West Virginia does not have a statewide food handler requirement. Food handler training is mandated only in specific counties and in certain municipalities that have adopted local ordinances.

In jurisdictions that require food handler certification, employees are usually required to complete training and obtain a card within 30–60 days of hire, depending on the local health department’s rules.

Food handler cards in West Virginia are generally valid for 1–3 years. Recertification is required and typically involves retaking an approved course and exam when the card expires.

Local fees for food handler cards commonly range from $10 to $30, depending on the county or city program.

Food handler certification is required in many West Virginia counties and in the City of Huntington. Local ordinances define who needs training, how often certification must be renewed, and which programs are accepted.

Counties with food handler requirements include:
Barbour, Braxton, Brooke, Cabell, Calhoun, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hancock, Hardy, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Kanawha, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Mineral, Monongalia, Monroe, Nicholas, Ohio, Pendleton, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Putnam, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, Wirt, and Wood.

In these jurisdictions, food handler certificates are generally valid for 1–3 years, with renewal intervals and required training hours set by the local health department. Most counties accept ANSI-accredited food handler courses, in addition to any local training they provide.

City of Huntington exception: Huntington operates its own health department–administered food handler program. Certain national programs are not accepted; workers must complete the local Health Department training to obtain a valid food handler card for use in Huntington.

Across regulated counties and in Huntington, employees are typically required to complete training within 30–60 days of hire, with local fees commonly ranging from $10 to $30 for initial cards and renewals.