Food Handler Training and Exam
All dishwashers, servers, cooks, bartenders, and others who prepare, handle, or store food or beverages must obtain a CA Food Handler Card. Part-time employees and students must also get Food Handler Cards. Food handlers must obtain a valid Food Handler Card within 30 days after the hire date at a food facility; renewal is required every three years.
- This online program is ANAB/ANSI accredited and adheres to current California law – and most states.
- Approved for CA Cottage Food Operators (CFOs).
- The course and exam are available in English and Spanish.
- Course and examination take approximately 1 – 3 hours to complete and, upon successful completion, provide a printable handler certificate and card.
- The card is valid for three years.
- Only $9.99
- Effective January 1, 2024: Senate Bill 476 requires food facility employers to pay an employee for any cost associated with the employee obtaining a food handler card, including, but not limited to, the time it takes for the employee to complete the training, the cost of the food handler certification program. (2) The employer shall relieve an employee of all other work duties while the employee is taking the training course and examination. (3) An employer shall not condition employment on an applicant or employee having an existing food handler card.
Need a Food Safety “Manager” Certificate? Click Here > > >
Where can I get assistance or support?
Customer Service 512-996-0909, Press 1 For Customer Service.
Email|info@safewayclasses.com
Hours of Operation | 9am–6pm, Monday–Friday
How do I enroll a group of employees that need their food handler card?
Please get in touch with us for a discount before you register/pay if you have 20 or more employees.
Is the training only available online?
Yes, for $9.99. However, a two-hour classroom version is available in CA for $39 to $99 per person, depending on the number of employees and location. Contact us for more information.
Who pays for the training?
Senate Bill 476 (1) requires food facility employers to pay an employee for any cost associated with the employee obtaining a food handler card, including, but not limited to, the time it takes for the employee to complete the training, the cost of the food handler certification program. (2) The employer shall relieve an employee of all other work duties while the employee is taking the training course and examination. (3) An employer shall not condition employment on an applicant or employee having an existing food handler card. (4) The above changes go into effect January 1, 2024.
How long does it take to get my certifcate?
You may download your certificate immediately after you take the online course and pass the examination.
Who is exempt from the food handler card?
Temporary food facilities (food booths), certified farmers’ markets, commissaries, grocery stores (including convenience stores), licensed healthcare facilities, mobile support units, public and private school cafeterias, restricted food service facilities, retail stores where the majority of sales are from a pharmacy, certain food facilities with approved in-house food safety training, food facilities subject to a collective bargaining agreement, handlers holding a valid Manager’s Food Safety Certificate pursuant to current food safety law.
What is the cost?
$9.99 per person
How can I pay?
Major credit card, debit card with Visa/Master Card logo or checking account.
What language is the course and exam?
Available Languages: English and Spanish.
I lost my certificate, how do I get a replacement?
Log back into your account and download/print another copy. Link > > >
How long will I have to complete the course and exam?
The course and exam take approximately 1 – 3 hours. Courses are purchased as single-use enrollments. Each lesson allows up to five exam attempts. The lesson is closed if you do not pass the exam after five attempts. Courses are active for six months from the date of enrollment and will stop functioning on the six-month anniversary date of the enrollment.
What is the difference between food handler and food manager training?
In California, all food facilities must have at least one certified food manager on staff, and the remaining food service employees must have food handler cards. If an employee has a food manager certificate, they do not need a food handler card.