Santa Monica, CA Public Health Rules: Food Handler Certification (2026)

(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) (3) A food handler card shall be issued only upon successful completion of a food handler training course and examination that meets at least all of the following requirements: (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.