Jefferson County Food Handlers Card: Alabama County Requirements (2026)

Quick answer

Required?
Yes
Deadline
Within 21 days of hire
Cost
$15 in-person class
Valid for
Reported as 2 years by third-party sites, but not confirmed on jcdh.org — check your certificate

Requirements verified July 17, 2026 against Jefferson County Department of Health

How Jefferson County differs from the rest of Alabama

Jefferson County (Birmingham) runs Alabama's main food handler mandate: JCDH training within 21 days of hire — $15 for the in-person class or $20 online — with an exemption for employees who always work under an on-duty certified food manager.

For the statewide picture, see the full Alabama food handlers card guide.

What Jefferson County requires

Food service employees in Jefferson County must complete JCDH food handler training within 21 days of their hire date. The in-person class costs $15 per participant, payable by cash or money order at registration on the day of class; JCDH also accepts certificates from its designated online food safety training ($20). Employees who work under a certified food manager on duty at all times may be exempt from the handler class — ask JCDH whether your situation qualifies. JCDH also registers volunteer food handlers through a separate free process.

Where to get your card in Jefferson County

JCDH Food Handler Classes (official)

Cost and validity

$15 in-person class (cash or money order); $20 online. The card is valid for reported as 2 years by third-party sites, but not confirmed on jcdh.org — check your certificate.

Jefferson County FAQ

How long do I have after starting a food job in Birmingham?

21 days from your hire date to complete Jefferson County Department of Health food handler training — either the $15 in-person class or the county's approved $20 online option.

Is anyone exempt from the Jefferson County food handler class?

Employees who work under a certified food manager on duty at all times may be exempt. If your restaurant always has a certified manager on shift, ask JCDH whether the exemption applies before paying for the class.

How long is the Jefferson County food handler card valid?

JCDH doesn't state the validity period prominently on its official pages; training sites commonly report 2 years. Check the date on your certificate and confirm with JCDH when renewal is due.

Official sources

Every requirement on this page traces to one of these official sources.