--- title: What Does the Food Handler Certification Course Include? description: Explore CIFS's comprehensive Food Handler Certification course, covering essential food safety practices designed to protect consumers. image: https://blog.foodsafety.ca/hubfs/Depositphotos_126941234_XL%20(1).jpg --- # Food Handler Certification Course: What Does It Cover? Explore the essential food safety practices featured in the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course curriculum. ![What does the Food Handler course cover?](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Depositphotos_126941234_XL%20(1).jpg?width=820&height=462&name=Depositphotos_126941234_XL%20(1).jpg) Published April 18, 2024 Food Handlers play an integral role in the prevention of food-borne illnesses. With the relevant training and food safety procedures in place, they can protect the well-being of consumers to the best of their ability. The [Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS)](https://www.foodsafety.ca/) delivers an extensive curriculum as part of the [Food Handler Certification Course](https://www.foodsafety.ca/courses/food-handler-certification-course#intro). The topics included are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to meet food safety standards. In this blog, we will discuss the key aspects of this course so that you know what to expect before enrolling with CIFS. ## Why Is Food Handler training important? Approximately [four million](https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/food-borne-illness-canada/causes-food-borne-illness-canada.html) cases of food-borne illness are reported annually in Canada, predominantly due to improper food handling. While most individuals experience only minor discomfort, some cases can be severe, leading to hospitalization or even death in extreme instances.  Food Handler training is essential: it ensures that Food Handlers can recognize common causes of food-borne illnesses and take appropriate action to prevent them. [![CFS-FH- Blog CTA](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21498581/interactive-198887768633.png) ](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJqZpjUD5mbsYCTiP7yEPPx1yjvqC9rnbj6h%2B7ViYOkmyLhIiPJRLAocTOWsNrBHXr6oYhmAhRNEASBQzYytw6a%2B6ZQKShIVJFkBhbagK6Noz7R9O1JdxOTdXkmLe2hIqC%2BLrBIJ5jYFLu2vdXNeppmaSOn3%2BGspI60WCFzBRGJwEBP9Fr7%2FPd9K6fReLlakHrprrjLwGrqE%2FZw81PcNC96XFqr%2BeU%3D&webInteractiveContentId=198887768633&portalId=21498581) ## Food Handler Certification Course curriculum The [Food Handler Certification Course](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/why-online-food-handler-training-is-the-future) is divided into four easy-to-follow units containing 11 interactive lessons. This government-approved curriculum is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of food safety that can be translated into responsible food handling practices in the workplace. | **Module** | **Key topics covered** | **Purpose** | | --- | --- | --- | | Module One: Understanding Food Safety | Food contamination (biological, physical, chemical); high-risk groups; allergy incident handling | Introduces foundational hazards and responsibilities | | Module Two: Preventing Food-Borne Illness | Personal hygiene & workplace behaviour; time & temperature control; cleaning & sanitizing; maintenance of premises & equipment | Builds core safe‐handling practices | | Module Three: Working With Food Safely | Purchasing, receiving and storing; preparing food; serving & dispensing food | Covers the full flow of safe food handling | | Module Four: Managing Your Food Safety Plan | Overview of Food Safety Plans & HACCP concepts | Provides the strategic view of system control | | Assessment & Certification | Final exam (multiple-choice, pass mark 70%) within 30-day access; certificate issued upon successful completion | Validates knowledge and grants certification | ### Module One: Understanding Food Safety During this module, you will explore the causes of food-borne illnesses and [food contamination](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/food-safety-and-types-food-contamination), including biological, physical, chemical and [cross-contamination](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/cross-contamination-commercial-kitchens), before reviewing high-risk customer groups and learning the steps for handling [food allergy](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/how-conduct-allergy-management-your-food-business) incidents. Lesson 1 - Understanding Food Contamination Lesson 2 - Food-Borne Illness & Allergy Management Lesson 3 - Food Safety Laws & Responsibilities ### Module Two: Preventing Food-Borne Illness In this module, you will learn about [food safety laws](https://www.foodsafety.ca/laws-requirements?_gl=1*15jhkpd*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE3MTAyNTMxNDUuQ2owS0NRanctci12QmhDLUFSSXNBR2dVTzJDbFRuY3otLVJXZ2hFdTF1Z3BDZExxTmduVWhUaFZNS2ExVXU4dTZnbmgxY3BJcnZseWlNZ2FBbUI5RUFMd193Y0I.*_gcl_au*MjA3NjI2MjAwMC4xNzA1NDM5MDY1), as well as techniques for preventing [food-borne illnesses](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/tag/food-poisoning), including the importance of personal hygiene and workplace behaviour. You will also explore temperature zones, time control, and food thermometers. After that, there is an opportunity to review maintenance, [cleaning and sanitizing](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/3-commercial-kitchen-cleaning-methods-and-when-use-them) procedures for food premises. Lesson 4 - Personal Hygiene & Workplace Behaviour Lesson 5 - Time & Temperature Control Lesson 6 - Cleaning & Sanitizing Lesson 7 - Maintaining Food Premises & Equipment ### Module Three: Working With Food Safely This module is all about working with food safely at each stage of the food handling process. This includes maintaining food premises and equipment, pest control and waste disposal. You will also learn how to receive, check, store and handle food safely.  Lesson 8 - Purchasing, Receiving & Storing Food Safely Lesson 9 - Preparing Food Safely Lesson 10 - Serving & Dispensing Food Safely ### Module Four: Managing Your Food Safety Plan The final module of the course is designed to give you a better understanding of food safety plans and HACCP principles. Lesson 11 - Managing Your Food Safety Plan ## Assessment After completing all the lessons outlined above, you are required to pass a [final exam](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/food-handler-certification-course-assessment-process) designed to verify your knowledge.  You must pass this exam within your *30-day course access period* to achieve certification. You have unlimited attempts to score at least 70 percent, answering 50 multiple-choice questions within the 60-minute time limit. By law, the test requires proctoring. A Proctor is a person who observes you via a webcam as you complete the exam. Proctors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, enabling you to participate at any time. ## Certification The CIFS Food Handler Certification is recognized in every province and territory across Canada, allowing you to work in different regions without recertifying. The entire course is designed to be as efficient as possible so that you can quickly fulfill your food safety training obligations. Enrolment is open to anyone and can be completed online or over the phone. Once enrolled, you will receive 24/7 access to the course for up to 30 days, allowing you to begin learning immediately or at a time and place that suits you.  The course takes just a few hours to complete, including the 1-hour exam. After finishing the exam, you can request your Food Handler Certificate immediately. Most students receive their certification documents within 60 minutes. ## Take the next step to become a certified Food Handler The [CIFS Food Handler Certification Course](https://www.foodsafety.ca/courses/food-handler-certification-course#intro) meets the requirements of food safety legislation and is recognized all over Canada. After participating in the course, you will be equipped with the skills to understand food safety hazards, how they arise and how to prevent them from impacting consumer health. Begin your certification journey by enrolling today, or [get in touch](https://www.foodsafety.ca/contact) with our team to discover all the benefits this course has to offer. [![CFS-FH- Blog CTA](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/21498581/interactive-198887768633.png) ](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJqZpjUD5mbsYCTiP7yEPPx1yjvqC9rnbj6h%2B7ViYOkmyLhIiPJRLAocTOWsNrBHXr6oYhmAhRNEASBQzYytw6a%2B6ZQKShIVJFkBhbagK6Noz7R9O1JdxOTdXkmLe2hIqC%2BLrBIJ5jYFLu2vdXNeppmaSOn3%2BGspI60WCFzBRGJwEBP9Fr7%2FPd9K6fReLlakHrprrjLwGrqE%2FZw81PcNC96XFqr%2BeU%3D&webInteractiveContentId=198887768633&portalId=21498581) --- ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Q. Who needs a Food Handler Certificate in Canada? A. Anyone who prepares, handles, serves, or stores food as part of their job is typically required to complete Food Handler training. This includes roles in restaurants, cafés, catering, food trucks, childcare centres, long-term care facilities, and other food service environments. ### Q. How long does the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course take to complete? A. The course can be completed in just a few hours, including the final exam. You will have 30 days of online access, allowing you to complete the training at your own pace and on your own schedule. ### Q. Is the CIFS Food Handler Certificate recognized across Canada? A. Yes. The CIFS Food Handler Certification is recognized in every province and territory in Canada, so you can work in different regions without needing to retake the course. ### Q. What is included in the final exam, and how does proctoring work? A. The final exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes, with a passing score of 70%. The exam is proctored online using a webcam, with proctors available 24/7, so you can take the exam at a time that suits you. ### Q. How quickly will I receive my Food Handler Certificate after passing the exam? A. After successfully completing the exam, you can request your certificate immediately. Most students receive their Food Handler Certification documents within 60 minutes. [![Food Handler Certification Course](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/hubfs/cfs/website/CFS%20-%20Sidebar.webp) ](https://www.foodsafety.ca/courses/food-handler-certification-course?utm_campaign=30387032-CFS%20Blog%20Sidebar%20CTA&utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=sidebarCTA) [![Food Handler Certification Course](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/hubfs/cfs/website/CFS%20-%20Sidebar.webp) ](https://www.foodsafety.ca/courses/food-handler-certification-course?utm_campaign=30387032-CFS%20Blog%20Sidebar%20CTA&utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=sidebarCTA) [![Food Handler Certification Course](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/hubfs/cfs/website/CFS-%20Mobile.webp) ](https://www.foodsafety.ca/courses/food-handler-certification-course?utm_campaign=30387032-CFS%20Blog%20Sidebar%20CTA&utm_source=hubspot&utm_medium=sidebarCTA) ![For Students](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/hubfs/cfs/menu/accounts1.jpg) ## For Students Taking the course? If you are registered for the Food Handler Certification course, login here to: - start the course or continue your progress - take the final exam - update your account information [Student Login](https://my.foodsafety.ca/customer/account/login/) ![For Business](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/hubfs/cfs/menu/accounts2.jpg) ## For Business If you have a Business Account with us, login here to: - enrol staff in the Food Handler Certification course - track employee progress - view your order history and invoices [Business Login](https://my.foodsafety.ca/customer/account/login/) ![For Members](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/hubfs/cfs/menu/accounts3.jpg) ## For Members Are you a CIFS Member? Members get unlimited access to our Resource Library. Login here to: - access 'how-to' guides and videos - download custom forms and checklists - search our food recall feed [Member Login](https://resources.foodsafety.ca/user/login) Cancel Need help? 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