How to Get a Food Handler Certificate in B.C.

Thinking about working in the food industry in British Columbia? Whether you're applying for your first kitchen job or looking to take the next step in your hospitality career, a Food Handler Certificate in B.C. is one of the most important steps a food service worker can take. The Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) offers an online Food Handler Certification Course that makes the process straightforward.

Addressing public health concerns in B.C.

According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), approximately 550,000 cases of food-borne illness are reported in the province each year. This figure aligns with estimates from the B.C. Ministry of Health, which indicate that one in eight British Columbians experiences a food-borne illness annually.

Most of these cases are related to improper food handling practices, which is why legislation is in place to ensure all Food Handlers meet the required standards for food safety.

Do you need a Food Handler Certificate in B.C.?

In British Columbia, food safety is regulated under the Food Premises Regulation, which requires food businesses to have at least one person on-site with recognized food safety certification at all times. While this is the legal minimum, most employers prefer (or require) all staff to be certified.

Obtaining a Food Handler Certificate in B.C. demonstrates that you:

• Understand how food-borne illnesses occur
• Know how to handle food safely to prevent contamination
• Can follow the hygiene and sanitation practices required in a food business

Read on to discover everything you need to know about how to get certified online with CIFS.

Choosing the right certification program

A fast and effective way to get your Food Handler Certificate in B.C. is through an online course with CIFS.

CIFS is approved to deliver a Food Handler Certification Course in B.C. in accordance with provincial health authority requirements. This nationally recognized training is ideal for people working in:

• Restaurants, cafés or fast food chains
• Grocery stores or food markets
• Food trucks, catering companies or hotels
• Long-term care facilities and hospitals
• Child care centres or schools

Because the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course is completely online, there is no need to travel, schedule a class or wait for an exam session. You can sign up and start the certification process immediately, from any device.

What will you learn in the B.C. Food Handler Certification Course?

The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course covers important food safety principles through 21 interactive lessons organized into three learning modules. These lessons focus on practical knowledge, helping you apply food safety skills in real-world settings.

Here’s a breakdown of what you will learn:

Food safety basics

Understand what causes food contamination — including biological, physical and chemical hazards — and how to prevent them. Learn about food-borne illnesses and their impact on different groups, especially those most at risk.

Personal hygiene and workplace cleanliness

Know when and how to wash your hands, maintain clean uniforms and reduce the risk of spreading bacteria. Learn how proper cleaning, sanitizing and pest control protect both workers and customers.

Safe food handling techniques

From receiving deliveries to storing, preparing, cooking and serving food, you’ll learn the safe way to handle food throughout every step of the process. The course also introduces you to Food Safety Plans and HACCP principles.

How does the B.C. Food Handler Certification Exam work?

After completing all the lessons, you will progress to the online certification exam. This involves taking a 60-minute test that includes 50 multiple-choice questions.

To pass, you need to achieve a minimum score of 70 percent. You will be given unlimited attempts during your 30-day course access period, allowing you to review the material and try again if you don’t pass right away.

To meet B.C. health authority standards, the exam is remotely proctored — monitored online with no need to visit a test centre.

How do you access your B.C. Food Handler Certificate?

After passing the final exam, you will be able to request your B.C. Food Handler Certificate right away. Certificates are issued digitally via email and typically arrive within an hour of being requested. 

Certification is valid for five years from the date of issue and is accepted throughout B.C. and the rest of Canada, allowing you to work as a Food Handler anywhere in the country.

How do you keep your B.C. Food Handler Certification up to date?

Food safety standards are always evolving. Although your certificate is valid for five years, it’s important to stay informed about best practices and changing regulations. Make a note of your expiry date and plan to renew before it lapses to avoid any disruptions at work.

Online certification solutions designed for busy people

One of the biggest benefits of taking the CIFS course is its flexibility. You can log in anytime, pause when you need to, and review lessons as often as you like. You are given 30 days of access, which is more than enough time for most learners to complete the course and exam at their own pace.

This course is ideal for:

• Students balancing school and work
• Full-time staff needing certification fast
• Newcomers to Canada improving job qualifications
• Anyone who prefers to learn online instead of in a classroom

Ready to get started?

If you are looking to earn your Food Handler Certificate in Vancouver, Victoria or anywhere else in B.C. look no further. Our online course is designed to help you succeed — and you can get started today, wherever and whenever it works best for you

Enroll in the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course online, or contact our team to learn how this program can help you achieve compliance.