California Food Handler Card Practice Test 2026

1. Question 1 of 12

   In California, how soon after being hired must a food handler get a California Food Handler Card?

   • AWithin 90 days
   • BWithin 30 days
   • CWithin 1 year
   • DWithin 7 days
   Show answer

   Answer: B. Within 30 days

   California Health and Safety Code section 113948 requires food handlers to get a card within 30 days after the date of hire.

2. Question 2 of 12

   How long is a California Food Handler Card valid?

   • A5 years
   • BFor life
   • C3 years from the date it was issued
   • D1 year
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   Answer: C. 3 years from the date it was issued

   The card is valid for three years from the date of issue.

3. Question 3 of 12

   A California food handler changes jobs to a new restaurant. What happens to their valid food handler card?

   • AIt is valid only for 30 more days
   • BIt stays valid until it expires
   • CIt is cancelled and they must start again
   • DIt must be reissued by the new employer
   Show answer

   Answer: B. It stays valid until it expires

   A valid card stays valid for its full three years even if the food handler changes employers.

4. Question 4 of 12

   What is the minimum passing score on the California food handler exam?

   • A70 percent
   • B60 percent
   • C80 percent
   • D90 percent
   Show answer

   Answer: A. 70 percent

   The law requires a minimum score of 70 percent to pass.

5. Question 5 of 12

   At least how many questions must the California food handler exam have?

   • A100
   • B20
   • C40
   • D10
   Show answer

   Answer: C. 40

   The exam must have at least 40 questions. The course and exam are designed to take about two and a half hours.

6. Question 6 of 12

   Who may issue a California Food Handler Card?

   • AA training provider accredited by ANSI (the American National Standards Institute)
   • BThe Department of Motor Vehicles
   • CAny website that sells cards
   • DAny restaurant manager
   Show answer

   Answer: A. A training provider accredited by ANSI (the American National Standards Institute)

   Since January 1, 2012, cards may only come from ANSI-accredited training providers that meet the ASTM E2659-09 standard.

7. Question 7 of 12

   Which topic must California food handler training cover, in addition to basic food safety?

   • AHow to run a cash register
   • BHow to drive a delivery van
   • CHow to write a menu
   • DMajor food allergens and how to avoid allergen cross-contact
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Major food allergens and how to avoid allergen cross-contact

   Since 2021, the course must cover food allergy awareness and safe handling of major food allergens, including avoiding cross-contamination.

8. Question 8 of 12

   Under California law, who pays for the time a food handler spends on the food handler course and exam?

   • AThe employer, because the time counts as paid hours worked
   • BThe food handler, on their own time
   • CThe customer, through a menu fee
   • DThe county health department
   Show answer

   Answer: A. The employer, because the time counts as paid hours worked

   Employers must pay for training and exam time as hours worked, cover necessary costs, and relieve workers of other duties during training.

9. Question 9 of 12

   Can a California employer refuse to hire someone only because they do not already have a food handler card?

   • ANo, the employer cannot make an existing card a condition of hiring
   • BYes, but only for servers
   • CYes, but only in large cities
   • DYes, every new hire must already have a card
   Show answer

   Answer: A. No, the employer cannot make an existing card a condition of hiring

   The law says employers may not require an applicant or employee to already have a food handler card as a condition of employment.

10. Question 10 of 12

    What must a California food facility keep to show it follows the food handler card law?

    • AA copy of every customer receipt
    • BA photo of every worker
    • CRecords showing each food handler has a valid card
    • DA list of every menu item
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Records showing each food handler has a valid card

    Food facilities must keep records of valid food handler cards and show them to the local inspector on request.

11. Question 11 of 12

    Where is a California Food Handler Card recognized?

    • AOnly at the restaurant that paid for it
    • BOnly in the city where it was issued
    • CThroughout the state, except in a few areas that have their own local program
    • DOnly in counties near the coast
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Throughout the state, except in a few areas that have their own local program

    The card is recognized statewide, except in local jurisdictions that had their own food handler program in place before January 1, 2009.

12. Question 12 of 12

    Which type of workplace is exempt from California's food handler card law?

    • AA public or private school cafeteria
    • BA sit-down family restaurant
    • CA food truck that cooks burgers
    • DA fast-food restaurant
    Show answer

    Answer: A. A public or private school cafeteria

    Exemptions include school cafeterias, licensed health care facilities, certified farmers markets, most grocery stores and some other settings.

Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.

The real test: At least 70%