Food Service Sanitation Certification 2025

Food service workers and professionals can now register to obtain the required City of Chicago Summer Festival Food Service Sanitation Certificate via our conveniently located classes. In comfortable, small group settings, attendees will learn the required techniques and applications for properly preparing, handling and serving time and temperature controlled food safely in outdoor settings. Classes are limited to 20 - 25 persons and are available on a first-come basis. Sessions are held in person at locations that are wheelchair accessible and with free on-street parking. 
Seats and the total number of classes are limited. Early registration for available dates in March and April is advised in order to receive your certificate for the forthcoming festival season in a timely fashion:

Available Dates:

Summer Festival Certification Class (2025) Limit: 1 registration per person

$40.00
Register
The course is for:
  • Individuals and institutions who will be serving food at any outdoor location in the City of Chicago, whether it is municipal or a privately produced event.​
  • Restaurant workers who want to be prepared to work with employers who will participate in Chicago's busy outdoor food industry during peak season.
  • Food handlers who want a supportive and well-constructed class to ensure preparedness as they invest in their professional development.
Picture
Chamille Weddington

Download and share workshop flyer
Where will 2025 classes be held?   Is parking available?
  • Yes, free on-street parking is available.
Are registrations refundable?
  • Purchased registrations are not refundable or transferable, so be sure to choose the date that best corresponds with your time availability. 
How do I register and how will I receive a purchase confirmation?
  • Click on the register link on this page.  Upon completion of payment, an automatic receipt will sent to you by email.  Retain it for your records. We will also have a file of your registration on the day of the class.
Should I bring anything the day of the class?
  • Be sure to bring a valid legal photo identification to verify your registration.
What is the duration of the Sanitation Festival class?
  • The class is 2 1/2 hours in length.  Choose from the available dates and times upon registration.
​When will I receive my certificate?
  • Certificates will be mailed via US postal service to students after course completion.  You should receive it in 3 - 4 weeks.
Is it true that food handlers who are serving food at any outdoor event (whether produced by the City of Chicago or a private entity) need to have the Summer Food Festival Sanitation Certificate?
  • Yes.  It is a public safety requirement for anyone handling and serving time and temperature controlled food safely in outdoor settings to the general public.  At least one PIC (person in charge) with the certificate must be present.
Will I need to keep my certificate on hand while handling food at outdoor locations?
  • Yes.  It is required that you keep the physical certificate with you and make it available in the event it is requested for food sanitation inspectors. 
Are you offering virtual classes and additional locations?
  • Currently, we are not offering virtual classes, however, we will be offering them in the near future.  We are open to additional suggested locations.
Will you be offering classes for the Sanitation Manager certificate as well as the Food Handler certificate?  
  • Yes, these classes are forthcoming.  You can email us to be notified when they are available.
How can you be reached if I have additional questions?
ga('send', 'pageview');