾
Contact the Hamilton County Health Department at (423) 209-8100
Website: hamiltontn.gov/health for all food service permit applications, food handler card questions, and inspection inquiries in Hamilton 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 Hamilton 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 Hamilton County were to adopt a food handler card requirement, this page would be updated. Always verify current requirements directly with the Hamilton County Health Department at (423) 209-8100.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Hamilton County Health Department at (423) 209-8100. Requirements can change.