California requires every food handler to obtain a card from an ANAB-accredited provider within 30 days of hire. The state caps the price of at least one approved course at $15 — but the more important recent change is who has to pay it.
SB 476 Changed Who Pays
Employee Usually Paid
New hires commonly paid the $7–$15 course fee themselves, often before their first paycheck, sometimes completing it unpaid on their own time.
Employer Must Pay
Restaurant employers must cover the full course cost and pay the employee's regular wage for the time spent training and testing, within 30 days of hire.
💲 SB 476 also bars employers from requiring a food handler card as a condition of getting hired in the first place, and requires employees be relieved of other duties while training. Exceptions apply to workers at school cafeterias, licensed health care facilities, and farmers markets.
How to Get Certified
Choose any ANAB-accredited provider (ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, Learn2Serve, or AAA Food Handler all qualify), complete the 2–4 hour course, pass the exam, and download your certificate. Cards are valid for 3 years. Some counties layer on additional local requirements, so confirm with your local health department if you're unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does California require a food handler card?
Yes, within 30 days of hire, from an ANAB-accredited provider.
Who pays for a food handler card in California?
Since SB 476 took effect January 1, 2024, restaurant employers must pay for the course and pay employees for training time — not the worker.
How much does a California food handler card cost?
At least one approved course must cost no more than $15, including the card.
How long is a California food handler card valid?
3 years from the date of issuance.
Find approved courses and get certified in California today.
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