Multnomah County Official Food Handlers Card

Food handler cards issued on this site are valid for all of Oregon.

The State of Oregon requires all food handlers to pass a test and get a food handler card within 30 days of employment.

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Walk-In Tests

Multnomah County Environmental Health also offers walk-in tests:
Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 3:30 pm (except holidays and special closures). Call in advance to confirm the office will be open.

You can contact us at:
Multnomah County Environmental Health
847 NE 19th Avenue, Suite 350B
Portland, OR 97232
503-988-5257
Email: foodhandlers@multco.us

The building is near Tri-Met bus lines 12, 19, 20, 70 and the Lloyd Center MAX Station. For more information on public transportation call 503-238-RIDE or visit www.tri-met.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to get certified?

Yes. All food workers in Oregon must obtain certification within 30 days of their hire date (OAR 333-175).

2. How do I obtain a Food Handlers card?

Here on this website or in-person at a Food Handler office or Multnomah County Library, you can study the Multnomah County Food Handler Manual. Or if you prefer, you can watch the Food Handler video at the Food Handler office (see address above).
Then pass the certification test offered by Multnomah County on-line or at the Food Handler office.
Note: Both the in-person test and the online test are open book (the manual is available for you to look at while taking the test).

3. Identification requirements? Multnomah County Food Handler’s office will ask to see an ID in order to verify your name. 4. Where do I pick up copies of the manual?

Multnomah County Food Handler's office.
Multnomah County Libraries
View or download from https://foodhandlercard.multco.us/Manuals

5. What is the cost for the Multnomah County food handler card?

Online - Online food handler certification costs $10.00 to be paid with Visa or Master Card after you pass the test
In the Office - If you take the test in our office, the cost is $5.00 to take the test (pass or fail) and $5.00 to be issued a food handler certificate/card after passing the test; cash only

6. How long is the food handler card valid?

The card is valid for three years from the date the test was passed. You will need to retake the test and pay for a new card. You can retake the test within 30 days of the expiration date.

7. What happens if I misplace my food handler card?

If you previously obtained your card online from the Multnomah County website, you can print off another card online by scrolling up, clicking on Log In then clicking Pay/Print Button and then click Print Card. There is no additional charge to print off a duplicate copy online. If you did not get your original card online, you can get a copy by visiting the Multnomah County Food Handlers office. There is a $5 fee to obtain one from the office and you will need to bring photo ID so the original can be verified.

8. What do I need in order to take the food handler online test?

A valid email address to receive your password,
A valid debit/credit card (Visa and Master Card only)
A working printer if you wish to print your card. You will not receive your card in the mail.

9. Does my online food handler card need to be printed on special paper?

No, you may use any paper your printer will take. Or you can download it on your mobile device or computer.

10. If I cannot finish the test session what do I need to do?

You will need to login and take the test again from the beginning when you have time. Progress is not saved if you end the test before finishing it.

11. Can I download my card on my mobile device or computer?

Yes, this can be saved on your mobile device or computer and you can easily share it with your employer by email or text, etc.

12. Can my Food Handler’s card be mailed to me (paper copy) through the postal service?

No, your online food handler card cannot be mailed to your address. However, you can login and print or download it anytime or come into the Food Handler Office to get your card if you have paid for it online, Monday - Friday 8:30 - 3:30. Multnomah County Environmental Health, 847 NE 19th Avenue, Suite 350B, Portland, OR 97232

13. My food handler’s card states Multnomah County, but can I use it anywhere in Oregon? Yes, your Multnomah County food handler card is good anywhere in Oregon. 14. Can accommodations be made for non-English speakers and persons with disabilities?

Persons with reading difficulties may view a video and take an audio or computer test. Subject to language availability.
Persons with disabilities may contact Multnomah County Food Handler's office for accommodations.
Non-English speakers and /or non-English readers can take our online food handler test in several different languages at https://foodhandlercard.multco.us

15. What alternative methods are available for testing and how long do they take?

Videos (a test must be taken after watching the video):

English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese

English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Russian and Vietnamese

English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese (Accomodations for additional languages may be arranged. Call the food handler's office to make arrangements.)

Online Food handler Test

English, Spanish, Russian, Korean, Vietnamese, Mandarin and Cantonese

16. Where is the Multnomah County food handler office?

Multnomah County Environmental Health, 847 NE 19th Avenue, Suite 350B, Portland, OR 97232. For public transportation information, call Tri-Met at 503-238-RIDE or visit their web site at www.tri-met.org.