Food Handler Certification and By-Law
The Food Handler Certification Program teaches food handlers the general principles of safe food handling to prevent foodborne illness.
Become a Certified Food Handler
To become a certified food handler, we offer the following certification courses and exams:
- Food Handler Certification - Full Course
- Food Handler Certification - Refresher Course
- Exam only
Contact
For more information:
- Call 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 or 1-888-505-6074
- Email Environmental Health
Food Handler Certification - Full Course
The Food Handler Certification Full Course is recommended for participants who have never been certified. The course is seven hours and taught in two sessions by a Public Health inspector. It includes:
- Online copy of the Food Handler's Training Manual
- Six hours of instruction
- One hour exam at the end of the second day
Cost: $62.15 per person
Courses are delivered online in real time and in-person.
Food Handler Certification - Refresher Course
The Food Handler Refresher Course is recommended for participants who have been previously certified and have reviewed the Food Handler's Training Manual before starting the course. The course is three and a half hours and taught by a Public Health inspector. It includes:
- Online copy of the Food Handler's Training Manual
- Two hour review session
- One hour exam at the end
Cost: $25 per person
Courses are delivered online in real time and in-person.
Exam only
Those who wish to study on their own time may take the certification exam without taking the Full or Refresher Course. It includes:
- Online copy of the Food Handler's Training Manual (self-study)
- One hour exam. The exam is in-person and proctored by a Public Health inspector.
A hard copy of the training manual and the exam are available in different languages. For more information, see the registration form.
Cost: $25 per person
More information
- Certification exam
Participants must show photo identification before writing the exam. Participants must achieve a mark of 70 per cent or above to pass the exam and become certified.
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Five year certification
After passing the exam, a Food Handler Training Certificate is issued. The certificate is valid for five years and meets the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care food safety training requirements. It is recognized by health units throughout Ontario.
After five years, the certificate expires and recertification is necessary.
If you would like a printed copy of your Food Handler Training Certificate, there is a $20 charge.
- Minimum requirements for online learning
To complete the online course(s), all learners must have:
- Regular access to a personal computer
- A strong Internet connection
- Basic computer skills
- A working camera and microphone for video and exam proctoring
By registering for the online course, you agree to the minimum requirements.
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Equivalent food handler certification courses
For a list of programs offered by other agencies and recognized by the Ministry of Health as meeting the minimum requirements for food handler training and certification, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
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Mandatory Food Handler Certification By-law
Establishments in Niagara must have at least:
- One food handler on the premises at all times while in operation with a current and valid food handler certificate
- One owner / operator with a current and valid food handler certificate
On request, establishments must show valid certificates (with photo identification) to Public Health.
Non-compliance with the Ontario Regulation 493/17 Food Premises and / or Mandatory Food Handler Certification By-law (78-2010) can result in a fine upon conviction.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
