From payment to your certificate
Three clear steps to get started
1. Pay $6.95
Choose Authorize.Net or PayPal. Available PayPal wallet options depend on your device and eligibility.
2. Open your course
Follow the enrollment instructions after checkout. After paying with PayPal, return to the enrollment page and look for your enrollment email. Contact us if you need help.
3. Train and pass
Complete the online course and pass the assessment, then download your certificate for your employer.
Prices subject to change. Payment alone does not award a certificate.
What California workers should know
California generally requires covered food handlers to obtain a food handler card from an ANAB-accredited certificate program. The statewide rule includes exemptions and does not replace qualifying local programs that existed before January 1, 2009.
County-specific programs
Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino County workers
These counties use their own accepted training or testing pathways. The $6.95 IFSHH course is not represented as satisfying these county requirements.
Who needs food handler training?
Covered employees who prepare, store, or serve food at a food facility. California law contains role- and facility-specific exemptions.
Job titles alone do not determine coverage. The duties performed, establishment type, exemptions, and enforcing authority can change the answer.
Who provides this training?
The Institute of Food Safety, Health, & Hygiene, Inc. provides the Food Handler Training Certificate Program. It appears in ANAB’s accredited food-handler directory under organization ID 1059.
Check the ANAB food-handler directory → · About the program’s accreditation
Official sources and verification
Rules and provider lists can change. State guidance and the accreditation listing were checked on September 28, 2026. Check the current source and ask your employer or enforcing health authority when your situation is unclear.
California food handler FAQ
Can I use this course for work in Los Angeles or Orange County?
For covered food-handler jobs using California’s statewide pathway, this ANAB-accredited program is an option. Check your actual work location and duties before buying. This offer does not cover the local requirements in Riverside, San Diego or San Bernardino County.
Is this course valid everywhere in California?
No. California's statewide rule has exemptions, and certain counties operate qualifying local programs. Do not purchase this course to satisfy Riverside, San Diego, or San Bernardino County requirements.
How soon must a California food handler get a card?
A covered food handler hired on or after June 1, 2011 generally must obtain a card within 30 days of hire.
Does my employer have to pay for the training?
California law requires the employer to treat the training and examination time as compensable hours worked and to pay necessary expenses associated with obtaining the card.
Hiring or training a team?
Discuss employee count, work locations and timing with the Institute before arranging multiple enrollments.
See the employer training option →