Food Handler Exam Prep
Everything on this site about getting your food handler card: what the exam covers, how to study, what each state requires, and a free practice test to check yourself before test day. Most exams are around 40 multiple-choice questions with a passing score near 70% — very passable with a couple of hours of focused preparation.
Teaching a food safety class or building a library guide? See our Free Food Safety Study Resources for Teachers and Librarians: every free test in one place, with a printable QR handout for students.
Test yourself
- Free toolFree Food Handler Practice Test30 questions, instant explanations, no signup. See if you're ready before test day.Start the test
- Free toolFood Temperature Practice Quiz: Cooking, Cooling, and HoldingThe danger zone, cooking minimums, two-stage cooling, reheating, and holding, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolPersonal Hygiene Practice Quiz: Handwashing, Gloves, and IllnessHandwashing, gloves, bare-hand contact, jewelry, wounds, and exclusion rules, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolCross-Contamination Practice Quiz: Storage, Allergens, and FIFOStorage order, color-coded boards, allergen cross-contact, date marking, and FIFO, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolCleaning and Sanitizing Practice Quiz: Sinks, Sanitizers, and Test StripsThe sanitize sequence, chlorine and quat concentrations, contact times, sink temperatures, and test strips.Start the test
Food manager certification
- Free toolFood Manager Practice Test47 manager-level questions on HACCP, cooling, the Big 6, and sanitizing, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Exam PrepFood Manager Certification: How to Pass the ExamWhich exams count, how the ServSafe Manager exam works, what it covers, and a two-week study plan.12 min read
- Exam PrepHow Much Does Food Manager Certification Cost? Exam and Course Prices ComparedExam and course prices from ServSafe, NRFSP, 360training, and more, plus proctor fees, retakes, and how to save.8 min read
- Exam PrepServSafe Alternatives: Cheaper Food Manager Exams ComparedSix accredited manager exams that cost less than ServSafe, compared on price, retakes, proctoring, and refunds.6 min read
- Exam PrepFood Managers Certification (EduClasses) Review: Is the $65 Exam Legit?The $65 manager exam from EduClasses: accreditation, which states accept it, retakes, refunds, and the catches.9 min read
- Exam PrepTexas Food Manager Certification: How to Get Your CFM CertificateWho needs a CFM, ANSI vs. Texas-only exams, 5-year certificates, and why no city can charge you.7 min read
- Exam PrepCalifornia Food Manager Certification: What the Law RequiresWho needs a CFPM, the 60-day rule, which exams count, 5-year certificates, and who pays.8 min read
- Exam PrepIllinois Food Manager Certification: CFPM, Allergen Training, and ChicagoWho needs a CFPM, the 8-hour training rule, allergen training, and Chicago's city certificate.8 min read
- Exam PrepFlorida Food Manager Certification: Who Needs It and How to Get ItThe 30-day deadline, the four-employee rule, which exams DBPR accepts, and 5-year certificates.7 min read
- Exam PrepArizona Food Manager Certification: The CFPM Rule, County by CountyThe statewide CFPM rule, Maricopa's 90-day rule, how Pima, Yavapai and Mohave differ, accepted exams, and costs.10 min read
- Exam PrepWashington Food Manager Certification: Who Needs a CFPM and How to Get OneWho needs a CFPM since 2023, the 60-day rule, low-risk exemptions, accepted exams, and the 5-year food worker card.8 min read
- Exam PrepGeorgia Food Manager Certification: The CFSM Rule ExplainedWho needs a Certified Food Safety Manager, the 60-day and 30-day rules, accepted exams, posting, and renewal.8 min read
- Exam PrepOhio Food Manager Certification: Who Needs Level 2 and How to Get ItWho needs Level 2, ODH-approved courses and accepted exams, getting the Ohio certificate, costs, and the proposed 2026 rule change.9 min read
- Exam PrepColorado Food Manager Certification: The Person-in-Charge Rule ExplainedWhy the person in charge must be certified since March 2025, the low-risk exceptions, Denver's own rules, accepted exams, and low-cost local exams.8 min read
- Exam PrepOregon Food Manager Certification: What's Required and WhenRequired for grocery stores from 2028 and restaurants and food carts from 2029, accepted exams, county classes, and the food handler card swap.8 min read
- Exam PrepUtah Food Safety Manager Certification: Who Needs It and How to Get ItOne certified manager per site, accepted exams, filing your certificate within 60 days, the new 5-year term, exemptions, and costs.7 min read
- Exam PrepNevada Food Manager Certification: Las Vegas, Reno, and the Rest of the StateLas Vegas's on-duty CFPM rule and $25 SNHD manager card, the 60-day rule in Reno and Carson City, rural Nevada, accepted exams, and costs.12 min read
- Exam PrepPennsylvania Food Manager Certification: State and Local RulesThe one-certified-employee rule, 90-day deadlines, Philadelphia's $30 city certificate, Allegheny and other county rules, accepted exams, and costs.11 min read
- Exam PrepNorth Carolina Food Manager Certification: The Person-in-Charge RuleWhy the person in charge must be certified, exemptions, the 210-day window for new permits, inspection points, accepted exams, and low-cost classes.8 min read
- Exam PrepMichigan Food Manager Certification: The Full-Time Manager RuleWho needs a full-time certified manager, exemptions, the 90-day replacement window, what happened to allergen training, and low-cost classes.11 min read
- Exam PrepVirginia Food Manager Certification: Who Needs a CFPMThe one-supervisor CFPM rule, why the person-in-charge rule was dropped, exemptions, stricter local rules, grocery stores, and low-cost classes.11 min read
- Exam PrepMassachusetts Food Manager Certification: The CFPM and Allergen RulesThe CFPM rule, DPH's 11 accepted exams, the 60-day replacement window, allergen awareness training, posters and menu notices, and costs.9 min read
- Exam PrepNew Jersey Food Manager Certification: The Risk Type 3 RuleWho needs a certified food protection manager in New Jersey, the accepted exam providers, costs, Newark and Paterson food handler certificates, and inspections.12 min read
- Exam PrepIndiana Food Manager Certification: The Certified Food Handler RuleWhat Indiana's certified food handler really is, who needs one, the 6-month and 3-month deadlines, accepted exams, fines, and low-cost classes.9 min read
- Exam PrepMaryland Food Manager Certification: Which Counties Require ItWhich counties require a certified food service manager, county cards, fees and terms, accepted exams, the allergen poster, and the planned state rule.9 min read
- Exam PrepMinnesota Food Manager Certification: Getting Your CFPM CertificateThe CFPM rule, the required course and exam, MDH's $50 Minnesota certificate, 60-day deadlines, exemptions, and 3-year renewal with 4 hours of CE.9 min read
- Exam PrepTennessee Food Manager Certification: What the Rules RequireWhy certification is optional, the person-in-charge knowledge rule, accepted exams, inspection item 1, the 2026 allergen notice, and free classes.8 min read
- Exam PrepWisconsin Food Manager Certification: Who Needs It and How to Get ItWisconsin's certified food protection manager rule, the 90-day deadlines, DATCP's accepted exams, renewal, small-operator refreshers, and penalties.6 min read
- Exam PrepMissouri Food Manager Certification: Where It's RequiredWhy Missouri has no statewide food manager rule, which cities and counties require one, local manager cards, accepted exams, and low-cost classes.8 min read
- Exam PrepAlabama Food Manager Certification: The Priority Category RuleWhich Alabama establishments need a certified manager, the all-hours person-in-charge rule, accepted exams, inspection item 02, and Extension classes.8 min read
- Exam PrepSouth Carolina Food Manager Certification: The CFPM and Person-in-Charge RulesWho needs a certified food protection manager in South Carolina, the person-in-charge rule, accepted exams, grades, the 2026 draft rule, and classes.8 min read
- Exam PrepKentucky Food Manager Certification: State Rule and Local CertificatesKentucky's certified food protection manager rule, local certificates in Louisville, Lexington and Northern Kentucky, accepted exams, costs, and fines.8 min read
- Exam PrepNYC Food Protection Certificate: Free Course, $24 Exam, and Who Needs ItWho needs it, the free course and $24 in-person exam, why ServSafe doesn't count, and county rules elsewhere in NY.7 min read
Alcohol server certification
- Exam PrepAlcohol Server Certification Exam Prep: Our Kanti Press Study BookThe universal core, four state programs in depth, and 350 practice questions with explanations. Kindle and paperback.4 min read
- Free toolTABC Practice Test35 questions on Texas alcohol law, IDs, intoxication, hours of sale, and safe harbor, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Exam PrepTABC Certification: How to Get Your Texas Seller-Server CertificateWho needs it, the 30-day safe harbor rule, what it costs, how long it lasts, and the alcohol laws the course covers.11 min read
- Free toolCalifornia RBS Practice Test33 questions on the ABC exam rules, IDs and minors, intoxication, and hours of sale, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Exam PrepCalifornia RBS Certification: How to Get Your Alcohol Server CertificationWho needs it, the 60-day deadline, the $3 fee, the 50-question ABC exam, and the California alcohol laws it covers.9 min read
- Free toolIllinois BASSET Practice Test37 questions on IDs and minors, intoxication, dram shop liability, and happy hour rules, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Exam PrepIllinois BASSET Certification: How to Get Your Alcohol Server CardWho needs it, the 120-day deadline, the 3-year certificate, and the Illinois alcohol laws the course covers.8 min read
- Free toolWashington MAST Practice Test39 questions on Class 12 and 13 permits, IDs and minors, intoxication, and hours of sale, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Exam PrepWashington Bartender License (MAST Permit): Class 12 vs. 13 and How to Get ItClass 12 vs. Class 13, the 60-day deadline, the course and exam, and the Washington alcohol laws every server needs.10 min read
- Free toolOregon OLCC Practice Test41 questions on service permits, servers under 21, IDs, visibly intoxicated persons, and hours of sale, with explanations.Start the test
- Exam PrepOregon OLCC Service Permit: How to Get Your Alcohol Server PermitThe $23 fee, the course and 70% test, the 45-day deadline, and the Oregon alcohol laws every server needs.10 min read
- Free toolNevada Alcohol Awareness Practice Test53 questions on the alcohol education card, IDs and minors, intoxication, fights, and Nevada law, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Exam PrepNevada Alcohol Awareness Card: Who Needs One and How to Get ItWho needs the card in Las Vegas and Reno, the 30-day rule, the in-person exam, the 4-year term, and the Nevada laws the course tests.15 min read
- Exam PrepLouisiana Bar Card: Who Needs One and How to Get ItWho needs a Louisiana bar card, the 45-day deadline, the course and exam, the 4-year term, and how to get a copy or look one up.9 min read
- Exam PrepWisconsin Bartender License: Who Needs One and How to Get ItWho needs a Wisconsin bartender license, the approved server course, local licenses vs. the statewide permit, fees, and the age rules.9 min read
- Free toolPennsylvania RAMP Practice Test65 questions on IDs and minors, visibly intoxicated customers, hours and happy hour, and Pennsylvania liquor law, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Exam PrepPennsylvania RAMP Training: Who Needs It and How to Get ItWho needs RAMP server/seller training in Pennsylvania, the six-month deadline, the 80% exam, what it costs, and how long it lasts.21 min read
- Free toolSouth Carolina Alcohol Server Practice Test51 questions on the certificate, IDs and minors, intoxication, impaired driving, and South Carolina drink rules, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Exam PrepSouth Carolina Alcohol Server Certificate: Who Needs It and How to Get ItWho needs South Carolina's new alcohol server certificate, the 30-day deadline, the online course and proctored exam, what it costs, and how long it lasts.19 min read
State practice tests
- Free toolCalifornia Food Handler Practice TestCalifornia's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolTexas Food Handler Practice TestTexas's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolIllinois Food Handler Practice TestIllinois's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolWashington Food Worker Card Practice TestWashington's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolOregon Food Handler Practice TestOregon's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolUtah Food Handler Permit Practice TestUtah's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolArizona Food Handler Practice TestArizona's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolNevada Food Handler Practice TestNevada's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolFlorida Food Handler Practice TestFlorida's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolNew York Food Handler Practice TestNew York's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolColorado Food Handler Practice TestColorado's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolOhio Food Handler Practice TestOhio's Level One and Level Two rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
- Free toolGeorgia Food Handler Practice TestGeorgia's own rules plus the core food safety topics every exam covers, with instant explanations.Start the test
Study guides
- Exam PrepFood Handler Test Questions and AnswersEvery practice-test question with its answer and a plain-language explanation, grouped by topic.30 min read
- Exam PrepFood Handler Exam Cheat Sheet: Every Number You Need to KnowEvery temperature, time, and concentration the exam tests, on one printable page. Free PDF, no signup.7 min read
- Exam PrepBest Study Guides and Practice Tests for the Food Handler ExamPractice tests, flashcards, workbooks, and audio review: which format fits how you learn.9 min read
- Exam Prep15 Food Safety Terms You'll See on the Exam (and What They Mean)The danger zone, TCS foods, FIFO, cooling rules, and 11 more terms the exam tests relentlessly.9 min read
- Exam PrepHow Long Does It Take to Get a Food Handler Card? (Timeline Explained)The realistic timeline from signup to card (usually the same day) and what slows people down.7 min read
The FDA Food Code
- Exam PrepThe FDA Food Code Explained: What It Is and the Rules That Matter MostWhat the Food Code is, which version applies, how to read a section number, and the key rules with their section numbers.8 min read
- Exam PrepWhat Changed in the 2026 FDA Food Code: A Plain-English SummaryThe new written illness policy, food safety management systems, double gloving, 2-inch cooling, disinfection, and what stayed the same.10 min read
- Gear GuidesFree Food Safety Log Templates for RestaurantsSix free printable logs: fridge and freezer, holding, cooling, receiving, sanitizer, and thermometer calibration. No signup.7 min read
Requirements by state
- Exam PrepFood Handler Card Requirements by State: The 2026 GuideWhich states require a card, deadlines, validity periods, and what happens when you move.15 min read
- Exam PrepWho Needs a Food Handler Card? A Job-by-Job GuideServers, cashiers, bartenders, hosts, drivers, and more: the legal test, job by job, with the state exceptions.7 min read
- Exam PrepDo You Need a Food Handler Card to Work at McDonald's, Starbucks, or Chick-fil-A?McDonald's, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell, Walmart, and more: what state law requires, who sets the rules, and who pays.8 min read
- Exam PrepHow Much Does a Food Handler Card Cost? Prices by State and ProviderState fees and price caps, provider prices, when your employer pays, and the hidden costs to avoid.10 min read
- Exam PrepHow to Renew a Food Handler Card (or Replace a Lost One)Renewal rules by state, what to do if your card expired, and how to get a copy of a lost card.8 min read
- Free toolWhen Does My Food Handler Card Expire? Expiration CalculatorSee when your card or certificate expires, how many days you have left, and add a renewal reminder to your calendar.Open the tool
- Exam PrepFood Handler Card Lookup: How to Verify or Find a CertificateThe official tools to look up, verify, or reprint a food handler card, manager certificate, or alcohol server permit.9 min read
- Exam PrepCalifornia Food Handler Card: How to Get Certified Step by StepANAB-accredited course, 30-day deadline, 3-year card, and the 2024 employer-pays rule.9 min read
- Exam PrepTexas Food Handler Card: How to Get Certified Step by StepANSI or DSHS-accredited course, 30-day deadline, 2-year card, valid statewide.9 min read
- Exam PrepFlorida Food Handler Training: What You Need and How to Get ItNo statewide card — DBPR-approved training within 60 days, valid 3 years.9 min read
- Exam PrepIllinois Food Handler Training: How to Get Certified Step by Step30-day deadline, 3-year certificate, ANSI-accredited course, no Chicago add-on.8 min read
- Exam PrepWashington Food Worker Card: How to Get Certified Step by Step$10, 14-day deadline, official online course only, 2-year first card.10 min read
- Exam PrepNew York Food Handler Requirements: No Statewide Card — Here's What AppliesNo statewide card — NYC supervisor certificate, county-by-county rules.10 min read
- Exam PrepOregon Food Handler Card: How to Get Certified Step by Step$10 statewide test, 30-day deadline, 3-year card, and no out-of-state cards accepted.8 min read
- Exam PrepUtah Food Handler Permit: How to Get One Step by StepApproved course within 14 days, health-department permit within 30 days, 75% to pass, valid 3 years.7 min read
- Exam PrepArizona Food Handler Card: Maricopa, Pima, and Other County RulesCounties set the rules: Maricopa's 30-day deadline, Pima's exam, and why accredited courses count everywhere.8 min read
- Exam PrepNevada Food Handler Card: How the Rules Work in Las Vegas, Reno, and Carson CityClark County's $25 in-person SNHD card, Carson City's 3-year certificate, and Washoe County's manager-first rules.9 min read
- Exam PrepColorado Food Handler Card: What the State Actually RequiresNo statewide card. What the rules require instead, the 2025 manager rule, and what employers ask for.8 min read
- Exam PrepOhio Food Handler Certification: Who Actually Needs Level OneNo card for every worker: who needs Level One, who needs Level Two, course length, and expiration.8 min read
- Exam PrepGeorgia Food Handler Card: What the State Rules Actually RequireNo state card. A certified manager per establishment, trained staff, and what employers ask for.8 min read
City and county guides
Some cities and counties add rules of their own, and some big cities that used to have their own cards have dropped them. Here's what applies where you work.
- Exam PrepLos Angeles Food Handler Card: What LA County RequiresNo separate LA card: the California card within 30 days, paid for by your employer, good for 3 years.6 min read
- Exam PrepHouston Food Handler Card: What You Need Now That the City Card Is GoneNo city card or fee since 2025: any accredited Texas course within 30 days, good for 2 years.6 min read
- Exam PrepChicago Food Handler Card: What Workers and Managers NeedNo city handler card: Illinois training within 30 days. Managers need the city sanitation certificate.7 min read
- Exam PrepDallas Food Handler Card: What the City Requires in 2026No city card or registration: any accredited Texas course within 30 days, and no more $30 manager fee.6 min read
- Exam PrepSan Antonio Food Handler Card: What Metro Health RequiresNo city card or fee: any accredited Texas course within 30 days, and no more city manager certificate.6 min read
- Exam PrepAustin Food Handler Card: What Austin Public Health RequiresNo city card or registration: any accredited Texas course within 30 days, good for 2 years statewide.5 min read
- Exam PrepRiverside County Food Handler Card: How to Get Your CertificateWhy the state card doesn't count here, the 7-day deadline, the $28 test, and the 2-year certificate.5 min read
- Exam PrepSan Bernardino County Food Handler Card: How to Get ItWhy only the county's own card counts, the $22 online test, the 80% passing score, and the 3-year card.4 min read
- Exam PrepSan Diego County Food Handler Card: How to Get ItCounty-authorized schools only, the 3-hour course and 80% test, the workplace test option, and renewal.4 min read
En español
Todas nuestras guías y exámenes de práctica en español están reunidos en Guías en español.
- Herramienta gratuitaExamen de práctica gratuito para manipuladores de alimentos30 preguntas, explicaciones al instante, sin registro. Comprueba si estás listo para el examen.Empezar el examen
- Preparación para el examen15 términos de seguridad alimentaria que verás en el examen (y qué significan)La zona de peligro, los alimentos TCS, PEPS, las reglas de enfriamiento y 11 términos más que el examen pregunta sin descanso.7 min de lectura
- Preparación para el examen¿Quién necesita tarjeta de manipulador de alimentos? Guía trabajo por trabajoMeseros, cajeros, bartenders, anfitriones, repartidores y más: la regla legal, trabajo por trabajo, con las excepciones de cada estado.9 min de lectura
- Preparación para el examen¿Cuánto cuesta la tarjeta de manipulador de alimentos? Precios por estado y proveedorTarifas por estado, precios de nueve proveedores, cuándo paga tu empleador y los costos ocultos que debes evitar.12 min de lectura
- Preparación para el examenCómo renovar la tarjeta de manipulador de alimentos (o reponer una perdida)Reglas de renovación por estado, qué hacer si tu tarjeta venció y cómo conseguir una copia si la perdiste.9 min de lectura
- Preparación para el examenCertificado TABC: cómo obtener tu certificado de vendedor-servidor en TexasQuién lo necesita, la regla de 30 días de safe harbor, cuánto cuesta, cuánto dura y las leyes de alcohol que cubre el curso.13 min de lectura
- Herramienta gratuitaExamen de práctica TABC en español35 preguntas sobre las leyes de alcohol de Texas, identificaciones, intoxicación, horarios de venta y safe harbor, con explicaciones al instante.Empezar el examen
- Preparación para el examenCertificación RBS: cómo obtener tu certificación de servidor de alcohol en CaliforniaQuién la necesita, el plazo de 60 días, la tarifa de 3 dólares, el examen de la ABC en español y las leyes de alcohol que cubre.12 min de lectura
- Herramienta gratuitaExamen de práctica RBS de California en español33 preguntas sobre las reglas del examen de la ABC, identificaciones y menores, intoxicación y horarios de venta, con explicaciones al instante.Empezar el examen
- Preparación para el examenCertificación BASSET: cómo obtener tu certificado de servidor de alcohol en IllinoisQuién la necesita, el plazo de 120 días, el certificado de 3 años y las leyes de alcohol de Illinois que cubre el curso.10 min de lectura
- Herramienta gratuitaExamen de práctica BASSET de Illinois en español37 preguntas sobre identificaciones y menores, intoxicación, la ley de dram shop y las reglas del happy hour, con explicaciones al instante.Empezar el examen
Gear the exam asks about
Thermometers, gloves, and sanitizer strips show up in exam questions, and handling the real thing makes the numbers stick. Start with Best Food Thermometers for Food Handler Exam Prep (and Real Kitchen Work), then Best Sanitizer Test Strips for Restaurants and Best Disposable Gloves for Food Service.
Running a kitchen, or studying for the manager exam? Our free food safety log templates put the same numbers to work: fridge, holding, cooling, receiving, sanitizer, and calibration logs, one printable page each.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the food handler exam?
Most food handler exams are around 40 multiple-choice questions, and the passing score is usually near 70%. That means you can miss roughly a dozen questions and still pass — but the temperature questions are the ones most people get wrong, so they deserve the most study time.
How long should I study before the test?
A couple of hours of focused study is enough for most people. Spend that time on the numbers the exam repeats: the danger zone, minimum cooking temperatures, cooling times, and sanitizer strengths. If you can recite those cold, the scenario questions mostly answer themselves.
Is the food handler test the same in every state?
The core content is nearly identical everywhere because almost every program is built on the FDA Food Code — handwashing, temperatures, cross-contamination, cleaning and sanitizing. What differs by state is which course counts, the deadline after hire, and how long the card lasts, not what's on the test.
Can I take the food handler test online?
Usually, yes. Most accredited courses include the test online and let you download your card right after you pass. The main exceptions are Clark County, Nevada (Las Vegas), where you study online but take the health district's test in person, and Pima County, Arizona (Tucson), which also tests in person.
Do I have to take the course, or can I go straight to the test?
Many providers let you skip straight to the exam if you feel ready — but a quick review first is the difference between passing and paying for a retake. The material is short, and it's the same stuff your manager will expect you to know on the job anyway.