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:

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For more information:

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:

Cost: $62.15 per person

Courses are delivered online in real time and in-person.

Register for the Food Handler Certification - Full Course

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:

Cost: $25 per person

Courses are delivered online in real time and in-person.

Register for the Food Handler Certification - Refresher Course

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:

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

Register for the Food Handler Certification exam

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.

  • 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.

  • Payment options and cancellation / rescheduling

    Payment can be made by cash, cheque, debit, VISA or MasterCard. Make cheque payable to "Niagara Region Public Health'.

    Payment must be received to complete your registration.

    Full refunds are only given when notice is given at least 48 hours before the first session.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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