1. Does California require a food handler certificate?

Yes! In the state of California anyone who works as a food handler is required to have a food handler certificate from an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Accredited program within 30 days of hire.

2. Who is considered a food handler in California?

A food handler is anyone involved in the preparation, storage or service of food in a food facility. This includes those working in positions such as wait staff, chefs, head cooks, cooks, bussers, bartenders, host/hostesses that handle food, beverage pourers (including alcoholic beverage pourers), and supervisory personnel, such as the general manager or managers. All food employees will need to have a currently valid food handler certificate.

3. Is Food Service Prep's Food Handler an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Accredited program?

Yes, Food Service Prep has been accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board.

4. Is this course offered in Spanish?

Yes, the California Food Handler course is offered in Spanish. California Food Handler course en español

5. Do I need a Food Handler Certificate if I sell baked goods from my home?

Yes, in California you are considered a cottage food operator. Anyone who operates a cottage food production operation is required to complete an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Accredited program.

For more information on cottage food production operations, please visit the California Department of Public Health Cottage Food Operations page.

6. Where can I find my California Food Handler Certificate?

If you got your California Food Handler Certificate from Food Service Prep, you can login at anytime to view and email your certificate.

7. Where can I take your California Food Handler Program?

You can register and complete our food handler course from any cell phone, tablet or computer. Take it whenever and wherever it is convenient for you.

8. What will I receive to indicate that I've completed training through an ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) Accredited program?

We will email you a California Food Handler Certificate that is valid for 3 years after completion of our program. Additionally, you can log in to your account on FoodServicePrep.com to view and email your certificate at any time.

9. Where is my California Food Handler Card valid?

Food Service Prep's Food Handler is valid in all California counties except San Diego, San Bernardino, or Riverside counties. These counties have their own food handler programs.
For more information on the San Diego food handler program, visit the San Diego County website.
For more information on the San Bernardino food handler program, visit the San Bernardino County website.
For more information on the Riverside food handler program, visit the Riverside County website.

10. How long is my food handler card or certificate valid?

The California Food Handler certificate is valid for 3 years after being issued. The issue date will be listed on the certificate.

11. Is a Food Handler Certificate the same as a Food Safety Card?

Yes, a Food Handler Certificate is the same as a Food Safety Certificate, Food Handler Card, or Food Handling Card.

Group Purchase FAQs

1. How does group purchase work?

For each California Food Handler course will show under My Courses. In addition, you wil have access to the Employer Account and be provided with voucher codes for each course you purchase. You will then be able to login and email a voucher code to each member of your team from the Employer Account. You can also download the voucher codes and distribute them- we have made it easy to copy them or export to excel. Your team members will then create an account and use the voucher codes to immediately start the training. When you login to the Employer Account, you will be able to see the progress of your entire team.

2. How do I use my Voucher code?

Make sure you are logged in, then click to redeem your voucher.

3. How does your group purchase program benefit me?

By using our group purchase program you will be able to track all of your team's progress in one place with our manager-only report. Each of your team member's certificates will also be easily viewable on our website. Also, enjoy up to 20% savings on the California Food Handler courses.

If you have additional questions, please give us a call at 1-800-712-1707 or send us an email at info@foodserviceprep.com