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Illinois Food Handler Practice Test 2026

Illinois food handlers must complete approved food handler training within 30 days of starting work, and restaurant food handlers retrain every 3 years. The training provider gives the test. Practice test 1 covers the Illinois rules; the other sets cover food safety basics from the FDA Food Code.

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

Quick answer

Pass mark: Set by the training provider. It is run by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and local health departments; ANSI-accredited providers. 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

    In Illinois, how soon after starting a job must a food handler complete food handler training?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Within 30 days

    Illinois food handlers must be trained within 30 days of employment.

  2. Question 2 of 10

    How often must Illinois restaurant food handlers retake food handler training?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Every 3 years

    Restaurant food handlers must be retrained every three years.

  3. Question 3 of 10

    Which kind of training meets the Illinois rule for restaurant food handlers?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. An ANSI-accredited course, or a local health department program approved by IDPH

    Restaurant food handlers need ANSI-accredited training or a local health department program approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

  4. Question 4 of 10

    Who is exempt from the Illinois food handler training rule?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM)

    Certified Food Protection Managers and unpaid volunteers do not need separate food handler training.

  5. Question 5 of 10

    Does an unpaid volunteer in Illinois need food handler training?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, unpaid volunteers are exempt

    Unpaid volunteers are exempt from the food handler training requirement.

  6. Question 6 of 10

    An Illinois worker only fills in as a food handler when someone calls in sick. Do they need food handler training?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Yes, anyone who works as a food handler when needed must be trained

    Someone who fills in as a food handler must also have food handler training.

  7. Question 7 of 10

    Where must proof of food handler training be kept in Illinois?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At the facility, ready to show an inspector on request

    Proof of training must be available in the facility when an inspector asks.

  8. Question 8 of 10

    Which Illinois workplace is a "non-restaurant" whose food handlers must also retrain every 3 years?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A nursing home

    Food handlers in nursing homes, long-term care facilities, licensed day care, hospitals and schools must also retrain every three years.

  9. Question 9 of 10

    Which agency approves food handler training programs in Illinois?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

    IDPH approves and registers food handler training programs used in Illinois.

  10. Question 10 of 10

    Since when have Illinois restaurants been required to have trained food handlers?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. July 1, 2014

    Enforcement for restaurants began on July 1, 2014. Non-restaurants had to comply by July 1, 2016.

What to know before the test

  • Food handlers must be trained within 30 days of employment.
  • Restaurant food handlers must retrain every 3 years.
  • Restaurant training must be ANSI-accredited or a local health department program approved by IDPH.
  • Certified Food Protection Managers and unpaid volunteers are exempt.
  • Proof of training must be kept at the facility for inspectors.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to get food handler training in Illinois?

Within 30 days of starting work as a food handler.

How long does Illinois food handler training last?

Restaurant food handlers must retrain every 3 years. Some non-restaurant settings, such as schools and nursing homes, also require retraining every 3 years.

Do managers need a food handler card too?

No. A Certified Food Protection Manager is exempt from the food handler training rule.

What course should I take?

For restaurants, an ANSI-accredited course or a local health department program approved by IDPH.

Sources

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