If you work in food service anywhere in San Bernardino County, the statewide California food handler card is not valid. San Bernardino County is one of three California counties (with Riverside and San Diego) that run their own food handler program, and only the San Bernardino County card counts there. Buying the state card by mistake is the most common and most expensive error people make.
Quick answer
- Do I need a San Bernardino County food handler card? Yes, and it must be the county card, not the state card.
- Cost: $22. Your employer must pay (SB 476).
- Valid for: 3 years
- Deadline: within 14 calendar days of starting, and only if you work under someone holding a food safety certificate until then
- Covers: San Bernardino, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Ontario, Victorville, Rialto, Hesperia, Chino, Upland, Redlands, Apple Valley, Highland and every other city and unincorporated area in San Bernardino County
How to get your San Bernardino County food handler card
You get it online from San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The course takes about 70 minutes, you get two attempts, and 80% passes. It is offered in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese and American Sign Language. Payment is by credit, debit or prepaid debit card only.
Know the material first. Our free 15-question food handler card practice test covers temperatures, hygiene, cross-contamination and sanitizing, with an explanation for every answer.
Only the county itself can issue it
The county is blunt about this: food handler cards “from other counties, programs or companies are not an acceptable substitute.” That rules out the statewide California card, a Riverside or San Diego card, and course-sellers advertising a “San Bernardino approved” card. Buy it from the county’s own site. Questions: call or text (800) 442-2283.
Why the state card doesn’t work here
California’s food handler law (Health & Safety Code §113948) lets counties keep a local program that took effect before January 1, 2009. Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego are the three that qualified. Everywhere else in California, including Los Angeles and Orange County, one statewide card from an ANAB-accredited provider is enough. See the California food handler card guide for the statewide rules.
Your employer still has to pay
The county exemption has one exception, and it matters to your wallet. SB 476, the rule that employers must pay for the card, pay you for the training and test time, and relieve you of other duties while you do it, applies in San Bernardino County too. If you were told to buy your own card on your own time, that is not what the law says.
Working in more than one county
The rule cuts both ways. The San Bernardino County card does not cover a shift in Los Angeles or Orange County, and the state card does not cover a shift in San Bernardino. If you work on both sides of the county line, you need both cards.
Food manager certification
The food handler card is for individual workers. A food facility also needs a certified food protection manager, which is a separate exam. See California food manager certification.
Common questions
Is the California state food handler card valid in San Bernardino County?
No. San Bernardino County runs its own food handler program, which predates the state law, so the statewide California card is not accepted there. You need the San Bernardino County card.
How much is a food handler card in San Bernardino?
$22. Under SB 476 your employer must pay for it and for your training time.
How long do I have to get a San Bernardino County food handler card?
Within 14 calendar days of starting, and only if you work under someone holding a food safety certificate until then.
How long is a San Bernardino County food handler card valid?
3 years.
Do I need two cards if I also work outside San Bernardino County?
Yes. The San Bernardino County card does not cover a job elsewhere in California, and the state card does not cover a job in San Bernardino County. If you work on both sides of the county line, carry both.