A food handler certification, such as ServSafe Food Handler, shows you understand basic food safety: handwashing, safe temperatures, avoiding cross-contamination and keeping customers healthy. Restaurants, cafes and other food service employers often require a food handler card. Our ServSafe Food Handler and Manager training is launching in 2027, taught by certified partner instructors; interest list open now. You can start building job-ready skills today with our Career Readiness class.
Food service is one of the most common first jobs and second-chance jobs. A food handler card helps you get started.
What food handler training covers
- Personal hygiene and proper handwashing
- Safe time and temperature control for food
- Preventing cross-contamination and food allergens
- Cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and equipment
- Recognizing signs of foodborne illness
Food handler training is for front-line workers. Food manager training goes deeper and is meant for supervisors and people in charge of a kitchen.
Who needs a food handler card
- Cooks, prep cooks and line cooks
- Servers, bussers and bartenders
- Dishwashers and kitchen helpers
- Baristas and cafe staff
- Catering and event food staff
- School and hospital food service workers
Rules vary by state and county, and employers often set deadlines for new hires to get a card. Ask your employer which card they accept.
How to get your food handler certification
- Confirm which food handler card your area and employer accept.
- Take an approved course.
- Pass the short test at the end.
- Keep a copy of your card for your employer and note when it expires.
If you want to move into a supervisor role, a food manager certification is the next step. We plan to offer both levels in 2027.
Stand out for restaurant jobs
Restaurant managers hire people who are reliable, friendly and calm under pressure. A food handler card is a good start, but your attitude, communication and resume close the deal.
Our Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training class covers communication, public speaking, digital skills, financial literacy, job readiness, business planning, resume building and mock interviews. Dreaming of your own food business someday? The business planning piece helps there too, and our free Start Your Business Workshop is open now.
Class details
- Course: ServSafe Food Handler and Manager, launching in 2027, taught by certified partner instructors; interest list open now.
- Dates and price: To be announced. Interest list members hear first.
- Format: In person at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401, or live online from anywhere in the U.S.
- Join the interest list: apply online and choose certifications. Details at /programs#certifications.
- Start now: Career Readiness & Entrepreneurship Employment Training, a 40-hour certificate, Monday to Friday 9 to 11 AM, November 23 to December 22, 2026 (no class November 26 and 27), $1,200. Next cohort January 2027.
- Funding: Our application to California's Eligible Training Provider List is in progress. Once approved, eligible residents may have tuition paid by the county.
How to enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes. Choose the certification interest list and any current class you want.
- For a current class, pay with the Career Readiness pay link or on the tuition page. There is nothing to pay for the interest list.
- We confirm within 2 business days.
Have questions first? Join our free info session and orientation every Monday, 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific, online. Register on /enroll to get the link.
FAQ
What is the difference between a food handler and a food manager certification?
A food handler card is for front-line food workers. A food manager certification is a more in-depth credential for supervisors and people in charge.
Do all restaurant jobs require a food handler card?
Many do, but rules vary by location and employer. Check with your local health department or employer.
When does your ServSafe course start?
Our ServSafe Food Handler and Manager training is launching in 2027, taught by certified partner instructors; interest list open now. Dates and price are to be announced.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076.