Virginia does not require food handler certification at the statewide level. Food handler training requirements are established only through local ordinances adopted by individual cities and counties.

Where required, food handler certificates remain valid for 6 months to 3 years, depending on the local health department. Recertification schedules are determined by each jurisdiction and require retaking the designated training and exam.

Training duration also varies by locality, ranging from 1 hour to 2 hours, as specified by city or county food safety programs.

Virginia permits the use of ANSI-accredited food handler courses where local ordinances allow. In areas without a mandate, food handler training remains strongly recommended to support safe food handling and compliance with industry standards.

Food handler certification in Virginia is required only in jurisdictions with local food safety ordinances. Local health departments establish accepted programs, training hours, certificate validity, and renewal requirements.

Cities requiring certification:
Franklin, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Williamsburg.

Counties requiring certification:
Isle of Wight, James City, Southampton, York.

Training duration varies by locality:
• 1 hour: Newport News
• 1.5 hours: Norfolk, Portsmouth
• 2 hours: Franklin, Poquoson, Suffolk, Williamsburg, Isle of Wight, Southampton, York

Certificate expiration by jurisdiction:
• 6 months: York County
• 1 year: James City County, Williamsburg
• 2 years: Franklin, Hampton, Norfolk, Poquoson, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Isle of Wight, Southampton
• 3 years: Newport News

Accepted programs generally include nationally accredited food handler courses, including online and classroom options, as permitted by each jurisdiction’s ordinance.