Food Handler Certificate in Ontario: How to Enroll & Get Certified

Obtaining a Food Handler Certificate in Ontario is essential for most food industry workers, ensuring they have the necessary knowledge to maintain food safety standards. If you plan to work as a Food Handler in the province, you must meet Ontario’s food safety certification requirements.

The Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) makes the certification process quick and simple with an accessible online Food Handler Certification Course designed to help you succeed. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about earning your Ontario Food Handler Certificate with CIFS.

Why the Ontario Food Handler Certification Course is essential for food safety compliance

Each year, approximately 100,000 cases of foodborne illness are reported in Ontario, with many linked to unsafe food handling practices. Food safety training is essential in reducing these risks, which is why it is mandated by provincial law.

Under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act, section 32 of the Food Premises Regulations mandates that food businesses must employ staff with Food Handler Certification. At least one certified Food Handler must be present at all times during business hours.

There are five steps to follow in order to gain certification and comply with Ontario food safety regulations.

Step 1: Enroll in the Food Handler Certification Course

To get started, you need to register for a Food Handler training program that meets provincial food safety regulations. The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course is approved throughout Canada and designed to help Food Handlers in Ontario develop the skills needed to prevent food-borne illnesses.

How to Enroll:

• Visit the Food Handler Certification Course page on the CIFS website.
• Click "Enrol Now" and follow the prompts to register.
• The course is entirely online, so you can start learning right away.

Step 2: Complete the course modules

The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course consists of three modules:

Module 1 - Understanding Food Safety

• Learn about food contamination (biological, physical and chemical hazards) and how to manage the risks.
• Understand the causes of food-borne illnesses and how to prevent them.
• Learn how to identify high-risk customer groups and manage food allergy incidents.

Module 2 - Preventing Food-Borne Illness

• Discover food safety laws in Canada and Ontario.
• Learn the importance of personal hygiene, including hand washing and proper uniform standards.
• Understand temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing procedures.

Module 3 - Working With Food Safely

• Learn how to receive, store, prepare, cook and serve food safely.
• Understand proper waste disposal and pest control methods.
• Get introduced to Food Safety Plans and HACCP principles.

There are 21 interactive lessons spread out across the three modules. Each one is designed to simplify complex topics, keeping you engaged throughout the learning process.

Step 3: Pass the Certification Exam

To obtain a Food Handler Certificate in Ontario, you are required to pass a final exam once all required lessons have been successfully completed. The exam is designed to test your understanding of food safety principles and ensure that you can apply them in a real-world setting.

Exam Details:

• 50 multiple-choice questions.
• 60-minute time limit.
• Minimum passing score: 70 percent.
• Unlimited attempts within the 30-day course access period.
• Online proctoring required for compliance with Ontario regulations.

Step 4: Receive your certification

Once you pass the exam, you can request your Ontario Food Handler Certificate immediately. Most students receive their certificate within 60 minutes. The CIFS certificate is recognized across all provinces and territories in Canada, allowing you to work anywhere in the country without the need for recertification.

Certification Benefits:

• Meets Ontario’s legal requirements for Food Handlers.
• Recognized nationwide.
• Valid for five years.
• Certificate available within 60 minutes.

Step 5: Maintain compliance and stay up to date

Your Ontario Food Handler Certificate is valid for five years, but food safety regulations and best practices evolve. Staying informed about food safety updates and maintaining good hygiene practices are crucial for ongoing compliance.

Tips for Staying Certified:

• Renew your certificate before it expires.
• Stay updated on food safety regulations and industry news.
• Apply your knowledge daily to ensure compliance in the workplace.

Take the next step to obtaining a Food Handler Certificate in Ontario

Your Ontario Food Handler Certificate demonstrates to both regulators and employers that you have the knowledge and skills to meet the standards required by federal and provincial law, setting you up for success in the food industry.

The Canadian Institute of Food Safety makes obtaining a Food Handler Certificate in Ontario simple and stress-free. Our online Food Handler Certification Course allows you to learn at your own pace, and the certification you receive is recognized across Canada.

After completing the course, you will have the skills to identify food safety hazards, understand how they arise and prevent them from affecting public health—all while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.

Don’t wait to take the next step in your career. Enroll in the Food Handler Certification Course today and get certified to work safely in the food industry. If you have any questions, get in touch with our team for more information.