You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers. Check out some of our recent frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the Food Handler Card Training. We’ve sorted them into group to help make it easier to understand. 

 

What’s the new law?

Restaurants must now pay for all costs associated with its employees obtaining a Food Handler card. Costs may include:

• training and exam time
• any fee charged to obtain the card
• the training product

Who will enforce the law?

The Department of Public Health will enforce the law ensuring that food handler cards are obtained. However, the requirement that employers pay for the cost of the course and the time spent taking it will be enforced through the Department of Industrial Relations or privately through lawsuits. 

Does my employee need a food handler card?

Employees who handle food must have a California Food Handler card on file with their employer within 30 days of hire.

Is there a CRA member savings?

Yes! CRA Members save 20% on ServSafe products at ServSafe.com. Enter your CRA Members when you register for automatic savings. 

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COURSES (DETAILS)

How much does the online food handler training cost?

ServSafe® California Food Handler card: $9.99

ServSafe® San Diego Food Handler card: $12.99

How much does the private food handler training cost?

The cost for a private training varies depending on location, size of class, and materials. Please reach out to Product Development + Training Manager for more information.

What languages does ServSafe offer the training and exam?

ServSafe® California Food Handler course is available in English/Spanish/Simplified Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese.

ServSafe® San Diego Food Handler course is available in English/Spanish/Simplified Chinese/Korean/Vietnamese.

How long is the ServSafe course + Exam? 

The course is self-paced but approximately 90-120 minutes. The exam is typically 30-45 minutes but can take longer depending on the learner.

QUESTIONS REGARDING EMPLOYERS RESPONSIBILITIES

What am I responsible for paying for?

The employer is responsible for paying for the training and the time it takes to complete the training and exam.

I thought my employees already needed a food handler card?

Yes, since the law (SB 602) passed in 2011, all CA employees handling food need a food handlers card. With the passage of SB 476, the only difference is that financial responsibility falls on the employer, not the employee.

If my employee failed the first attempt, do I have to pay for them to re-test?

If you chose to continue to employee the person, you would need to pay for the time spent re-testing.

If my employee does not pass, can I safely terminate?

If an employee does not obtain their food handler card, an employer can not continue to employ them in a capacity where a food handler card is required.

If an employee purchases the training themselves, can they be reimbursed through payroll?

Yes. In addition, an employer must reimburse the time spent going through the training.

Does the employer need to pay for the employee’s time if they are a non-exempt employee?

Yes. For non-exempt employees, all time worked must be paid at the appropriate hourly rate, whether that is time worked at the straight time, overtime or double time rate.

Does this training relate to regular labor laws such as a 2-hour minimum clock in time for employees?

If an employee shows up to the worksite to do the food handler card training and the employer has to send them home because the training can not go forward that day, show up pay would be owned. This would be a minimum of 2 hours, or 1/2 of their scheduled time that day up to a maximum of 4 hours, whichever is greater.

QUESTIONS REGARDING NEW HIRES

What if my employee already had a card when I hired them? 

That’s great. Typically, food handler cards are transportable with the employee. Ask your employee to bring a copy to you for your records. You can also search for cards on ServSafe.com if they have a ServSafe Food Handler card. If the card is valid, that card will comply with the state law.

Can I request the employee have a card when they apply for their job? 

No. 

Can I ask the employee to have a card in my job posting?

No.

Can I have a new hire train in the restaurant on an iPad?

Yes. That is a great way to manage the process. Invite your employee to clock in and then start the training and take the course. If your employee prefers, they can take the course over a few days of shifts in order to retain the information best.

QUESTIONS REGARDING TRAINING LOGISTICS

How do I track my employee’s time?

There are numerous ways an employer can track the employee’s time. This may include having them clock in at the worksite and go through the training and test on site.  Alternatively, an employer could have employees fill out a form indentifying the time they started the training and when they completed the training and test. The employer could then use that form to enter the time.

Can I ask my employee to sign an acknowledgment that I have paid them for their training time and provided the course + exam to them?

Yes.

Who will monitor whether or not I pay for my employee’s time?

Since this is a new law, it is difficult to say how an employee’s paid time is accounted for; however, if there are issues, it is possible they will be brought forward to your county Labor Commissioner’s Office.

Should I have them take the online training at home or at the restaurant? 

Best practice would be to have the employee take the course at the restaurant after they have clocked in.

Can I offer a one-time training in my restaurant for multiple staff at the same time?

Yes. CRA offers in-person training sessions. Contact our Training Manager.

QUESTIONS REGARDING INSTRUCTORS/PROCTORS

How do I become a ServSafe Food Handler proctor and instructor?

Register to become a certified ServSafe instructor/proctor here.

I am a ServSafe Manager Instructor/Proctor, can I also training and administer the food handler exam?

No. You will also need to become a ServSafe Food Handler Instructor/Proctor.  Directions can be found online at ServSafe.com.

QUESTIONS REGARDING SAN BERNARDINO/RIVERSIDE

What if my restaurant is located in San Bernardino or Riverside?

Please contact your county health department as they have a county-specific program.

What if my employees work for me in restaurants in LA and San Bernardino and/or Riverside?

They may need multiple food handler cards; a ServSafe CA Food Handler card when working everywhere except in San Bernardino and Riverside where they will need a card specifically from those counties.