California Food Handler Practice Test

California requires most food workers to get a food handler card from an ANAB-accredited course within 30 days of hire, and state law sets the exam's minimum: at least 40 questions, 70% to pass. This free practice test mixes questions on California's own rules (the deadline, who pays under SB 476, and the three counties with their own programs) with the food safety questions every accredited exam asks.

Want to review away from the screen? "Food Handler Card Audio Cram," our own roughly 57-minute audio session from Kanti Press, walks through the same topics as this test, so you can study on the bus or the walk to work.

California questions and answers

Take the test first: this section gives the answers away. Here is every California-specific question in the test, with the rule behind it. The rest of the test comes from our core bank, and Food Handler Test Questions and Answers lists all of those.

1. 1How soon after being hired must a California food handler get a food handler card?

   1. Within 30 days
   2. Within 60 days
   3. Before the first shift
   4. Within 7 days

   Answer: A. Within 30 days

   Health and Safety Code §113948 gives new food handlers 30 days from the date of hire, and the card has to stay valid for as long as you work as a food handler. Review this in the California guide

2. 2How long is a California food handler card valid?

   1. 3 years from the date it was issued
   2. 1 year
   3. 5 years
   4. 2 years

   Answer: A. 3 years from the date it was issued

   Three years from the issue date. Renewing means taking an accredited course and passing the test again. Review this in the California guide

3. 3Which training produces a valid California food handler card?

   1. Any online food safety course
   2. Any class your county health department recommends
   3. A course and exam from an ANAB (ANSI) accredited provider
   4. On-the-job training from your manager

   Answer: C. A course and exam from an ANAB (ANSI) accredited provider

   State law requires an ANSI-accredited provider; accreditation now runs through ANAB. A generic certificate of completion does not count. Review this in the California guide

4. 4What does California law require of the food handler exam itself?

   1. Nothing; each provider decides
   2. At least 40 questions, with 80% or better to pass
   3. At least 40 questions, with 70% or better to pass
   4. At least 20 questions, with 70% or better to pass

   Answer: C. At least 40 questions, with 70% or better to pass

   Section 113948 sets the floor for every accredited provider: an exam of at least 40 questions and a passing score of at least 70%. Review this in the California guide

5. 5Since January 1, 2024 (SB 476), who pays for a California food handler course?

   1. The employer, including paying you for the time it takes
   2. The county health department
   3. The worker, unless they fail the test
   4. The worker, who can deduct it from taxes

   Answer: A. The employer, including paying you for the time it takes

   SB 476 requires employers to cover the cost of the course, pay you for the time spent on training and the exam, and relieve you of other duties while you take it. Review this in the California guide

6. 6Can a California employer refuse to hire you because you don’t already have a food handler card?

   1. Yes, but only for servers and bartenders
   2. Yes, any employer can require one
   3. No; SB 476 bars making an existing card a condition of hiring
   4. Only restaurants with more than 25 employees can

   Answer: C. No; SB 476 bars making an existing card a condition of hiring

   Since 2024, employers can’t make an existing card a condition of employment. You get 30 days after hire, and the employer pays for the course. Review this in the California guide

7. 7In which California counties is the regular state food handler card not accepted?

   1. San Francisco, Alameda, and Santa Clara
   2. Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego
   3. None; every county accepts it
   4. Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego

   Answer: B. Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego

   Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties ran their own food handler programs before the state law and kept them. Workers there get the county’s card instead. Review this in the California guide

8. 8A year after getting your California card, you switch to another restaurant in Sacramento. What do you need?

   1. A new card within 30 days
   2. Your new employer must re-register the card with the state
   3. A new card before your first shift
   4. Nothing new; the card goes with you until it expires

   Answer: D. Nothing new; the card goes with you until it expires

   The card stays valid for its full three years no matter which employer you work for, so it moves with you between jobs. Review this in the California guide

9. 9Which of these workers does NOT need a California food handler card?

   1. A cook who holds a valid food protection manager certificate
   2. A line cook who works weekends only
   3. A barista who makes drinks
   4. A server who plates desserts

   Answer: A. A cook who holds a valid food protection manager certificate

   California law doesn’t count someone with a valid food protection manager certificate as a food handler, so the manager certificate covers them. Review this in the California guide

10. 10Which of these workplaces is exempt from California’s food handler card law?

    1. A bar that serves food
    2. A sit-down restaurant
    3. A coffee shop
    4. A grocery store deli that isn’t separately owned

    Answer: D. A grocery store deli that isn’t separately owned

    Grocery and convenience stores are exempt, including their delis, bakeries, and meat counters, unless that counter is a separately owned business. Restaurants, cafes, and bars that serve food are covered. Review this in the California guide

How the real California exam works

The real test comes from an ANAB-accredited provider, and since 2024 your employer pays for it and for your time. Expect at least 40 multiple-choice questions and a 70% pass mark; your card is then valid for three years. In Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties, use the county's own program instead. Our California Food Handler Card: How to Get Certified Step by Step walks through each step, with sources.

Want more practice away from the screen? The Food Handler Practice Exam Pack has 100 questions on the core food safety rules every state tests, as four printable exams of 25 with an answer key at the back. It doesn't cover state-specific rules; this page's test does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the official California food handler test?

No. The official test comes from an ANAB-accredited training provider, and passing it is what earns your card. This practice test covers the same California rules and FDA Food Code topics, so it's a good way to check you're ready first.

What score do I need on the California food handler exam?

At least 70%, on an exam of at least 40 questions. State law sets that minimum for every accredited provider. Aim a little higher on this practice test so test-day nerves don't matter.