How to get your Food Handler Certificate in Canada
Getting certified is a straightforward, fully online process. Choose an approved course, work through the training modules, and pass the final exam with a score of 70% or higher. Most people finish in as little as 6 hours.
Register in as little as 30 seconds. $49.95 all in, free WHMIS course included.
As little as 30 seconds to start
Get certified in 3 simple steps
No waiting, no classroom, no scheduling. Start now and move at your own pace.
The full process
The complete certification process
Here is what each stage looks like from sign up to printable certificate.
Choose an approved provider
Make sure your course is recognized by provincial health authorities. Our course is approved, fully online, and built and reviewed by a Certified Public Health Inspector, so you can be confident it meets the standard wherever you work in Canada.
Complete the training
Once you enroll, you study at your own pace. The course is modular and most learners finish in as little as 6 hours. It covers:
- Foodborne hazards and illnesses
- Personal hygiene and handwashing
- Time, temperature control, and cross contamination prevention
- Cleaning and sanitation routines
Take the proctored exam
The final exam is proctored, which means it is supervised remotely through your computer's webcam and microphone. To write it you will need:
- A computer with a webcam and microphone
- A quiet testing space
- Valid government issued photo ID
- Around 60 minutes to answer the multiple choice questions
Download your certificate
After you pass with 70% or higher, you can immediately download and print your digital certificate and wallet card. If you do not pass the first time, you get unlimited free retakes. The certificate is valid for 5 years in most provinces.
Ready to start? It takes about 30 seconds.
Finish the course in as little as 6 hours for $49.95, with a free WHMIS course included. Valid 5 years.
Register NowA note on your province
Validity periods and local rules can vary slightly by province. In British Columbia the required credential is FOODSAFE Level 1. Check your region in the provincial directory for the exact rules that apply to you.
What you will learn
Course modules
Eleven modules take you from the basics of food safety through to the proctored final exam. Each one is short, plain language, and reviewed by a Certified Public Health Inspector.
A look inside Module 8: Cleaning and Sanitizing in a Food Premise.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Is the whole process online? +−
Yes. You can register, study, write the proctored exam, and download your certificate entirely online. There is no classroom and no need to travel.
How long does it take? +−
Most people finish in as little as 6 hours. The course is self paced, so you can do it in one sitting or spread it over a few.
What score do I need to pass? +−
You need 70% or higher on the final exam. If you do not pass the first time, you get unlimited free retakes at no extra cost.
What do I need for the proctored exam? +−
A computer with a webcam and microphone, a quiet space, and valid government issued photo ID. The exam is supervised remotely to keep it fair.
How much does it cost and how long is it valid? +−
Certification is $49.95 all in, with a free WHMIS course included. The food handler certificate is valid for 5 years in most provinces, and the WHMIS certificate is valid for 1 year.