San Bernardino County Food Handler Card: How to Get It

Quick answer: San Bernardino County accepts only its own food handler card. Cards from other counties, programs, or companies, including the California state card, don't count. You get it online only, through the county's website: it costs $22 for two attempts, the test has 40 questions and you can miss no more than 8 (80%), and the card lasts 3 years. Your employer has to pay for it.

This is general information, not legal advice. When in doubt, check with San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services or your employer.

Why San Bernardino County Is Different

California's food handler card law exempts food handlers covered by a local program that took effect before January 1, 2009, and San Bernardino County had one. The county says food employees working in San Bernardino County must get their food handler card from San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services only, and that cards from other counties, programs, or companies aren't an acceptable substitute.

The state's employer-pays rule from SB 476 still applies here: your employer must pay for the card, count your training and test time as paid work, and can't require you to already have a card to be hired.

Who Needs It and When

Food employees working in San Bernardino County need the county card. Managers who have passed an approved, accredited food safety certification exam are covered by that certificate instead.

The county code gives new food handlers 14 calendar days after their hire date if they work under the supervision of someone who holds a current food safety certificate. If that isn't your situation, get the card before you start handling food, and ask your manager which applies.

How to Get Your Card

1. Go to the county's online program at sbc.statefoodsafety.com, linked from the county Environmental Health Services website. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There's no in-person test, and colleges and other outside providers can't give it for the county.
2. Pay $22 by credit, debit, or prepaid debit card. That buys two test attempts.
3. Take the training and the test. The course is offered in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, and American Sign Language. The test has 40 questions, and you pass by missing no more than 8.
4. Print your card and give your employer a copy.

No computer at home? The county notes that many employers provide one, local libraries have them, and its Workforce Development resource centers do too. Warm up first with our free California Food Handler Practice Test, which covers the same food safety basics.

Prefer to study by listening? "Food Handler Card Audio Cram," our own roughly 57-minute audio session from Kanti Press, walks through the core topics every food handler test covers.

How Long It Lasts

Every San Bernardino County food handler card expires three years from the date it was issued. Note the date when you print it, and take the county training and test again before it runs out. Our expiration calculator works out the date and adds a reminder to your calendar.

Lost Your Card?

Log back in to the county's food handler site with the username and password you created, and reprint your card. Cards issued before September 1, 2011, can't be duplicated; if yours is that old, you retake the test. Our How to Renew a Food Handler Card (or Replace a Lost One) covers other counties and states.

For Employers

The county offers a free Compliance Manager tool, built with StateFoodSafety, for tracking staff cards: you add each card by scanning its QR code or entering the certificate number, then see every employee's card status in one place.

Working Elsewhere in California

Most California counties use the state food handler card, but Riverside and San Diego counties run their own programs too: see our Riverside County Food Handler Card: How to Get Your Certificate and San Diego County Food Handler Card: How to Get It guides. Our California Food Handler Card: How to Get Certified Step by Step covers the rest of the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a California food handler card valid in San Bernardino County?

No. San Bernardino County accepts only its own food handler card; cards from other counties, programs, or companies aren't an acceptable substitute.

How much is a San Bernardino County food handler card?

$22, which includes two test attempts. Under California law, your employer must pay for it and for your training time.

Can I take the San Bernardino County food handler test in person?

No. The training and test are online only, through the county's website. If you don't have a computer, try your employer, a public library, or a county Workforce Development resource center.

How long is a San Bernardino County food handler card good for?

Three years from the date it was issued.

What score do I need to pass?

The test has 40 questions, and you can miss no more than 8, which is 80%.

Bottom Line

In San Bernardino County, only the county's own card counts: take the $22 online training and test through the county, pass at 80%, have your employer pay, and retake it every three years. Start with our free California Food Handler Practice Test.

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