* Diamond Package – In order to qualify for the Free Retest, you must complete the ENTIRE online training and sample tests BEFORE taking the initial Food Manager exam. The 1 free retest must be taken within 6 months of not passing the first time. All other retests will be $69.95.
California Food Manager Certification – Health Department Approved
The Food Manager Certification in Orange County is an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB)-accredited program offered by AAA Food Handler. This program confirms completion of state-approved food safety training and equips food managers with knowledge to:
While not required statewide for all employees, many counties and employers mandate it for supervisory roles. The AAA Food Handler’s ANAB-accredited program ensures training quality, legal compliance, and instant certification after passing.
This certification verifies advanced knowledge of:
Certified managers trained through the AAA Food Handler can:
Recognition: Accepted by Orange County Environmental Health inspectors across Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Laguna Beach, Mission Viejo, Tustin, Westminster, Newport Beach, and surrounding areas.
Facilities requiring at least one certified manager include:
Common certified roles:
Multiple CFPMs are encouraged for multi-shift coverage.
Validity & Renewal:



















| Certificate Type | Purpose | Requirement | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Handler Certificate | Basic-level food safety | Required for all food employees | Entry-level |
| Food Manager Certification | Advanced food safety & compliance | Required/preferred for managers | Supervisory oversight |
Orange County Health Care Agency – Environmental Health
1241 E. Dyer Rd, Suite 120, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: (714) 433-6000
California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
CDPH Food Safety Programs, Sacramento, CA
Phone: (916) 558-1784
Acquire practical skills to prevent, reduce, and control foodborne illnesses and hazards before they become a risk.
Sharpen your judgment to make informed decisions during high-pressure situations in food safety management.
Master methods to minimize or eliminate unsafe food handling practices, protecting both customers and staff.
Identify and address potential risks in your food establishment to maintain a safe, compliant environment.
Fewer safety violations mean smoother operations, fewer interruptions, and more productive kitchen teams.
Encouraging consistent food safety practices boosts employee confidence, workplace morale, and overall satisfaction.
Whether you manage a small café in Santa Ana, a fine-dining restaurant in Newport Beach, or a busy cafeteria in Anaheim, our Food Protection Manager Certification program is recognized throughout Orange County. The AAA Food Handler ensures that employees and managers can meet compliance requirements efficiently, without unnecessary delays or paperwork:
Numerous professionals nationwide have already earned and renewed their card with AAA Food Handler — a trusted name in food safety training.
It is an ANAB-accredited program offered by AAA Food Handler to ensure managers have the knowledge to comply with California and Orange County food safety standards.
Accepted across all Orange County cities, including Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Laguna Beach, Mission Viejo, Tustin, Westminster, and Newport Beach.
Prior to starting a supervisory food role. Some counties require certification within 30 days of employment.
5 years. Renewal requires retaking the ANAB-accredited exam. Refresher training is recommended.
All AAA Food Handler programs recognized by ANAB are accepted across Orange County and California.
| Certificate Type | Purpose | Requirement | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Handler | Basic-level food safety | Required for all employees | Entry-level |
| Food Manager | Advanced food safety & compliance | Required/preferred for managers | Supervisory oversight |
Food Manager Reviews
4.9
The course was great. It was easy to follow, at the right pace, and engaging.
Appreciate that explanations are given for why it is important to do things in a certain way. Understanding why it is important makes it easier to remember, and makes me more conscientious about doing it that way. There was one question about trichinosis that was asked in a quiz before the topic was covered in the next section.
This course was very informative and easy to follow along. I believe this course will provide all businesses handling food and beverages better overall customer service and safety.
It was very helpful.
This training course was really thorough and up to date. Very clear to understand and all necessary ground was covered. I highly recommend the AAA Food Handler program.
THis course covers all the essential information and does so in an effective manner. Perfect refresher course or great to use to understand the guidelines in food safety. A few design things need fixed in the course but most of it is very good.
Some are out of order but all in all a great course
This course is very interactive and provides a lot of detail. The presentation with proper images is a great tool for visual learners.