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

Quick answer

Required?
Yes
Cost
No mandatory cost for line workers
Valid for
Not applicable — no card mandate for handlers

Requirements verified July 17, 2026 against Pima County Health Department

How Pima County differs from the rest of Arizona

Pima County (Tucson) does NOT require individual food handler cards — the only county mandates are a person in charge on premises at all times and at least one ANSI-certified food protection manager per establishment. The county's own food handler class is voluntary.

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

What Pima County requires

Pima County Code 8.08.050 requires all food establishments (except temporary, seasonal, and farmers markets) to have a person in charge on premises during operating hours, and to employ at least one person certified as a food protection manager through an ANSI-accredited program. Individual line workers are not required to hold a food handler card, though employers may require training on their own. The county offers a voluntary Food Handler's Class — note the county itself states this certificate is not ANSI-accredited and may not satisfy other jurisdictions.

Where to get your card in Pima County

Pima County Health Department Food Handler's Class (voluntary)

Cost and validity

No mandatory cost for line workers. The county's voluntary class and exam is $30 ($20 exam only). The card is valid for not applicable — no card mandate for handlers.

Pima County FAQ

Do I need a food handler card to work in a Tucson restaurant?

Not by county law. Pima County requires a person in charge on site and at least one ANSI-certified food protection manager per establishment, but does not require individual food handler cards. Your employer may still require training as a job condition.

Is Pima County's food handler class ANSI-accredited?

No. The county states its certificate is for educational purposes and may not meet regulatory requirements in other jurisdictions. If you might work in another Arizona county, an ANAB-accredited online course is the safer choice.

Official sources

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