A Food Handler card is a certificate showing that you’ve completed a state-approved food safety course and passed an exam. In California, most employees who prepare, store, or serve food must obtain a Food Handler card within 30 days of hire.

Food safety certification is official recognition that you have been trained in proper food handling, hygiene, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and other safety practices. In California, the most advanced version of this is the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification.

California requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) in each food facility, with certification from a nationally accredited food manager program through the ANAB and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP).

All food employees in California must complete an ANAB accredited food handler training course within 30 days of hire, as required by Health & Safety Code §113948. Some counties, such as Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego, have their own food handler card requirements that take precedence over the state law. Employees must also provide a copy of their certificate to their employer, who is required to keep records on file.

Effective January 1, 2024, Senate Bill 476 (SB 476) shifts the responsibility of training costs from employees to employers. Employers must pay for accredited training, cover related expenses, compensate employees for the time spent on training/testing, excuse them from regular duties during the course or exam, and cannot require applicants to already hold a card as a condition of employment. Food handler cards remain valid for three (3) years.

The Food Handler card covers basic safety for entry-level workers, while the Food Protection Manager Certification is an advanced qualification for supervisors or managers, focusing on compliance, HACCP, and leadership in food safety.

Yes. Under California Assembly Bill 1221, alcohol servers and their managers must complete Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training and pass an online exam.

It is valid for five years, after which you must retake and pass the nationally accredited exam.

AAA Food Handler combines state-specific compliance expertise, national accreditation, and a decade of training experience to ensure California food service teams meet the highest safety standards.

Yes. We offer California Food Handler cards, Food Manager Certification, Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) alcohol training, and Food Allergen courses.

Yes. AAA Food Handler provides discounted pricing and easy tracking for restaurants, hotels, schools, and catering companies training multiple employees.

AAA Food Handler combines state-specific compliance expertise, national accreditation, and a decade of training experience to ensure California food service teams meet the highest safety standards.

With AAA Food Handler’s online course, you can finish in about two hours and download your card instantly after passing.