Working in the food service industry means taking responsibility for public health. Whether you are preparing meals in a restaurant kitchen, packaging items in a food truck or serving customers at a local café, a robust understanding of safe food handling practices is essential. Obtaining a Food Handlers Certificate in Ontario is not just a good idea—it is the law.
This straightforward guide explains how to get certified online with the Food Handler Certification Course from the Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS), and what to expect throughout the process.
Under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act, all food premises must have at least one certified Food Handler on duty during business hours. This legislation aims to reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses, which affect approximately 100,000 people in Ontario each year.
Having a Food Handlers Certificate in Ontario not only helps you comply with legal requirements—it also makes you a more confident, knowledgeable and employable food industry worker.
For a Food Handler certificate to be valid in Ontario, it must be issued by a government-approved training provider. The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course is approved in Ontario and across Canada, making it a trusted option whether you are looking to work in Toronto, Ottawa or anywhere in between.
Getting started is simple. Head to the CIFS website and select the Food Handler Certification Course. Click “Enroll Now” and follow the prompts to register. All you need is an internet connection—you can start your online learning right away.
This flexibility is especially useful if you are looking to earn your Ontario Food Handlers Certificate online without commuting to a classroom.
The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course is designed to be clear, engaging and practical. It covers everything you need to know about food safety and handling, including:
There are 21 self-paced lessons to work through, divided into three modules. Many students finish the course within a day, but you can take up to 30 days if needed.
Once you have completed the lessons, you will take the online Food Handler Certification Exam. The 60-minute exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. You will need a score of at least 70 percent to pass.
The exam is proctored, which means you will be supervised through your device’s camera to meet provincial regulations. You can retake the test as many times as needed during your 30-day access period.
After successfully passing the exam, your Ontario Food Handlers Certificate will be available for download—usually within 60 minutes. You can print it, email it to your employer and keep a digital copy for future reference.
This certificate is accepted in every Ontario municipality, whether you need a Food Handlers Certificate in Toronto, Ottawa or elsewhere. The online Food Handlers Certificate option is also ideal for those located outside Ontario’s major cities.
The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course is split into three distinct learning modules.
Topics covered include:
Topics covered include:
Topics covered include:
An Ontario Food Handlers Certificate is valid for five years from the date of issue. After five years, you will need to renew your certificate to remain compliant with Ontario laws.
To renew your Food Handlers Certificate in Ontario, simply return to the Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) and enrol in the Food Handler Certification Course again. There is no separate renewal or refresher course. The recertification process is the same as earning your certificate the first time.
After registering, you will complete the training modules, pass the final exam and receive your new certificate. Completing the course again ensures your knowledge of safe food handling practices stays current and meets Ontario’s public health requirements.
If you are ready to improve your job prospects and build your confidence in the kitchen, now is the time to act. The CIFS is trusted by thousands of Food Handlers in Ontario and across Canada to provide a certification program that ensures compliance with provincial and federal food safety laws.
Enroll in the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course and start working toward your Food Handlers Certificate in Ontario today. Whether you are looking to obtain a Food Handlers Certificate in Toronto, Ottawa or anywhere else in the province, getting certified online has never been easier.
Want to know more before enrolling? Get in touch to learn about all the benefits of our Food Handler training.