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Hawaii Food Handler Practice Test 2026

Hawaii requires the person in charge of a food establishment to hold food handler certification during normal work hours. The Department of Health accepts ANSI-recognized certification and offers free classes. Practice test 1 covers Hawaii rules; the other sets cover food safety basics.

  • Food safety
  • Hawaii
  • 130 questions
  • Checked October 10, 2026

Quick answer

Pass mark: Set by the DOH class or ANSI-recognized provider. It is run by Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), Sanitation Branch. Practise here for free with 130 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Food Handler Study Guide (US): plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 10

    Under Hawaii's food safety rules, who at a food establishment must hold food handler certification?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The person in charge during normal work hours, including food preparation

    Hawaii Administrative Rules require the person in charge during normal work hours, including food preparation, to be certified.

  2. Question 2 of 10

    Which part of the Hawaii Administrative Rules covers food establishments and food handler certification?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Chapter 11-50

    Food safety rules are in HAR chapter 11-50; section 11-50-20(c) requires training in proper food handling to get certified.

  3. Question 3 of 10

    When did the Hawaii Department of Health start enforcing the food handler certification rule during inspections?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. September 2018

    The rule took effect on September 2, 2017, and enforcement began on September 4, 2018, after a one-year grace period.

  4. Question 4 of 10

    Which food handler certifications does the Hawaii Department of Health accept?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Certifications recognized by ANSI (the American National Standards Institute)

    DOH accepts certification recognized by ANSI, as well as its own classes.

  5. Question 5 of 10

    What does the Hawaii Department of Health offer to help food workers meet the certification rule?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Free food safety classes statewide

    DOH offers free food safety classes statewide and also lists approved online and multilingual options.

  6. Question 6 of 10

    Besides food establishments, who else is covered by Hawaii's food handler certification rule?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Groups that need a special event permit to give out food

    The rule also applies to organizations distributing food at special events that need a special event permit.

  7. Question 7 of 10

    Which home-based sellers in Hawaii are covered by the food handler certification rule?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Homemade food sellers who sell items like cookies and breads directly to consumers

    Homemade food purveyors who sell products such as cookies and breads directly to consumers are also covered.

  8. Question 8 of 10

    How does a Hawaii health inspector check the food handler certification rule?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. By asking for proof of certification during the inspection

    Proof of certification is required during health inspections.

  9. Question 9 of 10

    Which state agency enforces Hawaii's food handler certification rule?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Hawaii Department of Health

    The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH), through its Sanitation Branch, runs food safety education and inspections.

  10. Question 10 of 10

    How much time did the Hawaii Department of Health give businesses to comply with the food handler rule after it took effect?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. One year

    The rule took effect in September 2017 and DOH gave the industry one year to comply before enforcement began in 2018.

What to know before the test

  • The person in charge during normal work hours, including food preparation, must be certified (HAR §11-50-20(c)).
  • The rule took effect on September 2, 2017, and enforcement began on September 4, 2018.
  • DOH accepts certification recognized by ANSI and offers free food safety classes statewide.
  • The rule also covers special event food distributors and homemade food purveyors.

Frequently asked questions

Does every worker in Hawaii need a food handler card?

The Hawaii rule requires the person in charge during normal work hours to be certified. Your employer may ask other staff to get certified too.

Which certificates does Hawaii accept?

Certification recognized by ANSI, and certification from Department of Health classes.

Are there free classes?

Yes. The Department of Health offers free food safety classes statewide.

Does the rule apply to special events?

Yes. Organizations giving out food at events that need a special event permit are covered.

Sources

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