Last verified: June 2026. Statewide cards come from Alaska DEC; Anchorage has its own program. Confirm before paying.
Alaska requires a Food Worker Card for anyone handling unpackaged food — but there’s a split that catches people: the Municipality of Anchorage runs its own separate program and won’t accept the state card. Which one you need depends on where your establishment is.
Quick answer
Food workers in Alaska must hold a valid Food Worker Card. Outside Anchorage, you get it from the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC); inside Anchorage, from the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA).
- Who needs one: anyone working with unpackaged food, potentially hazardous food, or food-contact surfaces.
- Deadline: within 30 days of hire statewide (DEC); 21 days in Anchorage.
- Cost: $10.
- Valid for: 3 years.
- Exam: pass at 75% to print your card.
The Anchorage split — the key detail
Since 2010, Anchorage issues its own Food Worker Card, and the two systems aren’t fully interchangeable:
- If your establishment is regulated by the state (DEC), a card from either the state or Anchorage is accepted.
- If your establishment is in the Municipality of Anchorage, you need the Anchorage card — the MOA does not accept state-issued cards.
So an Anchorage card is the “safer” one for portability, but if you work outside Anchorage you simply use the state DEC program. Anchorage’s course is delivered online through its approved provider.
Who doesn’t need a card
- People who only handle pre-packaged food (cashiers, baggers, delivery drivers, shelf stockers, warehouse workers).
- Those who assist patients/residents with their meals in an institution.
- Children under 18 assisting with school meal service in a school kitchen.
- Volunteers.
- Certified Food Protection Managers (the higher credential covers you; in Anchorage, a CFPM passed within the last 5 years meets the requirement).
How to get your Alaska Food Worker Card (statewide / DEC)
- Go to the DEC food worker card test site and purchase a Test ID ($10). Practice tests are available.
- Take the exam — score 75% or higher.
- Print your card immediately. (Paying by mailed check instead can take 2–3 weeks to receive the card.)
- Give your employer a copy — Alaska requires employers to keep it on file during your employment and up to a year after.
In Anchorage, follow the MOA program instead (online via its approved provider; 21-day deadline; lost-card replacements are about $5).
The most common mistake
Buying a card from a generic online provider. Food handler cards from other states or unapproved online courses are not valid in Alaska — you must use the state DEC system (or the Anchorage program if you work in the municipality).
Alaska at a glance
| Required? | Yes |
| Deadline after hire | 30 days (state) / 21 days (Anchorage) |
| Cost | $10 |
| Valid for | 3 years |
| Issued by | Alaska DEC, or Municipality of Anchorage |
| Anchorage accepts state cards? | No (state accepts Anchorage cards, though) |
| Out-of-state cards | NOT valid |
| Passing score | 75% |
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Alaska DEC and the Anchorage Health Department are the final word.