Question 1

What is a food handler certification?

Accepted Answer

A food handler certification (also called a food handler card or food worker permit) proves you understand basic food safety principles. It's required for anyone who works with unpackaged food in restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, grocery stores, and other food service establishments in states like California, Texas, Florida, Washington, and Oregon.

Question 2

What is the Temperature Danger Zone?

Accepted Answer

The Temperature Danger Zone is between 41°F and 135°F (5°C to 57°C). Bacteria multiply rapidly in this temperature range, potentially doubling every 20 minutes. Food should not be left in this zone for more than 4 hours cumulative. Hot foods must be kept at 135°F or above, cold foods at 41°F or below.

Question 3

How long should you wash your hands?

Accepted Answer

You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water (100°F minimum). The proper steps are: wet hands, apply soap, scrub for 20 seconds including under nails, rinse thoroughly, and dry with a single-use paper towel. Hand sanitizer is NOT a substitute for proper handwashing.

Question 4

What are the Big Nine food allergens?

Accepted Answer

The Big Nine allergens that must be disclosed are: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame (added in 2023). These allergens account for most serious allergic reactions. Always inform guests about potential allergens and prevent cross-contact between allergen-containing foods.

Question 5

What temperature must poultry be cooked to?

Accepted Answer

Poultry (chicken, turkey, duck) must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Other key temperatures: ground meats 155°F, whole cuts of beef/pork/fish 145°F, and hot holding 135°F. Always use a calibrated food thermometer.

Question 6

How much does a food handler card cost?

Accepted Answer

Food handler certification costs $7-$25 depending on your state and provider. California ranges from $7-$15, Texas $7-$20, and Florida $10-$25. The training takes 1-2 hours, and the exam takes about 60-90 minutes. Most programs allow immediate certificate download after passing.

Question 7

How long is a food handler certificate valid?

Accepted Answer

Food handler certification is typically valid for 2-5 years depending on your state. California is 3 years, Texas is 2 years, Florida is 3 years, Washington is 2-3 years, and Oregon is 3 years. You must renew by taking the course and exam again before expiration.

Question 8

What's included for free?

Accepted Answer

All study guides, practice questions, and explanations are completely free. We also include 10 AI-powered questions daily. For unlimited AI assistance, you can upgrade to Pro.

Question 9

Why is the content free?

Accepted Answer

OpenExamPrep was founded by Ran Chen, a CFP® who passed multiple financial exams and believes quality exam prep shouldn't cost hundreds of dollars. With AI, we can create quality content at scale and make it accessible to everyone.

Question 10

Is the content up to date?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our content is aligned with the latest exam outlines and updated regularly. Last update: January 2026.

Food Handler Certification Exam Prep 2026

Free Food Handler Exam Prep

Food Handler Exam Details

Food Handler Certification

Exam Content Breakdown

What's Included

8 Chapters

Practice Quizzes

Free to Start

Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds

What's Next After the Food Handler?

ServSafe Manager

Alcohol Server

Food Handler Exam FAQ

Course Content

Introduction

1. Personal Hygiene

2. Time and Temperature Control

3. Preventing Cross-Contamination

4. Food Allergens

5. Receiving and Storing Food

6. Cleaning and Sanitizing

7. Foodborne Illness and Pathogens

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Official State Health Departments (ANSI-accredited providers) Resources

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