Question 1
Under the FDA Food Code, when must a person in charge be present at a food establishment?
The food manager exam format
In the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals handbook, revised 1 January 2026, the exam has 85 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours. You can take it online at home, at a test center or with a local proctor.
| Questions | 85 multiple-choice, one correct answer each |
|---|---|
| Time | 2 hours |
| To pass | A scaled score of 75 (not 75% right) |
| Certification | Valid for up to five years |
How the exam runs
- Every question has one correct answer, and a blank answer counts as wrong, so answer them all.
- You can skip questions and come back to them.
- The handbook says the average time to finish is about an hour and a half.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID; a photocopy is not accepted.
Where you can take it
The National Registry offers the exam at home with online proctoring, at a Pearson VUE test center, or with one of its appointed proctors. It is offered in English, Spanish, Modern Chinese, Traditional Chinese and Korean.
Retakes
Its FAQ allows two attempts within 30 days, at least 24 hours apart. After a second failed attempt you wait 60 days, and you may take the exam no more than four times in 12 months.
Other accredited exams
ServSafe, Prometric and 360training also offer accredited food protection manager exams, each with its own length, clock and passing rule. Check the handbook for the exam your health department accepts.
Try 3 questions
Question 2
Under the Food Code, how long should the whole handwashing process take?
Question 3
A delivery of fresh ground beef arrives. What is the highest temperature at which it can be accepted?
Next step
The National Registry food safety manager certification page
Questions people ask
How many questions are on the food manager exam?
85 multiple-choice questions in the National Registry handbook. Other accredited exams set their own number.
How long is the food manager exam?
2 hours in the National Registry handbook, which says most candidates finish in about an hour and a half.
Can I take the food manager exam online?
Yes. The National Registry offers it at home with online proctoring, as well as at Pearson VUE test centers and with local proctors.