California Food Handlers Card: Requirements, Cost & How to Get One (2026)

Requirements verified July 17, 2026 against California Legislative Information

California requires most food handlers to get a Food Handler Card from an ANAB-accredited course within 30 days of hire, valid 3 years. Three counties — San Diego, San Bernardino, and Riverside — run their own programs and do not accept the state card. Since 2024, your employer must pay for the training.

In California, the first question isn't "do I need a card?" — it's "which county do I work in?" Most of the state follows one law, the California Food Handler Card Law, which has required cards since 2011: take any ANAB-accredited course, pass the exam, and your card is good for 3 years anywhere the state program applies. But San Diego, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties kept the local programs they ran before the state law existed, and each one only accepts its own card.

One more thing many workers don't know: since January 1, 2024, California employers must pay for your food handler training, pay you for the time you spend taking it, and cannot refuse to hire you just because you don't have a card yet. If a job posting demands you show up with a card on day one at your own expense, that's no longer legal in California.

Who needs a food handler card in California?

Anyone involved in preparing, storing, or serving food in a food facility, hired on or after June 1, 2011, unless exempt. Exemptions include grocery stores, certified farmers markets, licensed health care facilities, school cafeterias, pharmacy snack bars, temporary food facilities, facilities with a state-approved in-house training program, food handlers covered by a collective bargaining agreement, correctional facilities, and anyone who already holds a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate.

How to get your California food handler card

1. Check your county first. If you work in San Diego, San Bernardino, or Riverside County, stop here and follow your county's program instead — the standard state card is not accepted there (see the county sections below).
2. Everywhere else: choose any ANAB-accredited food handler course. State law guarantees at least one option costs $15 or less, and most run $7–$15 online.
3. Tell your employer before you pay. Under SB 476, your employer must cover the course cost and pay for your training time.
4. Take the course and pass the exam (70% or higher). Online courses take about two hours and issue your card immediately.
5. Keep your card. It's valid for 3 years and stays valid if you change jobs — your new employer just keeps a copy on file.

Which courses count: Statewide, the course provider must be accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) — required since January 1, 2012. In San Diego, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties, only that county's own approved course counts; ANAB and out-of-county cards are not accepted there.

Approved training options

County differences in California

Requirements are not identical everywhere in California. These counties have their own rules — click through for specifics:

Cost and renewal

State law caps at least one approved course at $15, and typical ANAB online courses run $7–$15 — but since January 1, 2024 (SB 476), your employer must pay for the course and your training time, so it should cost you $0 out of pocket. County programs set their own prices: San Bernardino $22, Riverside $28, San Diego varies by authorized school.

The statewide card is valid 3 years from issuance, even if you change employers. Renew by retaking an approved course and exam. County exception: Riverside County's certificate is valid only 2 years.

Do California establishments also need a certified food manager?

Yes. Under Health & Safety Code §113947.1, a food facility that prepares or serves nonprepackaged potentially hazardous food must have at least one owner or employee who has passed an accredited Certified Food Protection Manager exam. One certified person cannot cover multiple facilities, new facilities have 60 days to comply, and certification renews every 5 years. This is separate from — and in addition to — the food handler card.

If you're aiming for a supervisor role, see our guide to food manager certification — it's a different credential with a proctored exam and higher pay potential.

Not sure what applies to you? Use the requirements checker or read how to get a food handlers card for the general process.

California food handler card FAQ