Food Protection Manager Practice Test 2026
Manager-level food safety for chefs and supervisors β active managerial control, HACCP, and regulations, based on the FDA Food Code. CFPM exams pass at 75%. Practice every question free, then sit a 80-question mock scored to the real 75% pass line.
π― Practice by Topic
Foodborne Illness, Hazards & Contamination
Foodborne-illness risk factors and public-health interventions, biological/chemical/physical hazards, the Big 6 pathogens, TCS and ready-to-eat foods, major allergens, and when contaminated food must be discarded under the FDA Food Code 2022.
Personnel: Employee Health & Hygiene
Manager-level rules for the person in charge, employee health reporting, exclusion/restriction and reinstatement decisions, handwashing, and personal hygiene under FDA Food Code 2022.
Purchasing, Receiving & Storage
Approved sources, receiving temperatures and conditions, source documentation, and safe storage practices under the FDA Food Code 2022.
Preparation & Cooking
Cooking time/temperature requirements, thawing, parasite-destruction freezing, bare-hand contact, and safe food-prep practices under the FDA Food Code 2022.
Cooling, Reheating, Holding & Service
FDA Food Code rules for cooling, reheating, hot/cold holding, date marking, time as a public health control, consumer advisories, self-service, and transport.
Cleaning, Sanitizing & Equipment
Cleaning and sanitizing food-contact surfaces, warewashing methods and temperatures, chemical sanitizer parameters, equipment materials, thermometers, and storage of clean utensils under the FDA Food Code 2022.
Facilities, Water, Plumbing, Waste & Pest
Approved water supply, plumbing and backflow prevention, handwashing and toilet facilities, sewage and refuse, physical-facility finishes, lighting and ventilation, and integrated pest management and toxic-material control.
Food Safety Management Systems & Regulation
Active managerial control, the seven HACCP principles, the CDC risk factors and Food Code interventions, variances and HACCP/ROP plans, permits and plan review, inspections, imminent health hazards, and crisis/recall response.
π§° Jobs this credential opens
See jobs βπ§ Where this leads β the new immigrant career path
See how this exam fits a step-by-step ladder of U.S. licenses and certs β with median pay and the languages each real exam is offered in β
π What to Bring
- β
Two forms of valid ID
Proctored CFPM exams usually require a primary government photo ID plus a second form of ID
- β
Exam registration / payment
Accredited CFPM exams (e.g., through an ANAB-CFP provider) charge an exam fee; bring your confirmation
- β
No notes or phones
The manager exam is closed-book and proctored β personal items are stored away during the test
π How to Schedule
- 1
Study the manager material
Prepare with an ANAB-CFP accredited manager course or the FDA Food Code. The manager exam covers HACCP and active managerial control, not just the basics.
- 2
Register with an accredited provider
Schedule a proctored exam through an ANAB-CFP accredited program. Exams are offered at testing centers and via approved online proctoring.
- 3
Pass and receive your certificate
Score 75% or higher on the 80 scored questions. An accredited CFPM certificate is typically valid for 5 years and recognized across jurisdictions.
π‘ Test Day Tips
- β’Active managerial control means proactively building systems (training, SOPs, monitoring) to prevent the CDC's five risk factors β not just reacting to violations.
- β’Know HACCP's 7 principles in order: hazard analysis, identify CCPs, set critical limits, monitor, corrective action, verification, and record-keeping.
- β’Distinguish exclude vs. restrict: exclude (send home) for vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, or the Big 6 pathogens; restrict (no exposed food) for a sore throat with fever.
- β’An air gap is the only fully reliable backflow protection β there is no physical connection between the water outlet and the flood rim, so it cannot fail like a mechanical device.
- β’Always clean and rinse a surface BEFORE sanitizing; verify sanitizer with test strips (chlorine ~50β99 ppm) β concentration, contact time, and temperature all matter.
- β’A sewage backup, loss of safe water, or loss of power is an imminent health hazard: stop operations, notify the regulatory authority, and close until corrected.
π Study Handbook
All practice questions are based on the sections below. Click any to read the official source.
π Official Resources
FDA Retail Food Protection β
Official FDA hub for the Food Code and retail food safety guidance
FDA HACCP Guidance β
FDA hub on Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points for managers
Find an Accredited Manager Exam (ANAB-CFP) β
ANAB directory of accredited Certified Food Protection Manager programs
CDC Food Safety β
Information on foodborne pathogens, outbreaks, and prevention
β Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Food Protection Manager test, and how many do I need to pass?
The Food Protection Manager knowledge test has 80 questions. You must answer 60 correctly (75%) to pass.
How many questions can you miss on the Food Protection Manager test?
You can miss up to 20 of the 80 questions and still pass.
Is the Food Protection Manager test timed?
Time limit: ~2 hours.
What should I bring to the Food Protection Manager test?
Two forms of valid ID β Proctored CFPM exams usually require a primary government photo ID plus a second form of ID Exam registration / payment β Accredited CFPM exams (e.g., through an ANAB-CFP provider) charge an exam fee; bring your confirmation No notes or phones β The manager exam is closed-book and proctored β personal items are stored away during the test
How do I schedule and take the Food Protection Manager test?
1. Study the manager material: Prepare with an ANAB-CFP accredited manager course or the FDA Food Code. The manager exam covers HACCP and active managerial control, not just the basics. 2. Register with an accredited provider: Schedule a proctored exam through an ANAB-CFP accredited program. Exams are offered at testing centers and via approved online proctoring. 3. Pass and receive your certificate: Score 75% or higher on the 80 scored questions. An accredited CFPM certificate is typically valid for 5 years and recognized across jurisdictions.