Individuals in the food industry who need to handle food, cook, and deliver meals are required to pass the food handlers test. This test assesses the applicant’s ability to handle food safely. It examines whether the person knows about the various safety standards, how to keep food, and the areas where food is handled and cooked clean. The test also checks the applicant’s awareness of the various processes involved in preventing contamination in the kitchen.

Who needs a food handler card or certificate?
On passing the food handler’s practice exams, one receives the food handler card or certificate accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Although there is no federal regulation that makes it mandatory for food handlers to have this certificate, it is useful to take this test.  This  is because most city, county, and state health departments have this as a legal requirement. In addition, many employers ask their teams for food handler certificates before starting a new role.

These roles usually include the jobs of line cooks, servers, expos, runners, and other staff whose work involves handling food during the serving or preparing process. Aside from this, people who work at grocery stores, gas stations, cafeterias, delis, coffee shops, and long-term care hospitals and facilities might also need to clear the food handler test to get their license.

Is it required to take an accredited course before appearing for any food handlers training tests?
It is always recommended to take training before giving food handlers tests. One can find training options that are available online as well as offline. Those who have a busy schedule can find it easier to pursue online training courses and take the online food handlers test. But before taking any course (either online or in-person), be sure to check the local requirements with the local authority or a manager, especially if one is already working in the food industry.  This  is because, in some places, training is required for a specific period. Alternatively, one may need to do a course conducted by the local health department.

What is covered in a training course for a food handler certificate?
Food handler training courses cover several topics related to food safety standards and regulations. Most courses comprehensively cover these areas.

Importance of Food Safety
How Food Becomes Unsafe
Employee Health and Personal Hygiene
Receiving and Storing Food
Cross-Contamination and its Prevention
Preparing and Handling Food
Time and Temperature Control
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Pest Control

How to pass the food handlers tests?
The food handlers certificate exams usually consist of two categories: practical and theoretical. To get the card or certificate, one must pass both categories. Most applicants follow these steps to prepare for the test.

Find some food handler’s practice  exams
Several sample papers and practice exams for food handlers are available online, and there are several online forums where one can find sample tests. These are a great way to understand how the actual food handler test will be.
Practice those tests
It is not just enough to take a cursory glance at the sample tests. One must also attempt the food handlers training tests and try to answer the questions. The more practice tests one takes and works through to prepare for the real tests, the more confident one will feel.
Ask for help
Many of the online forums where the practice tests are found have members who already have the food handler’s certificate or have experience with the test. One can connect with them online and ask for help. Furthermore, if one is already working in the food service industry, it can be useful to ask for recommendations and suggestions from colleagues who have already given the test.

When is the right time to appear for the food handler test?
The requirements for food handler tests vary based on the state, county, city, as well as employer. Those who are new in the food service industry and work in a role that requires a food handler certificate must appear for the test before they start working. Typically, the food handler certificate will be valid for at least three years. So, one does not have to take new training and appear for a test again when they switch to another job while the certificate is still valid.  But   once  the certificate validity expires, one will have to go through the training again and retake the test to get a new certificate.

Why is it mandatory to retake the food handlers test?
Typically, regular updates are made to the Food Code every two years by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Thus, there are constant updates and changes to the food safety guidelines and best practices. A professional food handler must be aware of these new changes as soon as the updates come up. With the validity of a food handler certificate or card being at three years, it is helpful to retake the test to refresh one’s knowledge and be up to date with the best practices of the industry.