Getting ready for your food safety training and assessment might feel a little nerve-wracking. You want to walk into the test feeling completely confident and ready to pass on your very first try, but you aren’t sure how to get the right level of preparation.
You’ve likely already realized that finding the right study materials makes all the difference between second-guessing yourself and breezing through the questions. Read on to learn how to set yourself up for success!
What we’ll cover:
- Where to find practice tests for food handler assessments
- What to expect on your food safety assessment
- Who should take food safety training?
- Frequently asked questions
Where to find practice tests for food handler assessments
Generally, you can find high-quality practice tests for food handler assessments from the organization providing the exam itself. However, as you begin your exam prep, it’s important to recognize that there’s a difference between a food handler training and assessment and its close cousin, a Certified Food Protection Manager training and exam.
Food handler assessments vs. food manager assessments
The food handler training and assessment are designed for those working with food at any level, focusing on essential food safety principles and everyday practices. Trust20’s Food Handler Certificate Training includes regular knowledge checks throughout, as well as a built-in study guide to help you take notes and remember key points. However, it does not have a required exam and therefore, no official practice test.
By contrast, the ANAB-accredited Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is more advanced and is aimed at managers responsible for overseeing food safety in their establishments. While the Food Manager training helps you think like a CFPM and does include its own assessments to test your understanding, there is no official practice test for the certification exam itself, either.
That said, Trust20 offers comprehensive resources and other materials designed specifically to give you the knowledge you need to succeed in your career. These resources focus heavily on real-world food safety management, sanitation, and local health compliance. You’ll learn about daily tasks such as properly cooling food, preventing cross-contamination, and maintaining time-temperature safety.
What to expect on your food safety assessment
Each food safety assessment is different, but Trust20’s training products and the Certified Food Protection Manager Exam emphasize food safety across all settings and levels.
This includes:
- The types and consequences of foodborne illness outbreaks
- How outbreaks happen
- The steps to take if illness occurs in your facility
- How to identify common food allergens and serve customers with dietary needs
- The risks of cross-contamination and how to prevent it
- Temperature-controlled foods
- Hand hygiene
…and so much more.
Every question on the Trust20 test is multiple choice, so our courses’ format helps you get incredibly comfortable with the actual exam structure before the big day arrives.
Our training courses include practice assessments that help you quickly identify which areas may need a little more review. Because every aspect of the courses is delivered slowly, at your own pace, and in stages, you’ll build your knowledge gradually. As you progress through the modules, you’ll figure out where your personal weak points are and can repeat segments as needed.
For instance, you might realize you know exactly how to handle raw meat, but you need a refresher on holding food at the right temperature. When you take these courses and then complete each module’s practice assessments, you’ll be able to eliminate the guesswork and focus your study time where it matters most.
In your training, you’ll also gain exposure to the exact scenarios that you might encounter in a real commercial kitchen, whether that’s in a restaurant, childcare facility, healthcare establishment, or even a hospitality business like a hotel.
Practical learning outcomes are the priority here, and your practice tests at the end of each module will throw realistic examples your way to help you achieve those outcomes.
Who should take food safety training?
Maybe you run a busy downtown restaurant, or maybe you just landed your first job as a prep cook. You might think you need a ton of prior culinary experience to take these manager-level courses. But Trust20’s training products have absolutely no prerequisites.
These programs are open to anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of food safety. Whether you want to boost your resume for a promotion or simply learn how to run a safer kitchen at home, you can jump right in. The course breaks down complex health codes into easy, digestible lessons that anyone can grasp and apply immediately.
You might be asked by your employer to take a course, or you might take the initiative to complete it on your own (which shows your employer that you're serious about your career).
No matter what your reasons are for taking the courses and completing the CFPM exam, doing so demonstrates a massive commitment to public health and professional excellence. Plus, having an ANAB-accredited certification makes you a highly competitive candidate anywhere in the hospitality industry!
FAQ
Is the food handler’s card test hard?
No, and many food handler certification programs don’t even have an associated exam at all, like Trust20’s food handler training.
What are the mandatory tests for food handlers?
Mandatory tests vary depending on your local health department and your specific job role. Most entry-level roles require a standard food handler certificate to prove you understand basic hygiene. However, managers and shift leaders typically need to pass an ANAB-accredited Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) exam to stay compliant with state laws.
How many attempts do I have to pass my Food Protection Manager assessment?
For Trust20, you have two attempts to pass your assessment. You need to pass with a score of 75% or higher, which means answering at least 60 out of 80 questions correctly. If you don’t pass after two tries, you’ll need to contact Trust20 Support to purchase a new course and have it added to your account.
Start practicing for your food safety exam today
Earning your food safety certification doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. Trust20 gives you all the tools, knowledge, and support you need to succeed in the foodservice industry.
Take the next exciting step in your career with Trust20 today!
