San Diego, CA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)
Key Facts
- State law
- Health & Safety Code §113948
- Deadline
- Within 30 days of hire
- Renewal
- Every three years
- Manager rule
- HSC §113947.1 PIC certification
- Verification
- DEHQ at inspection
Summary
California Health and Safety Code §113948 requires every food employee in San Diego to obtain an ANSI-accredited Food Handler Card within thirty days of hire and renew it every three years. San Diego County DEHQ verifies cards during routine inspections.
(a) (1) Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired prior to June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card on or before July 1, 2011. Subject to the exceptions described in subdivision (e), a food handler who is hired on or after June 1, 2011, shall obtain a food handler card within 30 days after the date of hire. Each food handler shall maintain a valid food handler card for the duration of the food handler's employment as a food handler. (2) Food handler cards shall be valid for three years from the date of issuance, regardless of whether the food handler changes employers during that period. (3) A food handler card shall be recognized throughout the state, except in jurisdictions described in subdivision (f). [...] (B) The course and examination is designed to be completed within approximately two and one-half hours. (C) The examination consists of at least 40 questions regarding the required subject matter. (D) A minimum score of 70 percent on the examination is required to successfully complete the examination.
Full Breakdown
Under California Health and Safety Code §113948, every person who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces must obtain a California Food Handler Card from an ANSI-accredited training provider within thirty days of hire. The card costs around fifteen dollars, requires a short course and exam, and is valid statewide for three years. San Diego County DEHQ inspectors verify cards during routine restaurant inspections and follow-up visits. In addition, every facility must designate a Person in Charge holding a Food Safety Manager certification under §113947.1. The cards transfer between jobs and counties.
Violations & Fines
Operating with uncertified workers is a violation cited during DEHQ inspection, with possible fines and reinspection fees. Employers may also face administrative penalties and have the violation noted on the publicly posted inspection result.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get a California Food Handler Card?
Does the cardholder transfer between jobs?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Diego
California rules heatmap·Compare San Diego to another location·View the California public health rules overview
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Food Handler Certification in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Diego County handle food handler certification.