Food Service Employees’ Class

 About the Class

Individuals who work with unpackaged and/or packaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food contact surfaces are required to possess a food service (handlers) card. Food service cards are required prior to employment and are valid for two years. A food service card issued by another city may be honored.

New Online Food Handler Training

The Norfolk Department of Public Health now provides food handler training online through "State Food Safety." Purchase the online training course for $15. The class is offered in full audio and visual in English, Spanish, or Mandarin Chinese. You may be able to complete the course and test in less than 90 minutes. After you complete the course, you will be able to print your food handler card.

2023 Food Service Employees' Classes

The Norfolk Department of Public Health will be resuming in-person Food Handler Classes in 2023. These classes will be held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, as listed below. Please note that class dates marked with an asterisk (*) have been modified due to holidays and scheduling availability.

All in-person Food Service Classes will be held at 2pm at the Norfolk Department o Public Health located at 830 Southampton Ave, Norfolk, VA in Classroom B/C located on the third floor. In-person registration begins 30 minutes prior to the start of class. The class runs for approximately 90 minutes and Food Handler Cards will be issued at the end of the class. Class size is limited to 25 students at this time.

The fee for the in-person Food Service Class is $15 (cash/check/money order/credit card accepted. We do not accept Discover or American Express. Checks payable to Norfolk Department of Public Health. For more information, please contact Environmental Health at 757-683-2712.

For your convenience our online food handlers' class is also available.