Exams are stressful, and the pressure of passing may leave you feeling overwhelmed and nervous that you won’t pass, even if you’ve studied and paid attention to the course. If you need to take the exam in order to continue working at a bar, restaurant, hotel, or catering service, try not to let your nerves get the better of you!

Whether you’re taking your certificate exam at work or on your personal computer, you are practically guaranteed to pass if you do one simple thing: prepare yourself! Keep in mind that food safety is largely common sense, and it’s easy to pass if you’ve been paying attention to the course material.Probe It’s Safe Food Handling Certificate Program promises a 99% pass rate, and we’ve got some tips to help you get there!

#1: Study Your Materials

This should be the most obvious step. Our course program comes with all the study materials you will need to pass, but don’t hesitate to do your own research as well! Familiarize yourself with your provincial government’s food safety law website as they may offer useful information that may not be pertinent to your exam, but can provide some relevant context when it comes to food sanitation and regulations. Check out these resources below:

• Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Guide to Food Safety
• Food Safety: A Guide for Ontario’s Food Handlers
• Nova Scotia’s Food Safety Regulations under the Health Protection Act
• Manitoba Food and Food Handling Regulation under the Public Health Act
• Alberta’s Food Safety Training Modules
• British Columbia’s Food Safety Legislation

#2: Study with a Group

Studying with your peers is a great way to enjoy yourself and get encouragement before the real thing. Your coworkers are also a great source of information and experience. You can compare notes, test each other, and help each other in areas where you’re struggling. Studying with your coworkers is also the easiest way to figure out if there was a crucial aspect of a module that you missed when taking notes.

#3: Ask for Help

There’s no reason not to reach out to your instructor if you don’t understand something—that’s what we’re here for! Probe It gives students constant access to resources to help you study every minute of the day. Plus, our online food safety course means you can review the course material from your computer or tablet wherever you are and whenever you want.

#4: Be Focused and Mindful

When it comes down to studying, make it a priority. Turn off the TV, put your phone on silent (or better yet, turn it off completely), and switch on some Zen music. Make sure you have a designated amount of time dedicated to studying and a specific area where you will be free from any distractions or people. Don’t wait until the night before your test to cram, and don’t underestimate the power of reviewing your notes.

Studying for your food safety course is just like studying for a school test, albeit much easier! We recommend applying your academic study skills to your Probe It training to produce the best possible outcome.

#5: Don’t Freak Out!

As long as you’re preparing yourself, you don’t have to be anxious about the exam while you’re studying. Take breaks as needed; you’ll still pass! Some of us are naturally nervous test-takers. If that sounds like you, take time out of your day to practice some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and meditation.

We guarantee you have nothing to be stressed about!

#6: Gather Your Materials the Night Before

It is important to have all your items needed to take the exam so that you can finish it with no interruptions, especially in a physical classroom. You will not need anything during your online proctored exam except for an uninterrupted internet connection.

#7: Get a Good Night’s Rest

Don’t pull an all-nighter studying at the last minute! If you’ve prepared for the exam by studying and taking notes, cramming the night before won’t be necessary. A good seven or eight hours of sleep will give you a better chance of success on the test.

#8: Eat Breakfast (and lunch, and dinner)

It’s the most important meal of the day! You’ll be able to ace your exam when you’re full and focused. You might remember how embarrassing it is to sit in a quiet auditorium during an exam when suddenly you hear your stomach start to rumble loud enough for everyone to hear. Not only is the sound distracting (and embarrassing), but your gnawing hunger can present a huge detriment to your concentration, and you might find yourself rushing through the test so that you can finish sooner and find something to eat!

#9: Take the Test

There’s nothing left to do but sit down and take the Food Safety Exam. Clear your mind, don’t get distracted, and take your time. Whether you take the course online or at work in front of a certified proctor, you’ll know your test scores immediately, and you can print out your certificate right away! As soon as you pass, you’ll be able to work in any restaurant, bar, or food establishment in your province!

#10: Treat Yourself

Regardless of whether or not you passed (and we’re confident you aced it with flying colours), you worked hard and followed all our tips. You deserve a reward! Go on a shopping spree, indulge in a bowl of gelato, or simply relax on the couch and enjoy a few hours of rest.

Taking a food safety training course is an excellent way for newcomers to the food and health industry to garner essential knowledge for their field. Contact us today for a free case study and learn how to get started!