MARYLAND
FOOD HANDLERS CARD

The Maryland Food Handlers Card shows that you have successfully finished an ANAB approved online food safety course. It proves to employers and local health authorities that you know how to handle food safely.

Simply enroll in the approved online program, work through the lessons, and pass the final exam with a minimum score of 70%. Once you pass, you can immediately access, save, and print your card.

The course addresses important subjects such as personal hygiene, proper temperature control, the prevention of cross-contamination, and effective cleaning and sanitizing procedures.

The self-paced program generally takes about 1.5 hours to complete, allowing you to work through it at your convenience.

To get your Maryland Food Handler Card, complete a training course accredited by the ANAB. Once you pass the final exam, you’ll receive a Food Handler Card that is accepted across Maryland.

You have two opportunities to pass the 40-question exam. You can retake the exam for a second chance if you don’t initially meet the 70% passing score.

Typically, the Food Handler Card is accepted for 3 years. However, it’s a good idea to check with your employer or local health authority to confirm the specific duration in your area.

The Food Handler Course training is 100% online and available around the clock—24 hours a day, 7 days a week—so you can complete the course from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Maryland’s cottage food law permits the sale of non-hazardous, shelf-stable foods that don’t need refrigeration. Examples include baked goods without cream fillings, jams, jellies, hard candies, snack mixes, and other items that pose minimal food safety risk when kept at room temperature.

The Food Handler Course is available in English and Spanish, making it accessible for various food service professionals.

Yes. The ANAB accredited the course, ensuring your training meets nationally accepted food safety standards.

Food Handler Training improves your understanding of essential food safety practices and makes you a more attractive candidate in the food service industry. It shows potential employers that you’re prepared to help minimize foodborne illness risks.

With your food handler permit, you’re qualified for various positions within the food and beverage industry, such as food server, bartender, cook, food prep worker, dishwasher, or event staff—across restaurants, fast-food outlets, bars, delis, bakeries, and grocery stores.

Some states may accept your certificate, especially if they follow similar food safety standards. However, it’s best to check with the health department in each state where you plan to work.

Employers and managers can use built-in online tools to monitor staff progress, review exam results, and access detailed training records, helping them keep accurate documentation of employee training.

For accurate food safety regulations and official guidance in Maryland, contact:

Maryland Department of Health – Office of Food Protection, 201 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Under Maryland’s Cottage Food Law, food safety training is not required unless you plan to sell your products in retail food stores. If you do, you’ll need to complete an ANSI-accredited food handler course, like the one offered by AAA Food Handler. The course covers key topics such as basic food safety, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing, and proper food handling. Once you pass, you’ll receive a certificate that’s valid for three years.