food handlers license california
Sarah Scott
Updated on May 12, 2026
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.
How long does it take to get a food handlers license in California?
The California food handler training course takes about 2.5 hours to complete. Because San Diego County sets its own training standards, San Diego County Online Food Handler Training takes at least 3 hours to complete, not including the final exam.
How much is a food handlers permit in California?
California Food Handler Card $7.95 Online – PASS Guarantee.
What food handlers card do I need in California?
Also known as the California Food Handler Card Law and SB 303, the law outlined new food safety training requirements for workers who prepare, store or handle food. 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.
Is ServSafe required in California?
A CA Food Handler Card is required by law. Employees who handle food must have a California Food Handler card on file with their employer within 30 days of hire. To obtain a card, you must complete the training and pass the exam with a 75 percent or higher.
Is ServSafe com legit?
The ServSafe Manager Certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under the Conference for Food Protection Standards.
What is a food handlers permit?
Your food handlers permit is your passport for working in the food trade. It cannot be given to another person to use or to be renewed. It should be kept safe and available for inspection. Your health department conducts training sessions throughout the year to facilitate you.
When must a food handler wash their hands?
Hands should be washed as often as necessary and always: Before starting work. Before handling cooked or ready-to-eat food. After handling or preparing raw food.
How long can a food worker perform one task before needing to change gloves?
If a worker is performing the same task, the gloves must be changed every four hours because that’s long enough for pathogens to multiply to dangerous levels. Anytime the gloves become contaminated, they must be changed.
Do you have to wear gloves when handling food in California?
A California law (Section 113961 of the California Retail Food Code) that went into effect on January 1, 2014 prevents restaurant workers in the state from handling ready-to-eat food.
Can I use my California food Handlers card in a different state?
Q: Is my California food handler card valid anywhere in the state? A: A California food handler card is valid everywhere in California except in Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties which have pre-existing local food handler card programs.
How can food handlers contaminate food?
Food handlers can contaminate food when they:
Sneeze or cough. Have contact with a person who is sick. Touch anything that may contaminate their hands and do not wash them. Have symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, or jaundice—a yellowing of the eyes or skin.
Is a California food handlers card free?
Only $7.95, 100% Online
Food Handler Cards must be issued by an ANSI-Accredited provider.
How old do you have to be to get a food handlers card in California?
Minimum Age Required to Handle Food in the State of California: 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 Orange County require a food handlers card?
involved in the preparation, storage or service of food needs a valid food handler card. Food handlers hired on or after June 1, 2011 must obtain a Food Handler Card within 30 days after the date of hire.
How long is a ServSafe certificate good for in California?
Food establishments in California are required to have at least one certified food manager who has successfully passed an accredited food safety certification exam, such as ServSafe. Certification is valid for 5 years.
Is ServSafe ANSI approved?
The ServSafe Manager Certification is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) under the Conference for Food Protection Standards. The ServSafe Food Handler Certificate verifies basic food safety knowledge and is for individuals in food handler employee-level positions.
How long is ServSafe online course?
Knowing your exam date in advance will help you plan your learning schedule. View the course in several short sessions each no longer than 1 hour. ServSafe Manager Online Course: 8-10 hours in length. ServSafe Alcohol Online Course: approximately 4 hours in length.