FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need a California Food Handlers Card?
A: In California food handler safety training certification is an employment requirement for food workers. All food employees must complete an accredited food safety training course then pass an exam. The certification from this assessment is used by to obtain a food handlers card.
Q: I have been hired as a food service worker. How long do I have to get a Food Handlers Card?
A: You have 30 days to pass a food safety training course and obtain a California Food Handlers Card.
Q: My existing California Food Handlers Card is due to expire. How soon should I replace it?
A: There is no grace period for expired California Food Handlers Cards. You are require by law to hold a valid card for the duration of your employment.
Q: Why do I need Food Handler Safety Training and a California Food Handlers Card?
A: It's the Law. California Senate bills 602 and 303 require workers involved in the service, handling, preparation or storage of food at a food facility to hold a valid California Food Handlers Card for the duration of their employment. To view the Food Handler Card Law, see Senate Bill 303.
Q: What is food handler safety training?
A: The California.FoodHandlerClasses.com food safety training course is designed to inform and educated students about the fundamentals of food safety, best hygiene practices, temperature control and the proper handling of food. The course educates students to be able to recognize hazards in food and avoid cross contamination. The knowledge obtained from taking the food handlers safety training course will help students become aware of the risks of the improper food handling, preparation and storage. Students will be able to understand the dangers of food-borne illness and gain valuable insites into healthy food safety practices.
Q: Is the FoodHandlerClasses.com food safety training course valid in California?
A: Yes the FHC food safety train course is valid throughout California except from Riverside, San Diego and San Bernardino counties which have their own food safety programs. The food handlers safety certification course is accredited by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and approved by the State of California.
Q: What is an ANSI food handler safety course?
A: Foodhandlerclasses.com is ANSI accredited (ID 1135) and is an approved provider for food handler safety training in California. An ANSI accredited course is one that has been audited and accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
Q: Who is considered a Food Worker?
A: Individuals working in the food services industry, handling food at restaurants, bars, kiosks, delis, bakeries, mobile food vendors and other food facilities are considered food workers.
Q: Whilst most food workers require certified food safety training, some are not subject to the California Food Handlers Law. Who is exempt?
A: Certified farmers markets, temporary food booths and food facilities with approved in-house food safety training are examples of an exempt status.
A list of exemptions based upon the California Conference of Directors of Environmental Health (CCDEH) guidelines can be found here List of exemptions.
Q: How many questions are on the test and what grade do I need to pass it?
A: There are 40 questions on our California Food Safety Training test. You will need to answer 28 of the 40 questions correctly in order to achieve the 70% passing score.
Q: Do I need to finish the course the same day I start it?
A: The course study material is self paced and saves your progress, so you can work on it when the time is convenient for you. However, once you begin the exam, you must complete it in one sitting.