Food Handler / Food Safety Certification / Virginia
2026 data Virginia board official source

Virginia Food Handler / Food Safety Certification License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Prepares and handles food in commercial settings.

What the Virginia data shows for Food Handler / Food Safety Certifications

To practice as a food handler / food safety certification in Virginia, the state licensing board requires 6 documented education or training hours, a passing score on State Food Handler Certification Exam. Applicants must be at least 14 years old. The regulation sits under Virginia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Food Safety Training".

The initial price tag is $20, and renewal costs $16 every 3 years. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Virginia, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

For food handler / food safety certifications, the reciprocity picture is: ServSafe and similar certifications recognized in many states.

Licensing Requirements in Virginia

Education / Training Hours
Food Safety Training
6 hours
Exam Requirement
State Food Handler Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$20
Renewal Fee
$16
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Not Required
Minimum Age
14 years

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Compare all states for Food Handler / Food Safety Certification All Virginia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Virginia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Food Handler / Food Safety Certification in Virginia? ▼
Virginia's requirements cover 6 hours of education or training, the State Food Handler Certification Exam exam, and an initial fee of $20.
How do I get certified as a Food Handler / Food Safety Certification in Virginia? ▼
To become a licensed food handler / food safety certification in Virginia, you must meet the state's requirements including 6 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Virginia licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Food Handler / Food Safety Certification license to Virginia from another state? ▼
For food handler / food safety certifications, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: ServSafe and similar certifications recognized in many states. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Virginia licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Virginia require a background check for Food Handler / Food Safety Certification licensing? ▼
There's no state-level background-check requirement for food handler / food safety certification licensing in Virginia; some employers choose to screen candidates anyway.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.