About the classes:

Registration required:

• You can register online or call (816) 513-6315 to register by phone.
• Pre-registration 48 hours in advance is required for all classes.
• Food Handler and Manager Training Classes are available each month and are offered in English and Spanish.

Where are the classes?

Classes are held at the main Health Department location and our Northland Satellite Location.

2400 Troost Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64108
Phone: (816) 513-6315
Fax: (816) 513-6173

5340 Chouteau Trafficway
Kansas City, MO 64119
Phone: (816) 513-6171
Fax: (816) 513-6173

Are classes available online?

• Food Safety Training is also available online by two Kansas City Health Department partners.
  
  • Remember to bring your certificate of completion to KCHD within 30 days of completing the online course or you will have to retake the training at your own expense.
  • Health Department hours are Monday - Friday between 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
  • Bring a photo ID with you that includes both your first and last name.
  • Food handlers will need to answer several brief questions at the health department to verify that they are the person who took the online class.
  • The online courses are $25 for 3-year certification and must be paid with a credit card.
    
    • If food handlers do not pass the test in two tries, they will be asked to retake the course for an additional $25.

How much does it cost?

• The in-person Food Handler’s Training Class costs $20 for a 3-year certification.
• The in-person Food Manager’s Training Class costs $50 for a 5-year certification.
• All payments must be paid prior to attending the class.

We accept:

• Cash (exact amount; we are unable to change large bills.
• Credit (Visa, MasterCard)
• Debit
• Money order

The online courses are $25 for 3-year certification and must be paid with a credit card.

Do I need to bring anything?

• Picture ID (current driver’s license, passport, military ID, state-issued picture ID, consulate or resident ID all accepted).
• Cash, credit, or debit card for the cost of the class; if paying cash, bring exact amount.

Note: Child care is not provided, so please make arrangements in advance; children are not permitted in the classroom.

After Training, You’ll Take a Test for Your Food Handler Card

• A test is given at the end of the class, and those who score 80 percent or better on the exam, will receive a Food Handlers Card.
• If you score less than 80 percent, you may retest at a later date free of charge. Please call and schedule a time to retake the exam.
• The card informs the public that the individual attended and passed the training course and is qualified to work in the food industry handling food.
• Since 2004, this program has trained over 100,00+ people in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

*Two permit options for food establishments: (Cannot alternate between them.)

• A certified food service operations manager must be present in the food service area and on duty at all times of business operations, and must present a food manager permit or card to the authorized regulatory authority inspector at the time of inspection, or
• For food service operations where no manager is certified, 80 percent of required food handler staff shall obtain a three-year food handler card from KCHD either upon completion of the food handler course, or upon KCHD’s approval of a comparable food handler permit or card from another provider.

*Please be aware that if school districts close schools near KCHD due to inclement weather, food classes will likely be canceled as well. Please call to confirm possible weather-related Handler and Manager class cancellations.

Who needs food handler training and a food handler permit?*

• Anyone that works directly with the preparation or cooking of food
• A manager or supervisor of those preparing or cooking food

What you’ll learn:

• Proper hand washing techniques
• Proper cooling and reheating temperatures
• Illnesses that must be reported
• Proper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment
• Food borne illnesses and causes

What if I have already attended a food safety training course through another Health Department?

Kansas City honors food handler cards from:

• Platte County
• Clay County
• Cass County
• Jackson County
• Independence, Mo.

*Your Kansas City card will also be accepted by these departments.

Every year about 48 million cases of food borne illness occur and about 3000 people die.

The vast majority of these illnesses and deaths could be prevented by proper training and following safe food handling practices.