Due to COVID-19, all Safe Food Handler courses and exams are cancelled until further notice. For more information, call the Info-Line at 905-688-8248 press 7, then press 3 or toll-free at 1-888-505-6074.
The seven hour Food Handler Certification Course is taught in two sessions based on the principles of sanitary food service and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point procedures.
This course includes a manual which is handed out during the first class, six hours of instruction, two 15 minute breaks (one per day) and a one hour exam reserved for the end of the second day.
Participants are required to achieve a mark of 70% or above to pass the exam and become certified.
Participants must show photo identification before writing the exam.
The 3.5 hour Food Handler Certification Refresher Course is taught over one session and is intended for participants who have been previously certified and have reviewed the food handler manual prior to registering for the course. See link for manual. The course includes a two hour review session, a 15 minute break and a one hour exam reserved for the end.
The course is taught in English with a classroom format.
Upon passing the exam, a Safe Food Handling Certificate is issued, which is valid for five years.
After five years, you can re-certify by taking the exam again. You do not need to re-take this course.
This certificate meets the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care food safety training requirements and is recognized by health units throughout Ontario.
There is a $20 charge for replacement certificates.
Cost: $50 per person (includes manual, exam and certificate)
Cost for Refresher Course: $20 per person (includes two hour review, exam and certificate)
For more information, call 905-688-8248 ext. 7121 or 1-888-505-6074.
Important: payment must be received in order to complete your registration.
Make cheque payable to "Niagara Region Public Health".
Attendance for both sessions is crucial.
Register for the refresher course
Full refunds are only given when notice is given 48 hours prior to the first session.
For a list of food safety training courses that are considered equivalent to Niagara Region's Food Handler Certification course, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.