Alberta Food Handler Certification
Everything you need to know about food safety certification in Alberta. The rules under the Food Regulation, who needs to be certified, costs, Alberta Health Services inspections, and how to pass your exam.
$25 to $100
Certification cost
5 years
Recommended validity
70%
Exam pass mark
5
Alberta Health Services zones
Who needs certification in Alberta?
Alberta sets its food handler training rules in the Food Regulation (AR 31/2006), Section 31. The rule depends on how many food handlers, including servers and bartenders, work on the premises.
Five or fewer food handlers: at least one person who works for the business must hold a valid food handler certificate. That person does not have to be on site at all times.
Six or more food handlers: at least one manager or supervisor must hold a valid food handler certificate, and that person must be present while the business is open.
The rule covers restaurants, bars, bakeries, butcher shops, cafeterias, caterers, delis, daycares, care facilities, grocery delis, and food trucks. Only certificates from a course on the Government of Alberta recognized list are accepted. Training your whole team is the safer choice, it keeps a certified person on every shift through sick calls and busy periods.
Who regulates food safety in Alberta?
Alberta Health Services (AHS) runs food safety enforcement through its Environmental Public Health team and its Public Health Inspectors, working across five health zones that cover the whole province. Inspectors can enter a food business at any time, check food handler certificates, examine equipment, take food samples, issue fines, and order a business closed. They inspect before a business opens, then return every four to six months, and again after a public complaint.
The laws that apply to your business
Public Health Act
This is Alberta's main public health law. It gives the province and AHS the authority to protect public health, enter premises, and act on health hazards in food businesses.
Food Regulation (AR 31/2006)
This is the regulation that sets the day-to-day rules: food handling permits, premises and equipment standards, sanitation, hygiene, temperature control, and the food handler training requirement in Section 31. Cold food must be held at 4°C or colder and hot food at 60°C or hotter unless an officer approves otherwise.
Food Handling Permit
Separate from staff certification, most commercial food businesses need a Food Handling Permit from AHS before they can open. New or renovated sites must submit a layout, and the application should go to AHS at least two weeks before the planned opening date. Your permit and your food handler certificate are two different requirements.
Approved courses
Alberta only accepts food handler certificates from courses on the Government of Alberta recognized list. If a course is not on that list, the certificate is not valid in Alberta. Always confirm your provider before you register. Our course is a recognized Alberta course, built and reviewed by a Certified Public Health Inspector.
Inspections and public results
AHS posts food inspection results to the public. Unlike Ontario's DineSafe placard system, Alberta does not require a coloured sign in the window, but inspection reports are available to the public, and inspectors will ask to see your food handler certificates during a visit. Keeping certified staff on every shift is the simplest way to stay inspection ready.
Certification cost and renewal
Food handler certification in Alberta runs from about $25 to $100 depending on the provider. Our approved course is $49.95, all in, and includes a free WHMIS course. Alberta does not set a legal expiry date, but renewing every five years is the accepted standard, and our certificate is valid for five years. Many employers cover the cost as part of onboarding.
What happens if you do not comply?
Operating without the required certified staff puts your business at risk of fines, a failed inspection, and in serious cases closure, on top of the damage a food safety problem does to your reputation. Keeping a certified food handler on every shift is the simplest way to stay on the right side of the Food Regulation.
Regulation sources
Government of Alberta
Public Health Act and Food Regulation (AR 31/2006), including Section 31.
Alberta Health Services
Environmental Public Health enforces inspections and permits. Always confirm the current rules with AHS or your local Public Health Inspector.
Alberta questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in most cases. Under the Food Regulation (AR 31/2006, Section 31), at least one person must hold a valid certificate. With five or fewer food handlers on site, that person can be off site. With six or more, a certified manager or supervisor must be present while you are open.
Between about $25 and $100 depending on the provider. Our recognized Alberta course is $49.95 all in and includes a free WHMIS course.
Alberta does not set a legal expiry, but renewing every five years is the accepted standard. Our certificate is valid for five years.
Yes. It must come from a course on the Government of Alberta recognized list. Ours is recognized in Alberta.
Yes. Mobile food trucks follow the same Section 31 rule, unless they sell only pre-packaged food and coffee.
Before opening, then every four to six months, plus after any complaint. Inspectors will ask to see your food handler certificates.