What do you need to know to pass a food handling test?

To pass a food handling test, an individual completes a food-handling program and must understand handling food for human consumption. Programs cover food safety, contamination and cross-contamination, time and temperature control, personal hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing, potentially hazardous foods and pests, states the National Registry of Food and Safety Professionals.

Certification in a food-handler program is mandatory in most states in America to help control the spread of diseases that occur as a result of unsafe food handling and storage practices. These programs are comprehensive, and help new and existing food handlers learn what is acceptable and unacceptable in the food industry. They also educate, and keep those within the food industry updated on new laws and regulations dependent upon the county or state of residence, according to Safe Way Certifications.

Some institutions offer food-handling programs, both in the classroom setting with a qualified instructor as well as online. For individuals who opt for an online food-handler course, certification can be obtained in a matter of hours, according to Safe Way Certifications. It is important that individuals research institutions because some offer only a certificate program and not a certification. Typically, an individual must complete the course and pass a multiple-choice assessment to obtain a certificate or certification, states the National Registry of Food and Safety Professionals.