Food Handler Card in Long Beach, CA
California Health & Safety Code §113948 requires food handlers to obtain a food handler card within 30 days of hire, valid for three years statewide. Long Beach is one of only three California cities with its own independent health department, so it's the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services — not LA County — that enforces this locally. Fenix's ANAB-accredited online course satisfies the requirement, takes about 75 minutes, and issues your certificate instantly.
Instant certificate download the moment you pass.
- Cost
- $8
- Course time
- ~75 minutes
- Format
- 100% online
- Accreditation
- ANAB-accredited
- Valid for
- 3 years
- Deadline
- 30 days from hire
Local health authority — Los Angeles County
City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services – Environmental Health Bureau
2525 Grand Avenue, Room 220, Long Beach, CA 90815
(562) 570-4132
How food handler rules work in Long Beach
Long Beach is a notable exception on the Southern California health-department map: although it sits inside Los Angeles County, Long Beach operates its own city health department rather than falling under LA County Department of Public Health. Only Long Beach, Pasadena, and Vernon run independent city health departments in California — every other LA County city is covered by the county.
That means food workers and employers in Long Beach deal with the city's own Environmental Health Bureau, not LA County Environmental Health, for inspections and compliance questions. The underlying card requirement is still the statewide one under Health & Safety Code §113948 — a food handler card within 30 days of hire, valid for three years — the Bureau is simply the local agency that checks for it.
How it works in Long Beach
Enroll online
Start the California Food Handler Card on any device — about 75 minutes, self-paced.
Pass the exam
Score 70% or higher. Retakes are included if you need another shot.
Download your certificate
Your ANAB-accredited certificate is ready the moment you pass.
Show your employer
They keep proof on file for Los Angeles County inspections.
Long Beach
Long Beach food handler questions
Is a California food handler card accepted in Long Beach?
Yes. The statewide card issued under Health & Safety Code §113948 is accepted in Long Beach, and Fenix's course is ANAB-accredited so it qualifies.
Who enforces food handler card requirements in Long Beach?
The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, Environmental Health Bureau — not LA County Department of Public Health. Long Beach runs its own independent health department. You can reach the Bureau at (562) 570-4132.
Is Long Beach's food handler card different from the rest of LA County's?
No, the card itself is the same statewide California Food Handler Card. What's different is the enforcing agency: Long Beach has its own city health department rather than using LA County's, one of only three cities in California set up that way.
How long do I have to get certified after starting a job in Long Beach?
30 days from your hire date, per California Health & Safety Code §113948. The course takes about 75 minutes, so most people finish it before their first shift.
How long is a Long Beach food handler card valid?
Three years from the date of issuance, statewide under California law. Renew before it expires to stay compliant.
Ready to get certified in Long Beach?
Start now and show your certificate at work today — just $8.