Last verified: June 2026. Confirm with your county health department — e.g., Jefferson County — before paying.
Alabama splits two ways: no statewide worker card, but two counties — Jefferson (Birmingham) and Mobile — require one, each with its own rules, provider, and expiration. On top of that there’s a statewide manager requirement. Here’s the accurate breakdown.
Quick answer
Alabama sets no statewide food handler card requirement. Two counties mandate worker cards, and the state requires a certified manager everywhere.
- Jefferson County (Birmingham): food handler card required within 21 days of hire; $20 online ($15 in person); valid 2 years.
- Mobile County: food handler card required; $23 online; valid 1 year.
- Statewide: at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per establishment (Alabama Food Code), valid 5 years.
- Everywhere else: no worker card required by law; employers may still require it.
Jefferson County (Birmingham) — three ways to comply
Jefferson County requires all food employees to complete food safety training, and it’s flexible about how:
- In person at the Jefferson County Department of Health in Birmingham ($15), or
- Online through the single approved provider ($20), or
- On the job, trained by a Certified Food Safety Manager who is on duty at all times.
The card is valid 2 years, and the deadline is within 21 days of starting work. Important: only the county-approved online provider counts — a card from a random national course is not valid in Jefferson County. Training is offered in many languages.
Mobile County
Mobile County also requires a food handler card, obtained through its approved online provider for about $23. Note the shorter validity: Mobile County cards are good for 1 year (versus 2 years in Jefferson). As in Jefferson, third-party programs that aren’t county-approved don’t satisfy the requirement.
The statewide manager requirement
Separate from the county worker cards, the Alabama Food Code requires most food establishments statewide to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager, who passes an ANAB-CFP accredited exam (valid 5 years). This applies everywhere in Alabama, not just Jefferson and Mobile. A CFPM is exempt from needing the county worker card.
Outside Jefferson and Mobile counties
In the rest of Alabama there’s no legal worker-card requirement, though employers often require training and it’s a worthwhile credential. If you take a voluntary course, an ANAB-accredited program is the standard, and is generally valid 2–3 years. (Note: selling cottage foods in Alabama does require passing an ANAB-accredited food safety course.)
What to do, by location
- Jefferson County: use the county-approved method (in person, the approved online provider, or on-the-job by a CFSM) within 21 days; renew every 2 years.
- Mobile County: complete the county-approved online course (~$23); renew every year.
- Anywhere in Alabama (managers): ensure a CFPM is on staff.
- Other counties (workers): no card required; a voluntary ANAB-accredited course is optional.
Alabama at a glance
| Statewide worker card? | No |
| Jefferson County (Birmingham) | Required; $20 online / $15 in person; 2 years; 21-day deadline |
| Mobile County | Required; ~$23 online; 1 year |
| Approved providers | County-specific only — random online cards not accepted |
| Statewide manager rule | One CFPM per establishment (5 years) |
| Other counties | No worker card required; employer policy may apply |
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Your county health department (Jefferson or Mobile) and ADPH are the final word.