Food Handler Card Requirements
Shelby County, Tennessee

Memphis, Germantown, Collierville. Administered by the Shelby County Health Department.

West Tennessee Card REQUIRED

Shelby County Quick Facts

Required
Food Handler Card
REQUIRED
Cost
$14
Valid For
3 years
Online Accepted?
Yes (approved)
Health Department
Shelby County Health Department
Phone
(901) 222-9000
🚨
Required by local ordinance. All food service employees in Shelby County must hold a valid food handler card.

Food Handler Card Requirements in Shelby County

Shelby County (Memphis) requires all food service workers to hold a valid food handler card, administered through the Shelby County Health Department. Memphis is Tennessee's largest city and has one of the most established local food handler programs in the state. The card costs $14 and is valid for 3 years. The Shelby County Health Department maintains approved online providers in addition to in-person testing options at their main office. New employees typically have 30 days from hire to obtain certification.

For current, authoritative requirements, contact the Shelby County Health Department directly at (901) 222-9000
Website: shelbytnhealth.com. 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 Shelby 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 — Shelby County

Do I need a food handler card to work at a restaurant in Memphis?▾
Yes. Shelby County requires all food service employees to hold a valid food handler card. Contact the Shelby County Health Department at (901) 222-9000 for current approved courses and cost.
Who do I contact about food service permits in Shelby County?▾
Contact the Shelby County Health Department at (901) 222-9000
Website: shelbytnhealth.com for all food service permit applications, food handler card questions, and inspection inquiries in Shelby 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 Shelby 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 Shelby County were to adopt a food handler card requirement, this page would be updated. Always verify current requirements directly with the Shelby County Health Department at (901) 222-9000.
Disclaimer: Informational use only. Verify current requirements with the Shelby County Health Department at (901) 222-9000. Requirements can change.