Last verified: June 2026. Confirm with your local authority — e.g., the Southern Nevada Health District — before paying.
Nevada is a “depends on your county” state, and one county dominates: Clark County (Las Vegas) requires an in-person test that most online courses can’t satisfy. Since Clark County is about 74% of the state’s population, that rule affects most Nevada food workers. Here’s the real picture.
Quick answer
Nevada has no statewide food handler card law — requirements are set locally (under NRS 446 / NAC 446). The major counties each run their own program, and Clark County’s is the strictest.
- Clark County (Las Vegas, Henderson, Boulder City, Mesquite): mandatory Food Handler Safety Training Card via the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) — in-person test required for first-time cards.
- Washoe County (Reno) and Carson City: their own mandatory programs (Washoe accepts approved online training).
- Other/rural counties: may require a card or leave it to employers.
- Valid for: 3 years.
Clark County (Las Vegas) — the in-person catch
This is the single most important thing for most Nevada workers. To get the official SNHD Food Handler Safety Training Card, you must take the test in person at an SNHD location — within 30 days of starting work. Key details (fees effective January 1, 2026):
- Cost: $25 (test included in the card fee); a $5 retest fee if you don’t pass (70% to pass); a $15 late fee for renewing a card that expired within the last two years.
- Study materials are free on the SNHD website.
- Online courses do not replace the SNHD in-person exam. An ANAB-accredited online course can be useful preparation, but the official Clark County card comes from SNHD.
- Renewals can be done online through an SNHD-approved option (a 10-question test, ~75% to pass, ~$20), even though the first card must be in person.
Outside Clark County
- Washoe County (Reno area): complete a Washoe County Health District–approved online course and exam, then print your card (valid 3 years).
- Carson City and other counties: requirements vary; some accept approved online training, others leave it to employers. Check your local health authority.
- Note: a card valid in Northern Nevada is not accepted in Clark County, and vice versa.
The manager requirement
Separate from the worker card, Nevada (and SNHD) require supervisory staff to hold a Certified Food Safety Manager credential from an ANSI-accredited program. That’s an establishment/manager-level requirement distinct from each worker’s card.
What to do, by location
- Las Vegas / Clark County: book an in-person SNHD appointment; bring valid ID and payment ($25). Renewals can be online.
- Reno / Washoe: take the Washoe-approved online course and print your card.
- Elsewhere: check your county health department; an ANAB-accredited course is a safe default where training is expected.
Nevada at a glance
| Statewide requirement? | No — set locally |
| Clark County (Las Vegas) | In-person SNHD card, $25, 30 days, valid 3 years |
| Washoe (Reno) | Own program; approved online accepted |
| Carson City / rural | Varies; check local authority |
| Online course for Clark County? | Prep only — official card is in person |
| Cross-region validity | Northern card not valid in Clark County |
| Manager rule | Certified Food Safety Manager for supervisors |
This guide is general information, not legal advice. The Southern Nevada Health District and your county are the final word.