Food Handler Certification Requirements

California Food Handler Card

Individuals involved in the preparation, storage or service of food in food facility must possess a California Food Handler Card. Part time employees and students must also obtain Food Handler Cards.

The Food Handler must take a course and pass a test from an accredited certification organization. The Food Handler Card is valid for three (3) years from the date of issuance. The food handler shall be re-certified prior to the expiration of the card. Food handlers must obtain a valid Food Handler Card within 30 days after the hire date at a food facility.

Food handlers working at the following facilities are exempt from obtaining a Food Handler Card.

• Grocery stores, except for separately owned food facilities that are located in the grocery store. “Grocery store” includes convenience stores.
• Licensed health care facilities
• Mobile support units
• Public and private school cafeterias
• Restricted food service facilities
• Retail stores where the majority of the sales are from a pharmacy
• Venues with snack bar service where the majority of sales are from admission tickets (excludes restaurant-style sit-down service)
• An individual who holds a valid Food Protection Manager Certification does not need a California Food Handler Card to work in a food facility
• Volunteers at “soup kitchens” or “food banks” are not required to have Food Handler Cards
• Temporary Food Facilities at community events

Certification Training and Testing Providers

A food handler must obtain training and testing to become certified from an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited training provider.

The following is a partial list of approved trainers:

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) maintains a comprehensive list of accredited training providers on the organization's website. Look for a training provider accredited for Food Handler Training Certificate Program.