PassEveryTest
English

New Mexico Food Handler Practice Test 2026

New Mexico requires food handler cards from an accredited program for people who handle food, utensils and food-contact surfaces. Albuquerque and Bernalillo County run their own programs. Practice test 1 covers New Mexico rules; the other sets cover food safety basics.

  • Food safety
  • New Mexico
  • 130 questions
  • Checked October 10, 2026

Quick answer

Pass mark: Set by the accredited course provider. It is run by New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Food Safety Program; accredited course 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

    Which New Mexico workers need a food handler card?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. People who handle food, utensils or food-contact surfaces

    The New Mexico Environment Department requires a food handler card for people who handle food, utensils and food-contact surfaces, unless they are exempt.

  2. Question 2 of 10

    Where must a New Mexico food handler card come from?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. An accredited food handler training program

    The card must be obtained through an accredited food handler training program.

  3. Question 3 of 10

    Which New Mexico worker is exempt from needing a food handler card?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. A worker with a valid Certified Food Protection Manager certificate

    A valid Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate replaces the food handler card.

  4. Question 4 of 10

    A New Mexico worker only handles foods that do not need time and temperature control for safety. Do they need a food handler card?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. No, they are exempt

    Workers who handle only non-TCS foods are exempt from the card requirement.

  5. Question 5 of 10

    A restaurant host in New Mexico only sometimes acts as a food employee. What is true?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. They may be exempt as an occasional food employee

    People who only occasionally work as a food employee, such as a host, are exempt from the card.

  6. Question 6 of 10

    At a temporary event in New Mexico, who must have a food handler card or be a Certified Food Protection Manager?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The person in charge

    At temporary events, the person in charge must have a food handler card or be a CFPM.

  7. Question 7 of 10

    What must New Mexico facilities still give workers who are exempt from the food handler card?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Basic food safety training, with records kept

    Facilities must still give exempt workers basic food safety training and keep records of it.

  8. Question 8 of 10

    How many Certified Food Protection Managers must a permitted New Mexico food establishment have?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. At least one employee with supervisory and management duties

    At least one employee with supervisory and management responsibility must be a CFPM, unless a variance is approved.

  9. Question 9 of 10

    Can one New Mexico Certified Food Protection Manager be responsible for more than one food establishment?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Yes, but only with an approved variance

    A CFPM may cover more than one establishment only if a variance has been approved.

  10. Question 10 of 10

    Which two areas of New Mexico run their own food safety programs instead of the state program?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Albuquerque and Bernalillo County

    The state Food Safety Program has no jurisdiction in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, which have their own programs.

What to know before the test

  • Food handler cards must come from an accredited food handler training program.
  • A valid Certified Food Protection Manager certificate replaces the food handler card.
  • Workers who handle only non-TCS foods, or only occasionally work as food employees, are exempt.
  • Exempt workers must still get basic food safety training, and records must be kept.
  • Albuquerque and Bernalillo County have their own food safety programs.

Frequently asked questions

Who needs a food handler card in New Mexico?

People who handle food, utensils and food-contact surfaces, unless they are exempt.

Do managers need a food handler card?

Not if they hold a valid Certified Food Protection Manager certificate.

I work in Albuquerque. Are the rules different?

Albuquerque and Bernalillo County run their own food safety programs, so check with them directly.

Where do I get a card?

From an accredited food handler training program.

Sources

Related tests