Preparing for Your Food Handler Exam: What to Expect

Included as part of the Food Handler Certification Course, The Food Handler Exam is the final step to earning your Food Handler Certificate through the Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS). The exam includes 50 multiple-choice questions, a 60-minute time limit and online proctoring.

The exam confirms you understand essential food safety principles and can apply them in real food service settings. Employers across Canada rely on CIFS Food Handler Certification to verify that staff can handle food safely and meet public health expectations. 

Continue reading to discover what it takes to pass with our top tips for anyone taking part in the Food Handler Certification program right now.

What topics are covered on the CIFS Food Handler Exam?

How many questions are there and how much time do you get?

What score do you need to pass the CIFS Food Handler Exam?

How the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course prepares you for exam success

Quick tips for passing the Food Handler Exam

What happens after you pass the CIFS Food Handler Exam?

What topics are covered on the CIFS Food Handler Exam?

The CIFS Food Handler Exam focuses on practical knowledge you use every day when working with food. All topics assessed on the exam are covered in the Food Handler Course and are reinforced through quizzes.

Key topics include:

• Causes of food-borne illness and how to prevent contamination
• Personal hygiene and proper hand washing
• Time and temperature control, including the Temperature Danger Zone
• Cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces, utensils and equipment 
• Safe food storage, receiving and preparation
• Food allergens and preventing cross-contamination

Questions are scenario-based and designed to test understanding rather than memorization.

How many questions are there and how much time do you get?

The CIFS Food Handler Exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. You are given 60 minutes to complete the exam, which is generally more than enough time to read each question carefully and choose the best answer.

You can choose to take the exam at any point during your 30 day enrollment period.

What score do you need to pass the CIFS Food Handler Exam?

A minimum score of 70 percent is required to pass the CIFS Food Handler Exam. You are allowed an unlimited number of attempts to pass the exam within your 30 day enrollment period, giving you the chance to review the material and try again if needed.

How the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course prepares you for exam success

The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course provides practical food safety knowledge and skills that can be applied in real-world situations. In addition to the Food Handler Exam, this online course includes 11 interactive lessons grouped into four learning modules. 

These lessons form the basis for everything you need to know in order to pass the Food Handler Exam.

Module One: Understanding Food Safety

Lesson 1 - Understanding Food Contamination

Lesson 2 - Food-Borne Illness & Allergy Management

Lesson 3 - Food Safety Laws & Responsibilities

Module Two: Preventing Food-Borne Illness

Lesson 4 - Personal Hygiene & Workplace Behaviour

Lesson 5 - Time & Temperature Control

Lesson 6 - Cleaning & Sanitizing

Lesson 7 - Maintaining Food Premises & Equipment

Module Three: Working With Food Safely

Lesson 8 - Purchasing, Receiving & Storing Food Safely

Lesson 9 - Preparing Food Safely

Lesson 10 - Serving & Dispensing Food Safely

Module Four: Managing Your Food Safety Plan

Lesson 11 - Managing Your Food Safety Plan

Each lesson is followed by a multiple-choice quiz to confirm your understanding of the topics covered. Once all lessons and quizzes have been successfully completed, you can progress to the Food Handler Exam.

The following table summarizes the key facts and requirements of the CIFS Food Handler Exam.

How does online proctoring work for the Food Handler Exam?

The CIFS Food Handler Exam is completed online with remote proctoring. A proctor is a trained professional who observes you while you complete the exam to ensure the registered student is completing the exam without assistance and maintain food safety exam integrity.

Proctors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing you to take the exam at a time that works best for you.

Before starting the exam, the proctor will verify your identity:

1. You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID. Accepted ID includes a driver’s licence, passport, health card, student card or citizenship card. For underage learners, student ID is accepted.
2. The proctor will take your photo and match it to the ID you provided.

Once your identity is confirmed, you can begin the exam.

Quick tips for passing the Food Handler Exam

Preparing properly and following the exam rules will help you avoid issues and stay focused.

• Review lesson quizzes to identify topics you need to revisit
• Read each question carefully before answering
• When unsure, choose the option that best protects the customer

To help ensure compliance with food safety exam rules, please avoid the following during your proctored exam:

• Having another device (phone, tablet etc.) within reach
• Using notes, paper or take screenshots
• Opening other browser windows or messaging apps
• Leaving your seat or looking away from the screen
• Wearing headphones or earbuds

Keep your attention on the screen and keyboard for the duration of the exam.

What happens after you pass the CIFS Food Handler Exam?

Once you pass the CIFS Food Handler Exam, you can request your Food Handler Certificate to be emailed to you immediately. Most learners receive their certificate within 60 minutes of completing the exam.

Your certificate can be downloaded, printed or shared with your employer. It is valid for five years in most Canadian provinces and territories.

Ready to get started? Get your Food Handler Certification today.