Legal Requirement Snapshot
Georgia Food Code §511-6-1-.03(3)(b) states that every food employee must demonstrate knowledge of safe food handling, most commonly through a recognized food handler certificate. Local counties may shorten the completion window for new hires, but the statewide mandate remains consistent: proof of training must be available during inspection.
Quick Facts
- Validity: 3 years statewide
- Minimum passing score: 70 %
- Course length: ≈60–90 minutes
- Lowest provider cost: $9.95 (online)
- Languages: English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese
- Reciprocity: limited—out-of-state cards must meet GA content
- Grace period: 30 days for new hires unless county says otherwise
Who Must Hold a Food Handler Card
The term food employee covers anyone who handles unpackaged food, food-contact surfaces, or utensils—line cooks, prep workers, servers who garnish plates, bartenders handling fruit and ice, dish technicians, and temporary event workers. Cashiers who never touch food, and delivery drivers with packaged meals, are generally exempt.
Course Content Overview
Every Georgia-approved food handler course follows the FDA Model Food Code learning objectives, adapted to local rules. Expect interactive modules that cover:
- Time & Temperature Control: danger zone, cooking, cooling, and hot-hold limits.
- Cross-Contamination Prevention: storage hierarchy, color-coded tools, allergen segregation.
- Personal Hygiene: handwashing—20-second rule, glove changes, illness reporting.
- Cleaning & Sanitation: 3-compartment sink, sanitizer ppm—see our calculator.
- Allergens: Georgia’s adoption of the Top 9 list and disclosure tips.
Before testing, drill with our free practice questions.
Approved Training Providers
The Georgia Department of Public Health approves both ANSI-accredited and proprietary programs. Providers must submit a syllabus that matches state objectives and retain update logs for each revision year.
Online vs In-Person Comparison
| Feature | Online Course | Classroom Course |
|---|---|---|
| Average seat time | 60–90 min (self-paced) | 2–3 hours plus travel |
| Typical cost | $10–$15 | $25–$40 |
| Pass score | 70 % | 70 % |
| Exam format | Multiple-choice, untimed | Paper bubble sheet |
| Certificate delivery | Instant PDF | Printed same day |
| Language support | 4+ languages | English / Spanish typical |
| Tech requirements | Internet + PC/phone | None |
| Retake fee | Often free | $5–$15 |
Exam Details & Passing Score
The typical Georgia food handler exam contains 40 multiple-choice questions. You must score at least 70 % to pass, though some providers raise the bar to 75 %. Most online platforms allow unlimited attempts within 12 months. Classroom sessions usually offer one free retake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping practice questions—use ours free.
- Taking the course in a noisy prep area—find a quiet spot.
- Assuming math is minimal—temperature conversions appear often.
- Using a phone with 5 % battery—exam resets on loss of power.
Renewal Schedule & Fees
Georgia food handler cards expire every three years. Renew before the expiration date to avoid working uncredentialed. Online renewal typically costs $8–$15. Some counties grant a 30-day grace period for lapsed cards, but inspectors may still mark a violation. Set a calendar reminder or use your payroll software to flag upcoming expirations. For a step-by-step renewal walk-through, see our renewal guide.
Employer Record-Keeping Duties
Managers must maintain training records on-site for the duration of employment plus three years. Digital copies are acceptable if they can be produced during inspection within one hour. Best practice is a binder sorted alphabetically by employee name, backed up weekly to a cloud folder. Inspectors often ask:
- “Show me proof of training for everyone on duty today.”
- “How do you track expiration dates and renewals?”
- “Who verifies certificates for new hires?”
Download a roster template and learn advanced documentation tactics in our record-keeping guide.