Who needs a Hygiene Passport?

You need a Hygiene Passport if you work in a food industry and handle unpackaged, easily perishable food products.

Food establishments include, for example, cafés, restaurants, fast-food outlets, and food stores that sell food products. They also include institutional kitchens, bakeries, and factories where food products are manufactured.

Examples of easily perishable ingredients include milk, meat, fish, and cut vegetables.

By obtaining a Hygiene Passport, you improve your opportunities to find employment in the workplaces mentioned above.

What is the Hygiene Passport Test like?

A person who passes the test demonstrates a command of the basic principles of food hygiene and knows how to handle food safely. The test is based on Food Hygiene Regulation (EC) No. 852/2004 and the Finnish Food Act (297/2021). The Hygiene Passport is valid indefinitely.

The Hygiene Passport Test consists of 40 questions related to food hygiene. To pass the test, at least 34 questions must be answered correctly.

The test is completed in writing on an answer form using a blue-ink pen.

The test may be taken in Finnish, Swedish, or English.

The time allowed for the standard Hygiene Passport Test is 45 minutes. There is no time limit for a special-arrangements test. Participants may leave the test session no earlier than 20 minutes after the test has begun.

You must arrive on time. Late arrivals will not be allowed to participate in the test session.

We verify the identity of all test participants, so please bring an official photo identification document (passport, driving licence, or identity card).

For Gradia students, a passing test result will be recorded in the Wilma student register. For all other participants who pass the test, the result will be communicated by text message. The official certificate will be mailed approximately two weeks after the test date.

Participants who do not pass the Hygiene Passport Test may retake the test by registering again. Retests are also subject to a fee.

Read more about the Hygiene Passport on the Finnish Food Authority website:

https://www.ruokavirasto.fi/en/foodstuffs/hygiene-passport/hygiene-pass…

The content of the Hygiene Passport training and test is based on the Finnish Food Authority Regulation on the requirements for obtaining a Hygiene Passport and the competencies required for obtaining one (Finnish Food Authority Regulation on Hygiene Competence 20/2025).

The Hygiene Passport Test requires food hygiene competence in the following areas:

• Basic microbiology and food contamination

• Food poisoning

• Hygienic working practices

• Personal hygiene

• Cleaning and sanitation

• Self-monitoring (HACCP)

• Legislation and authorities

Study material is available on the Finnish Food Authority website:

https://www.ruokavirasto.fi/en/foodstuffs/hygiene-passport/hygiene-pass…

An electronic practice test is available on the Finnish Food Authority website:

https://www.ruokavirasto.fi/en/foodstuffs/hygiene-passport/hygiene-pass…

The Hygiene Passport Training and Test costs €130 (including VAT).

The fee includes the training, test, certificate, and Hygiene Passport card.