200+ Free Food Handler Practice Questions
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Key Facts: Food Handler Exam
85-90%
Pass Rate
Most providers
70-80%
Passing Score
Varies by jurisdiction
41-135°F
Danger Zone
FDA Food Code
5.5M+
Food Service Workers
BLS 2024
$10-15
Certification Cost
Most providers
2-3 yrs
Certification Valid
Varies by state
The Food Handler certification has an 85-90% pass rate. Most exams have 40 questions with a 70-80% passing score and 1-hour time limit. The certification costs $10-15 and is valid for 2-3 years (varies by jurisdiction). Required in most US states and counties for food service employees. Over 5.5 million food service workers are employed in the US (BLS 2024). The certification can typically be completed online in 2-4 hours including the training course.
About the Food Handler Exam
The Food Handler certification is a basic food safety credential required for food service workers in most jurisdictions. It covers food safety fundamentals including foodborne illness prevention, personal hygiene, temperature control, contamination prevention, and cleaning/sanitizing procedures.
Questions
40 scored questions
Time Limit
1 hour
Passing Score
70-80%
Exam Fee
$10-15 (ANSI-accredited providers)
Food Handler Exam Content Outline
Food Safety Basics
Foodborne illness, pathogens, high-risk foods, allergens, TCS foods
Personal Hygiene
Handwashing, employee health, illness reporting, personal practices
Temperature Control
Danger zone, cooking temperatures, cooling, reheating, hot/cold holding, storage
Contamination Prevention
Cross-contamination, chemical hazards, physical hazards, biological hazards
Cleaning & Sanitizing
Three-compartment sink, sanitizer concentrations, cleaning procedures, pest control
How to Pass the Food Handler Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 70-80%
- Exam length: 40 questions
- Time limit: 1 hour
- Exam fee: $10-15
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Food Handler Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the food handler exam?
The food handler exam is relatively easy with an 85-90% pass rate. Most exams have 40 multiple-choice questions with a 70-80% passing score. The key is knowing the danger zone (41-135°F), minimum cooking temperatures, and proper handwashing procedures. With basic studying, most people pass on the first try.
What are the minimum cooking temperatures?
Key minimum internal cooking temperatures: Poultry (whole or ground): 165°F for 15 seconds. Ground meat (beef, pork): 155°F for 15 seconds. Steaks, fish, eggs for immediate service: 145°F for 15 seconds. Fruits, vegetables, grains (hot holding): 135°F. These are the most commonly tested temperatures on the exam.
What is the temperature danger zone?
The temperature danger zone is 41°F to 135°F (5°C to 57°C). Bacteria grow most rapidly between these temperatures, doubling every 20 minutes under ideal conditions. Food should not remain in the danger zone for more than 4 hours total (2-hour rule for temperatures above 70°F). This is the #1 most tested topic.
How long is food handler certification valid?
Food handler certification is typically valid for 2-3 years, depending on your state or local jurisdiction. Some areas (like California) require renewal every 3 years, while others require it every 2 years. You must retake the course and exam to renew.
What are the Big 8 allergens?
The Big 8 (now Big 9 with sesame added in 2023) major food allergens are: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish (crustacean), tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. These must be declared on food labels per the FASTER Act. Cross-contact with allergens can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis.