Food Handler Safety Certification Classes - Frequently Asked Questions

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Who needs to attend the food handler certification class?

Any food facility that prepares, handles, or serves unpackaged perishable food must have at least one person, an owner or a designated employee, who has passed an approved food safety manager certification exam.

How long after I open a new food facility do I need to obtain certification?

60 days.

Does the certified food handler have to be present during all hours of operation?

No.

What are the responsibilities of certified food handler?

The certified food handler is responsible for the safety of all food related preparation and service within the facility, including food employee training, record keeping and monitoring.

How long is the food handler certificate valid?

The food handler certificate is valid for five (5) years from the date of the passed test. The original certificate must be retained on file at the food facility at all times, and shall be made available for inspection by an authorized environmental health specialist of the County of Sonoma.

Does the Sonoma County Department of Health Services offer a food handler certification class?

Yes.

How do I register for the class?

There are three ways to register for the food handler certification class:

1. In person: Obtain an application at 625 5th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
2. By phone: Call (707) 565-6565 and we will mail an application to you.
3. Online: Go to our website and download an application, complete it and mail it to the address indicated on the form. (Note: do not send cash in the mail).

Do I have to register to attend the food handler certification class?

You must register at least two business days in advance of the class date to reserve a seat for the class. To register you must submit a completed application and pay the appropriate fee.

What is the fee to register for the Ffood handler certification class?

Please review our fee schedule (pdf).

Can I pay for a re-test only?

Re-Test is for those candidates who have previously attended a food handler certification class/test in the County of Sonoma Environmental Health & Safety Section, and failed the examination. The candidates who have failed any previous class/test may register for a Re-Test, and attend the testing portion of the Food Handler Certification class. Those who wish to take the entire class and test are required to pay a full fee.

How do I pay for the class?

There are three (3) different ways to pay for the class:

1. Credit card: We accept credit card payments by phone (707) 565-6565 or at our office.
2. Check: We accept checks by mail or at our office. Checks should be made out to "The County of Sonoma, Department of Health Services."
3. Cash: We accept cash at our office. We do not recommend cash be sent in the mail.

Do I need to bring anything with me to the class?

Yes, you must bring an approved form of identification (see approved identification section below), a No. 2 pencil, the textbook (if purchased), and a copy of your application/registration.

How do I know if I passed the test?

You will receive a mail notification and certificate directly from the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals. The certificate will be sent to the mailing address that was provided on the application.

How long will it take to get my certificate?

Approximately 2-3 weeks from the date of the test.

Do you offer the class in any other language?

Yes, we also provide the class in Spanish.

What are the dates of the food handler certification class?

Classes in English are held every month and classes in Spanish are held every three (3) months. Call (707) 565-6565.

Where is the class taught?

The class is taught at the Department of Health Services, Environmental Health and Safety Section, 625 5th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.

What time does the class start?

The class starts promptly at 8:30 a.m. Applicants that arrive after the class has started will be excluded.

What time should I arrive if I am only taking the test?

Applicants that only register for the test must arrive no later than 2:30 p.m. Applicants that arrive after the test has begun will be excluded.

Do I need to reserve a class date by registering early?

Yes, classes fill up early so it is a good idea to register as early as possible. Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Submittal of a completed application, including proper payment, is required to reserve a space. Please be advised that in order to be admitted to the class, applicants must bring approved photo identification.

What type of photo identification is required?

One of the following types of photo identification must be presented before admission to the class is granted: Driver's license, Passport, Military Identification Card, State Identification Card, INS Employment Authorization Document, or Alien Registration Card.

What happens if I am not able to attend the scheduled class?

Applicants are expected to be on time on the date of the scheduled class. However, a one-time postponement to the next available class is permitted with a notice of no less than three (3) business days prior to the date of the scheduled class.

How do I get a refund if I am unable to attend the class/test?

Refunds are only offered if an applicant has provided advance notice of at least three (3) business days prior to the date of the scheduled class. A $25 administration fee will be applied. Refunds are not available to applicants that are excluded, i.e., tardiness, and the fee cannot be applied to a future class or test.

Do I have to take the food handler certification class at the Sonoma County Health Department?

No, there are many accredited food protection manager certification organizations. These organizations can be found by using any conventional search method, e.g., reviewing the Yellow Pages or searching for "Food Handler Certification" online.