Maricopa County Food Handlers Card: Arizona County Requirements (2026)

Quick answer

Required?
Yes
Deadline
Within 30 days of starting food work; before the event for temporary/special-event workers
Cost
No county fee — you pay only the ANAB-accredited course provider
Valid for
3 years from issue

Requirements verified July 17, 2026 against Maricopa County Environmental Services

How Maricopa County differs from the rest of Arizona

Maricopa County (Phoenix) stopped issuing its own food worker cards in 2015 — but training is still mandatory. Every food employee must complete an ANAB-accredited course within 30 days, and the certificate is kept on file at the establishment.

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

What Maricopa County requires

Under Chapter VII of the county Environmental Health Code, the person in charge must ensure food employees are trained on foodborne disease prevention within 30 days of performing any food-employee activity (before the event for temporary/special-event establishments). Acceptable documentation: a certificate from an ANSI/ANAB-accredited course, a valid food employee card from another Arizona county, or a Department course certificate. Establishments serving open perishable (TCS) food must also have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on staff, replaced within 90 days if they leave. Fee-waived and limited-use certificates exist for workers with disabilities and nonprofit or culinary-student workers.

Where to get your card in Maricopa County

Maricopa County list of ANSI-accredited providers
Learn2Serve by 360trainingANAB-accredited

Cost and validity

No county fee — you pay only the ANAB-accredited course provider (typically $7–$10 online). The card is valid for 3 years from issue.

Maricopa County FAQ

Does Maricopa County still issue food worker cards?

No. The county no longer issues its own cards, but every food-handling employee must still complete ANAB-accredited training and hold a certificate, kept accessible at the establishment for inspections.

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

The person in charge must ensure you are trained within 30 days of performing any food-employee activity. For temporary and special-event food establishments, training must happen before the event.

Does my certificate from another Arizona county work in Maricopa County?

Yes. A valid food employee certificate or card issued by another Arizona county is accepted under Chapter VII of the county Environmental Health Code.

Official sources

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