California Food Handler Card examination (Health and Safety Code § 113948) — Questions: At least 40 questions · Time limit: Not published by State of California · Passing score: 70%. PrepPass also publishes a complete study guide for this exam as a downloadable book (58 pages, 55 practice questions inside, $9.99).
Test what you know · free, all of it
The same 319 questions, dealt four ways. Pick the one that fits the time you have.
Learn what the questions test
Practice finds the gaps. Reading closes them. The seven chapters below are free to read online. The study guide book is a separate download, sold on its own page.
Before you sit
See the questions first
Real items, with the answer marked and the reason written out — the same format as all 319.
Under California Health & Safety Code §113948, within how many calendar days of being hired must a food handler obtain a Food Handler Card?
Why: California law requires every food handler in a covered facility to obtain a Food Handler Card within 30 calendar days of hire. The worker may continue working during that 30-day window while completing the training and exam.Cal. H&S Code §113948
What is the temperature range commonly called the danger zone for TCS (time/temperature control for safety) foods?
Why: California defines the danger zone as 41°F to 135°F. Within this range, pathogenic bacteria multiply rapidly on TCS foods such as meat, dairy, cooked rice, and cut produce, so total time in this zone must be tightly limited.Cal. H&S Code §114002
Watch
The exam itself
| Questions | At least 40 questionsThis is the statutory floor in § 113948(b)(3)(C), not the length of any particular exam. Each accredited provider sets its own count, and it may be higher. |
|---|---|
| Time | Not published by State of CaliforniaCalifornia law sets no time limit on the examination. What § 113948(b)(3)(B) sets is a design target for the COURSE AND EXAMINATION TOGETHER — approximately two and one-half hours — and the statute's own word is “approximately”. |
| Sections | Time & Temperature Control · Personal Hygiene · Cross-Contamination & Allergens · Cleaning & Sanitizing · Illness Reporting · California Rules · Pest Control |
| Passing score | 70%§ 113948(b)(3)(D) requires a “minimum score of 70 percent”. It is a legal floor: an individual accredited provider may set a higher bar. |
| Our bank | 319 questions · updated August 2026Written from California Department of Public Health (ANSI-CFP accredited providers) |
| Languages | English · 中文 · Español · Tiếng Việt |
| Source | California Department of Public Health (ANSI-CFP accredited providers)Verified 2026-09-03 |
Food Safety Certification Exams
Studying for the Food Handler Card in order? Food Handler Card — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 · 14-day refund →
Questions
All 319 questions, the timed mock and the report are free with no sign-up. A free account only adds saving your progress. The study guide book is sold separately, $9.99 one-time; nothing in the practice requires it.
70% — as published by California Department of Public Health (ANSI-CFP accredited providers). Confirm the current rule with them before your exam date.
Yes. PrepPass sells Food Handler Card — Complete Study Guide (2026), a PDF + EPUB download, $9.99 one-time; the practice on this page stays free without it. See the study guide →
