Riverside County Food Handlers Card: California County Requirements (2026)
Quick answer
- Required?
- Yes
- Deadline
- Within 7 days of beginning employment
- Cost
- $28 for the online or in-person exam
- Valid for
- 2 years from issuance — shorter than the 3-year cards used elsewhere in California
Requirements verified July 17, 2026 against Riverside County Department of Environmental Health
How Riverside County differs from the rest of California
Riverside County is exempt from the state program and only accepts its own Food Handler Certificate — state cards are not valid here. The deadline is just 7 days, the fee is $28, and the certificate lasts only 2 years instead of 3.
For the statewide picture, see the full California food handlers card guide.
What Riverside County requires
Anyone whose job includes handling food, beverages, or utensils must get a Riverside County Food Handler Certificate within 7 days of beginning employment (Riverside County Ordinance No. 567). Certification requires studying the county Food Handler Study Guide and passing a 50-question multiple-choice exam (70% — 35 correct — to pass). Available fully online or in person at any of 8 Environmental Health offices; online allows 3 attempts, and in-person testing includes 2 free retakes within one week.
Where to get your card in Riverside County
Cost and validity
$28 for the online or in-person exam (your employer must pay under SB 476). The card is valid for 2 years from issuance — shorter than the 3-year cards used elsewhere in california.
Riverside County FAQ
Is a California state food handler card valid in Riverside County?
No. Only the Riverside County Food Handler Certificate is valid for work in Riverside County. State ANAB cards are not accepted.
How long is the Riverside County certificate valid?
2 years — shorter than the 3-year validity used elsewhere in California. Plan to retest every two years.
How much time do I have to get certified in Riverside County?
7 days from beginning employment — the shortest deadline in California. The exam costs $28, which your employer must pay under SB 476.
Official sources
Every requirement on this page traces to one of these official sources.
- Food Handler Certification — Riverside County Department of Environmental Health
- Riverside County Ordinance No. 567 — County of Riverside