Municipality of Anchorage Food Handlers Card: Alaska County Requirements (2026)

Quick answer

Required?
Yes
Deadline
Within 21 days of employment
Cost
$10 for the online course and card; $5 for a replacement card
Valid for
3 years from successful completion

Requirements verified July 17, 2026 against Municipality of Anchorage Health Department

How Municipality of Anchorage differs from the rest of Alaska

Anchorage runs its own food safety program independent of the state DEC — the state's Food Worker Card requirement explicitly excludes the municipality. Anchorage requires its own card within 21 days of employment instead of the state's 30 days.

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

What Municipality of Anchorage requires

All food workers in the Municipality of Anchorage must obtain an Anchorage Food Worker Card within 21 days of starting work. You complete the municipality's $10 online course and exam (delivered through its contracted online provider, Tap Series) and can download and print your card immediately after passing. If you prefer to test in person, the Anchorage Health Department offers testing at its Environmental Health Services Division (3rd floor), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cards are valid for three years; a replacement card costs $5 if lost more than 30 days after completing training.

Where to get your card in Municipality of Anchorage

Anchorage online food worker course and test (via Tap Series)

Cost and validity

$10 for the online course and card; $5 for a replacement card. The card is valid for 3 years from successful completion.

Municipality of Anchorage FAQ

Does my state DEC Food Worker Card work in Anchorage?

Plan on getting the Anchorage card. The state's DEC card program explicitly excludes workers inside the Municipality of Anchorage, and the municipality runs its own $10 course and card. If you already hold a DEC card, call the Anchorage Health Department before assuming it transfers.

How fast do I need the card after starting an Anchorage food job?

Within 21 days of employment — shorter than the state's 30-day window. The $10 online course lets you print your card the same day you pass.

Official sources

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