Wyoming Food Handlers Card & Training Online

Does Wyoming require food handler training?

Food handler training is recommended in Wyoming, because it supports the Wyoming Department of Agriculture mission of ensuring the safety of retail foods and food services in the state.

You'll learn to prevent the spread of foodborne illness by:

• Heating, cooling, and holding food at a safe time and temperature
• Avoiding cross-contamination
• Practicing personal hygiene and effective hand-washing practices
• Receiving and storing food safely
• Sanitizing food-contact surfaces, utensils, and equipment the right way

Depending on where you live, there might be additional requirements. It's always a good idea to double check with your city/county or employer about any additional training requirements.

Can I take an online course to get my food handler permit?

You can!  Just make sure the training provider has a good reputation.

Our food handler permit course at Learn2Serve, by 360training, is ANAB-accredited and follows the highest standards for food handler training.

How long does a Wyoming food handlers certificate last?

Regular refresher courses are important to maintaining your knowledge of food safety.  Wyoming food handler certificates are generally valid for 2-3 years, but you should ask your employer or local health department what the standard is where you live.

Why should I take food handler training?

Completing food handler training can move your resume to the top of the pile during a job search, because it's proof you have some of the skills your employer would normally have to teach you.

But food handler training is also important to the public health. As a food employee in Wyoming, you'll play a big role in preventing the spread of foodborne illness.

For example, of all the norovirus ("stomach flu") outbreaks in the country, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 70% are caused by food handlers coming to work while contagious.

Wyoming sees a steady number of foodborne illnesses every year. From 2014-2017, the CDC reported 3-4 foodborne disease outbreaks in Wyoming each year. That doesn't sound like much, but given the population size, it's one of the higher outbreak rates in the country.

It's important to keep those numbers as low as possible.  If you practice what you learn in food handler training, you can help improve public health where you live.

What jobs can I get in Wyoming with my food handler license?

In Wyoming, a food handler license is helpful in many types of jobs. Any position where you handle unpackaged food or food-contact surfaces and utensils will benefit.

That includes:

• Cooks, chefs, dishwashers, and other back-of-house staff
• Wait staff, food runners, bartenders, bussers, and other front-of-house staff
• Event staff
• Store clerks where unpackaged food is sold

You can work in a variety of establishments like:

• Full-service restaurants
• Fast food restaurants
• Schools cafeterias
• Grocery stores
• And more

And job demand is high because the food and beverage industry in Wyoming is growing fast.

According to the Wyoming Lodging & Restaurant Association (WLRA), in 2019 there were 28,700 restaurant and food service jobs, which translates to 10% of total employment. More importantly, that number is projected to grow 9.4% by the year 2029. Projected job growth in general is projected to be 5% nation-wide, so that's well above average.

If you’re looking to get a job in the food and beverage industry in Wyoming, here are some good options, along with how much money you can expect to make based on wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

If you get your food handler card before you apply for any of these jobs, you’ll be way ahead of the competition!

Where can I find more information about food safety in Wyoming?

Wyoming Department of Agriculture: The Consumer Health Services Section of the DOA oversees the safety of the state's food supply. That includes food safety education and inspection. It's an important source of food safety information for Wyoming.

Wyoming Department of Health: Learn more about foodborne illnesses through the DOH's Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit.

How do I get a food handler card in Wyoming?

It’s quick and easy! To earn your food handler card in Wyoming, you just need to complete a short course, pass the multiple-choice test, and you can print your certificate of completion right away as proof of training.  That's it!

Be sure to ask if any additional steps are required by local authorities. Enroll now to get your food handler certification in Wyoming!