
How to get your California Food Handlers Card
- Complete the online food handler course on any device in English or Spanish - only 60 minutes!
- Take the food handlers test online, only 70% to Pass. Retake the test for free if you don’t pass.
- Print, download, or mail order your card immediately after completing the program. This card is valid for 3 years.
How do you get a food handler permit in California?
Step 1: Complete the online food handler course on any device in English or Spanish - only 75 minutes! Step 2: Take the food handlers test online. Retake the test for free if you don’t pass. Step 3: Print, download, or mail order your card immediately after completing the program. This card is valid for 3 years.
How to obtain food handlers license?
Nov 05, 2020 · To help prevent food contamination, California requires many food workers to get a food handlers card soon after you’re hired. A food handler card is a certificate you receive after you complete an approved food handler training course and pass the test. When is a food handler card required? In general, if you work with food, California state law requires you to get a food …
How to get a food handler permit?
The California Food Handlers Card training course prepares food handlers to work in the state of California. If you're a manager, click here to get your food manager certification. To get your card, simply watch the training videos and pass the test. More than …
How do you get a food handler card in California?
How do I get a California Food Handlers Card? The card issued upon successful completion of an ANSI-approved food safety program and a 40-question exam with a minimum score of 70%. Who is considered a food handler? A food handler is any individual who is involved in the preparation, storage, or service of food in a food facility.

How much does a food handlers permit cost in California?
Can I get my California food Handlers card online?
Is a California food handlers card free?
Food Handler Cards must be issued by an ANSI-Accredited provider.
How long do I have to get a food handlers card in California?
What is a food handlers permit?
Is ServSafe com legit?
Is it OK to handle food with your bare hands?
How long can a food worker perform one task before needing to change gloves?
When must a food handler wash their hands?
What counties do you need a food handler card in California?
If you work in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, or San Diego County, you must get a food handlers card for that specific county. Food handler cards issued by the state of California aren’t valid within those three counties.
What counties in California require food handlers?
If you work in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, or San Diego County, you must get a food handlers card for that specific county. Food handler cards issued by the state of California aren’t valid within those three counties.
How to get a food handler card?
Whether you’re getting a food handler card for the first time or you just need to renew, the basic process for getting your card is the same: 1 Find an approved training program. 2 Complete the training and pass the test. 3 Get your card from the provider.
How many food handlers are there in California?
As of May 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated there were 1.7 million food handlers and managers in California. That accounts for almost 10% of all working Californians! To help prevent food contamination, California requires many food workers to get a food handlers card soon after you’re hired.
How long is a food handler card valid in California?
A California food handler card is valid for three years. That means every three years, you’ll need to retake the training and renew your card. Whether you’re getting a food handler card for the first time or you just need to renew, the basic process for getting your card is the same: Find an approved training program.
Do you need a food handler to work at a convenience store?
There are some exceptions to this rule. You don’t need to get your food handlers if you were hired to work at a convenience store, school cafeteria, licensed healthcare facility, certified farmer’s market, or a facility intended to confine adults or minors such as a county jail.
How many people get sick from eating contaminated food?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 48 million people get sick after eating contaminated food in the United States every year. Of that number, approximately 3,000 people are in California. As a food worker, you play a critical role in keeping food safe from contamination. And you’re not alone.
How long do food handlers have to be in California?
Food handlers must have a California Food Handler Card 30 days from the date of hire.#N#The cards are valid throughout most of the state and are valid for three years. Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties have pre-existing food handler card programs and are exempted from the state mandate. (However, in 2014 San Diego County passed an ordinance to allow online testing, so workers may use the ServSafe® San Diego Food Handler Card to be in compliance with the county’s requirements.) Each food facility must maintain records documenting that each employee possesses a valid California Food Handler Card that can be provided to local enforcement officials upon request.
Which counties have food handler cards?
Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties have pre-existing food handler card programs and are exempted from the state mandate. (However, in 2014 San Diego County passed an ordinance to allow online testing, so workers may use the ServSafe® San Diego Food Handler Card to be in compliance with the county’s requirements.)
What is the role of local health departments in food safety?
Local health departments are responsible for ensuring food facilities meet their obligations under the law, including ensuring food handlers have a valid food handler card, and keeping records that can be provided to local enforcement officers upon request.
Do you need a food handler card in San Bernardino?
However, if any of the establishments you work for is located in San Bernardino, San Diego or Riverside County, you will need to obtain a Food Handlers Card to work there. These counties issue their own food handler card.
Do you need a food handlers card to become a food manager?
The Food Manager Certification is a higher, more comprehensive certificate training that meets and exceeds the Food Handlers Card law requirements; therefore you are not required to obtain the Food Handlers Card.
What language do food handlers speak in California?
Languages: English, Spanish (Español), Chinese (中文), and Korean (한국어) 100% online and mobile friendly. A Food Handlers Card is required for all food handlers in California within 30 days of hire. Cards must be issued by an ANSI-approved training provider. Cards are valid for 3 years.
How long is a food handler card valid in California?
A Food Handlers Card is required for all food handlers in California within 30 days of hire. Cards must be issued by an ANSI-approved training provider. Cards are valid for 3 years. Accepted throughout California, except for Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties.
What is restricted food service?
Restricted food service facilities, Retail stores where a majority of sales are from a pharmacy, Venues with snack bar services in which the majority of sales are from admission tickets, Certain food facilities with approved in-house food safety training, Food facilities subject to a collective bargaining agreement,
How old do you have to be to take a food handler course?
We believe most food handler courses require a participant to be at least 13 years of age in order to take their course but that is not a rule the food code addresses.
Does San Bernardino County require food safety training?
All food-related employees working in San Bernardino county are required to receive food safety training. But unlike the rest of the state – that requires training from ANSI-accredited course providers – San Bernardino requires food-related employees to receive training ONLY from their own Environmental Health Services.
Do you need a food handler card in California?
Workers in certain Califor nia food facilities are not required to obtain a food handler card. You are exempt from food handler training if you work in any of the following types of facilities: Bed and breakfasts. Certified farmers markets.
How long does it take to become a food handler in California?
Under SB 303, food handlers are required to complete an ANSI-accredited food handler program within 30 days of starting a job in the food service industry. This requirement applies to most restaurant positions in California. According to California law, a food handler is any food service employee who works with:
What is a food handler in California?
According to California law, a food handler is any food service employee who works with: Unpackaged food.
What is the minimum score required to get a food handler card in California?
According to California law, a food handler is any food service employee who works with: To receive a food handler card, the law states that you must complete a qualifying food handler training program and pass the final exam with a score of at least 70% .
What is restricted food service?
Restricted food service facilities. Retail stores that earn a majority of sales from a pharmacy. School cafeterias (public or private) Temporary food facilities (food booths) Venues with snack bars that earn a majority of sales from admission tickets (does not include areas with restaurant-style service)
What is an elder nutrition program?
Elderly nutrition programs administered by the California Department of Aging. Facilities used to confine adults or minors (jails, juvenile halls, camps, ranches or residential facilities) Food facilities with approved in-house training. Food facilities subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
What is a food handler card?
A food handlers card, also referred to as a certificate, license , or permit, is the documentation you get after passing a food handlers course. This card shows your manager and the local health department, that you know what it means to serve food safely to the public. Most food handler cards are valid ...
How easy is it to get a restaurant job?
Getting your first restaurant job is relatively easy if you have the right tools. Restaurants are always looking to recruit fresh blood to the dark side, but there are a few things you’ll have to prepare to really persuade a hiring manager that you have enough of a backbone to handle the work.
Is handwashing a problem in the food industry?
Handwashing is a big concern in the foodservice industry, but the problem exists elsewhere, and it starts early.
What language do food handlers learn?
All instructional materials and exams are available in English and Spanish. Food handlers pay only when they pass! The eFoodcard Training Program is America’s official food handler course.
How long is a food handler card valid?
Your food handlers card will be valid for 3 years, and includes unlimited printing. Just 3 easy steps to earn a certificate of course completion and official California food handlers card! All instructional materials and exams are available in English and Spanish. Food handlers pay only when they pass!
Does eFoodcard work in San Bernardino County?
eFoodcard does not train in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, or San Diego County. Your city or county may have special food handler requirements. Please visit your local or state health department website for more information. California Residents: Train for free - pay only after you pass. You are 3 short steps away from getting your ...
Does eFoodcard train in San Diego County?
eFoodcard does not train in Riverside County, San Bernardino County, or San Diego County. Your city or county may have special food handler requirements. Please visit your local or state health department website for more information.
About Certified Food Handler
The California Senate Bill No. 602 require a food handler who is hired prior to June 1, 2011, to obtain a food handler card on or before July 1, 2011. The bill would require food handlers hired after June 1, 2011, to obtain a food handler card within 30 days of his or her date of hire.
Business Resources
The Certified Food Handler (CFH) Card or Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate can be obtained by contacting one of the approved California Food Handler Certificate Programs directly. Please see The American National Standards Institute website at: www.ansi.org
Report a Problem
Call 888-700-9995 for questions or to report problems. You can also File a Complaint Online

How Should I Direct Employees to Obtain A California Food Handler Card?
- To earn a California Food Handler Card, food handlers need to pass a food handler test with a minimum score of 70 percent. In San Diego, the food handler must earn 80 percent. The course and test may be online or via a classroom-style training. Food handlers must maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of their employment. Managers and ...
How Much Does It Cost?
- The state law stipulates that one training course must be available at no more than $15 to ensure affordability and prevent hardship on the food handler. The law doesn’t require employers to pay for an employee’s time and expense to take the training and test unless a food facility provides in-house food safety training during normal working hours, and the training course must be approv…
How Is It enforced?
- Local health departments are responsible for ensuring food facilities meet their obligations under the law, including ensuring food handlers have a valid food handler card, and keeping records that can be provided to local enforcement officers upon request.
Exemptions
- Some foodservice employees are exempt from the California Food Handler Card law requirement, including individuals holding a valid manager’s food safety certification such as ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certificationrequired by current law; food handlers in temporary facilities; food handlers subject to an existing local food handler card program, such as Riverside, San Ber…