CFOI Exam Content & Scores

The CFOI exam consists of:

Review the nine different content areas the examination covers and the percentages allotted to each of those areas.

CFOI Exam Scores

The NEHA CFOI exam reports scores ranging from 0-900 with a scaled passing score of 650.

Scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly.
Exam results are mailed to the candidate within four to six weeks after the exam.
Those who pass the exam will receive a certificate, wallet card, and continuing education information.
Those who fail the exam will receive a score letter and a retake application. Candidates must wait at least 90 days from the initial test date before retaking the exam.
- To retake the exam, submit the Retake Application and pay the Exam Fee and Computer Test Fee, if taking the exam at a Pearson VUE's testing location.
- The application and transcripts do not need to be submitted again.
- The exam can be taken as many times as needed but candidates must wait at least 90 days before retaking the exam.

The raw passing score is mathematically transformed so that the passing scaled score equals 650. The scaling process is similar to the adjustment for Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales. While the values may differ, the temperatures are the same (e.g., water boils at the same temperature regardless of the scale used).
A scaled score is not a percentage score but a transformation of a raw score. Scaling is done to report comparable results when forms and raw passing scores vary over time.

Review the following study references that are recommended to assist the candidate in preparing for the CFOI examination.

Epi-Ready, NEHA | Webpage
Control of Communicable Disease Manual (CCDM) | NEHA Bookstore
Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Outbreak Response (CIFOR Guidelines), CIFOR | Webpage
Foodborne Illness Response Guidelines for Owners, Operators and Managers of Food Establishments (Industry Guidelines), CIFOR | Webpage
Environmental Assessment Training Series (EATS), CDC | Webpage
Basic epidemiology courses and case studies, CDC | Webpage
FoodNet Atlas of Food Exposures, 2006-2007, CDC | PDF
National Incident Management System, FEMA | Webpage
Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), FEMA | PDF
Bad Bug Book, FDA | PDF
2013 Food Code, FDA | PDF
Procedures to Investigate Foodborne Illness Revised, IAFP | Webpage
Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence, Colorado | Webpage
Team approached to foodborne outbreak response, Louisiana State University | Webpage
Integrated Food Safety Center of Excellence Education Zone, Tennessee | Webpage
Department of Health and Human Services Food Poisoning & Food-Borne Illnesses, North Carolina | Webpage
2012 Guidelines for Environmental Field Investigations of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks, North Carolina | PDF