Published March 27, 2012

What is a California Food Handlers Card?

As a person who is interested in becoming properly trained to handle food in the state of California, you need to know what the California food handlers card is, the law that put it into effect, who needs one of these cards, and how to get it.

What is the California Food Handler Card Law?

The law requires that food handlers receive their California food handler card from an American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

California Food Handler Card

accredited training provider. A food handler card obtained from any other source is not recognized as valid. As of June 1, 2011, the law states that employees must obtain their food handlers card within 30 days of their hire and renew their card every three years.

Who Needs a California Food Handlers Card?

A food handler card is required to be held by anyone who prepares, stores, or serves unpackaged food in a cooking or food preparation facility. A California food handlers card is required by anyone working in California who handles food, except for those food handlers  in Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties. If you work in any of these counties, call the local health department for more information, as they have their own pre-existing training requirements.

How is a California Food Handler Card Obtained?

Food handlers have to pass a food handler training course and the corresponding exam with a score of at least 70% to receive their California food handler card. The training course  typically lasts 2-3 hours and can be completed online. You can start and stop at your convenience, and once you pass the online exam, you can print your certification and food handlers card immediately. If you fail the test, you may, for a limited time, retest once for free.

The California food handler card is required by law. Are you properly trained to handle food in the state of California? At Premier Food Safety, we have more than 35 years of training experience, four languages to choose from, the lowest prices in the state and a satisfaction guarantee. For all the training and knowledge you need to become certified, register with Premier Food Safety today. Learn more about the qualifications to work in the restaurant business by finding us on Facebook and Twitter.