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.
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:
Questions are scenario-based and designed to test understanding rather than memorization.
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.
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.
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.
Lesson 1 - Understanding Food Contamination
Lesson 2 - Food-Borne Illness & Allergy Management
Lesson 3 - Food Safety Laws & Responsibilities
Lesson 4 - Personal Hygiene & Workplace Behaviour
Lesson 5 - Time & Temperature Control
Lesson 6 - Cleaning & Sanitizing
Lesson 7 - Maintaining Food Premises & Equipment
Lesson 8 - Purchasing, Receiving & Storing Food Safely
Lesson 9 - Preparing Food Safely
Lesson 10 - Serving & Dispensing Food Safely
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.
|
Aspect |
Details |
Purpose |
Notes |
|
Exam format |
50 multiple-choice questions |
Assess understanding of food safety principles |
Scenario-based questions |
|
Time limit |
60 minutes |
Allows for careful reading and decision-making |
Generally more than sufficient |
|
Passing score |
70 percent |
Confirm minimum competency |
Unlimited attempts within 30 days |
|
Topics covered |
Food-borne illness, hygiene, temperature control, cleaning, storage, allergens |
Ensure safe food handling in real settings |
All covered in course lessons |
|
Proctoring |
Online with a live remote proctor |
Maintain exam integrity |
Valid photo ID required |
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:
Once your identity is confirmed, you can begin the exam.
Preparing properly and following the exam rules will help you avoid issues and stay focused.
To help ensure compliance with food safety exam rules, please avoid the following during your proctored exam:
Keep your attention on the screen and keyboard for the duration of the 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.