If you work in food service in California, you’ve probably heard about the California Food Handlers Card. But how do you actually get one? This card is essential for anyone handling food in the state, and it proves you’ve been trained in safe food handling to help prevent foodborne illnesses. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to getting your card quickly and easily.
Who Needs a California Food Handlers Card?
Most people who prepare, serve, or store food in California must have a food handlers card. This includes:
– Cooks and chefs
– Servers and hosts
– Bartenders
– Food prep workers
– Dishwashers who handle food contact surfaces
– Food truck workers
– Bakery and catering staff
If you work with unpackaged food, food equipment, or food-contact surfaces, you need this card within 30 days of starting your job (except in San Diego County, where the deadline is 10 days).
Exemptions
Some workers don’t need the card, such as those with a valid Certified Food Protection Manager certification, employees in grocery stores, healthcare facilities, schools, or certain other specialized settings.
What Is a California Food Handlers Card?
This card is proof that you completed a state-approved food safety training course and passed a test. It shows employers and health inspectors that you know how to handle food safely, reducing the risk of foodborne illness outbreaks.
The card is valid for three years, after which you must retake the course and pass the test again to renew it.
How to Get Your California Food Handlers Card: Step-by-Step
1. Choose an Approved Training Course
You must take a food safety training course approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). These courses cover essential topics like:
– Foodborne illnesses
– Personal hygiene
– Preventing cross-contamination
– Proper cooking and storage temperatures
– Cleaning and sanitizing procedures
Many courses are available online, allowing you to learn at your own pace from a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
2. Complete the Course
The course typically takes about 75 minutes to complete. You can start and stop as needed, making it flexible for your schedule. Some courses offer multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.
3. Pass the Food Handler Test
At the end of the course, you’ll take an assessment to test your knowledge. You need to score at least 70% to pass. If you don’t pass the first time, you can usually retake the test.
4. Get Your Card
Once you pass, you’ll immediately receive your California Food Handlers Card. You can print it out or keep a digital copy on your phone. Your employer will need to keep a copy on file as proof of your certification.
Important Things to Know
– Timeframe: You must get your card within 30 days of starting work in most California counties (10 days in San Diego County).
– Validity: The card lasts for three years before you need to renew it.
– Employer Responsibility: Employers must maintain records of all employees’ food handler cards and show them during health inspections.
– County Variations: Some counties like Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego have their own food handler card programs, so check local requirements.
Why Is the Food Handlers Card Important?
Food safety is a serious public health issue. Each year, millions of people get sick from contaminated food. The California Food Handlers Card helps ensure that food workers understand how to keep food safe for customers, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Getting your California Food Handlers Card is straightforward and essential for working safely in food service. Just pick an approved course, complete the training, pass the test, and you’re ready to serve with confidence!
If you want to know more about the best online courses or have questions about exemptions, just ask!