The Official CIFS
Food Handler Certification Course
COVID-19 best practice information & resources now included in this course
Outstanding Value
Everything you and your business needs, all in one program
Valid in Ontario & Canada Wide
Recognized in Ontario and throughout Canada. You'll be a certified Food Handler across Canada for 5 years.
100% Online
Enjoy the flexibility of studying anywhere, anytime. Just use your internet enabled device to complete the course and exam.
Unlimited Exam Attempts
There's no need to worry about not passing the final exam on the first try. You can retake the exam as many times as needed for free.
Same Day Certification
Get your certificate today or go at your own pace. You have 30 days to complete your training and final exam.
Unmatched Student Support
Get help when you need it. All CIFS online courses are backed by one-on-one telephone and email student support.
Free CIFS Membership
Enjoy 12 months of full access to members-only food safety guides, posters, checklists, food recalls and more.
The Industry Standard
Trusted by the Canadian Food Industry
Course Information
Food Handler Certification Course
Overview
Everything you need to become a certified Food Handler, all in one course.
The CIFS Food Handler Certification course takes most students approximately 8 hours but it can be completed at your own pace over the span of 30 days.
The user-friendly navigation allows you to start and stop as many times as you like. The software will remember where you left off so you can easily continue when you log back in.
With our industry-leading learning tools, you'll be kept engaged with:
- fun & simple lessons
- useful study notes & fact sheets
- interactive activities
- practice quizzes
- downloadable resources
The course has been developed to accommodate for as many learning requirements as possible.
Course Outline
Learn at your own pace.
The Food Handler Certification Course is divided into four easy to follow modules, each with a series of lessons:
Module 1: Understanding food safety
Lesson 1: Understanding food contamination
Lesson 2: Food-borne illness & allergy management
Lesson 3: Food safety laws & responsibilities
Module 2: Preventing food-borne illness
Lesson 4: Personal hygiene & workplace behaviour
Lesson 5: Time & temperature control
Lesson 6: Cleaning & sanitizing
Lesson 7: Maintaining food premises & equipment
Module 3: Working with food safely
Lesson 8: Purchasing, receiving & storing food safely
Lesson 9: Preparing food safely
Lesson 10: Serving & dispensing food safely
Module 4: Managing your food safety plan
Lesson 11: Managing your food safety plan
Requirements
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course.
Technical Requirements
You can access your course on any device (with internet access) including your:
- smartphone
- tablet
- laptop
- computer
To complete your exam you will need an internet-enabled computer or laptop with a webcam. You will also need:
- a modern browser (Google Chrome recommended)
- an email address
- Adobe PDF Reader or Adobe Acrobat
About the Final Exam
The final exam is available 7 days-a-week, 24 hours a day – there’s no scheduling required.
Exam length?
1 hour
What's on the exam?
50 multiple choice questions.
Passing grade?
70%
When can I write the exam?
The exam is available 7 days-a-week at multiple times each day – no scheduling required.
Is the exam proctored?
Yes, the final exam requires proctoring. Proctors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing you to complete the exam at a time that suits you.
To connect with a Proctor, the exam must be accessed from a computer with a webcam and microphone.
What does the Proctor do?
A Proctor is a person who remotely observes you while you complete the exam. The Proctor is there to check your ID and ensure that no one is assisting you on your exam.
How quickly will I get my certificate after passing?
It will be emailed directly to you within minutes of passing your exam.
What if I fail?
96% of our students pass on their first try but you also receive free unlimited exams retakes so you can write the exam as many times as needed (terms and conditions apply).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to complete the course?
Once enrolled, you have up to 12 months to complete the course. You can start and stop as many times as you like within this time.
Is the course 100% online?
Yes, the Food Handler Certification course is 100% online and accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When will I get my Food Handler Certificate?
As soon as you pass your final exam, you can request your certificate to be emailed directly to you.
How long does the course take?
For most people, the course takes approximately 8 hours to complete. This can vary depending on your food handling experience, English language skills and computer literacy.
You don’t need to complete the whole course in one sitting – you have 30 days from the date of enrolment to complete the course and final exam.
Does my course expire?
Yes, you have 30 days from your date of enrolment to complete the course and your final exam.
Does my certificate expire?
Yes, all Food Handler Certificates expire after 5 years.
What skills do I need to complete the course?
To complete this course you'll need skills in:
- English language, literacy and numeracy
- Computer use
- Independent study
How many final exam attempts do I have?
If you are unable to pass the final exam on your first try, you will be able to retake the exam as many times as needed for free as long as:
- your 30-day course access period has not expired
- you have not been suspected of cheating during any of your exam attempts
If you need to write the exam after your 30-day course access has expired, you will need to repurchase the course in full.
What happens if I'm suspected of cheating?
If you’re suspected of cheating, your exam will be canceled. If you still need to complete the exam, you will have to repurchase the course again in full.
To avoid accusations of cheating, never do the following immediately before or during your exam:
- Have your mobile device, tablet or additional laptop or computer with you or within your reach
- Have any paper or notebooks open or accessible, or take notes or screenshots
- Interact with or be within close proximity of friends, family or coworkers
- Open additional browser windows or have your computer or laptop on split or multiple screen modes
- Have any instant messaging apps open (example: Slack or Google Hangouts)
- Leave or turn away from your computer (try to keep your gaze on the screen and keyboard only)
- Wear headphones or any earpiece
Free CIFS Membership
Ensure food safety is kept 'front of mind' with CIFS Membership.
A complimentary 12-month CIFS Membership ($74.95 value) is provided for free with every registration into the CIFS Food Handler Certification course.
You’ll receive regular newsletter updates and discounts — plus access to our library of food safety resources which includes guides, posters, checklists, fact sheets and more.
We're Here to Help
With CIFS, you'll find the entire process of becoming a certified Food Handler simple and hassle-free.
The course is straight-forward and easy to follow but if you ever need help, our friendly support team is available by telephone or email. We are here to assist you with any technical, enrolment and payment questions you may have as well as any other concerns about the course or program.
Recommended by thousands of food workers
98% of students would recommend the official CIFS course to friends and colleagues
"This has been a great program for myself and my staff. It’s convenient, easy to use and we always receive the prompt support."
"I loved how I could learn at my own pace, and go back over the material if I needed too."
"10/10 satisfaction! I will be recommending this course to anybody I know that needs their certification. Great stuff."
Enrol Now
Get started for $99.95
- Online Course
- Official Food Handler Certificate
- COVID-19 Training Resources Included
- Free CIFS Membership (a $74.95 value)
- 30 Day Course Access
- Unlimited Exam Attempts
- Telephone and Email Student Support
- No Additional Costs or Hidden Fees
