--- title: Online Food Handler Course in Alberta - What’s Involved? description: Complete the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course online at your own pace and meet Alberta's Food Regulation requirements today. --- [Food Safety Blog | Food Safety Tips & Safe Food Handling Practices | CIFS ](https://blog.foodsafety.ca) # [Online Food Handler Course in Alberta - What’s Involved?](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/online-food-handler-course-alberta) Written by [Cameron Sims](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/author/cameron-sims) | Jul 3, 2026 8:54:26 PM Taking an online Food Handler Course in Alberta is one of the fastest ways to meet [**provincial certification requirements**](https://www.foodsafety.ca/laws-requirements/by-location/alberta). The [**CIFS Food Handler Certification Course**](https://www.foodsafety.ca/courses/food-handler-certification-course) covers 21 lessons across three modules, takes around eight hours to complete and delivers your Food Handler Certificate to your inbox within an hour of passing the exam. | **Format** | Online (self-paced) | | --- | --- | | Lessons | 21 interactive lessons across three modules | | Study time | Approximately eight hours | | Exam | 50 multiple-choice questions, 70% passing score | | Certificate issued | Within one hour of passing | | Validity | Five years, recognized across Canada | | Provider | [**Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS)**](https://www.foodsafety.ca) | ## Who needs Food Handler Certification in Alberta? Under Alberta's **Food Regulation (Section 31)**, food businesses are required to employ certified Food Handlers. The requirements vary depending on the size of your team: - Businesses with five or fewer Food Handlers must have at least one certified staff member present during food preparation and service. - Businesses with six or more Food Handlers must ensure a certified manager or supervisor is on site at all times. Whether you are just entering the food service industry or have been working in it for years, completing a food handler course in Alberta is both a legal requirement and a practical step toward protecting the people you serve. ## What does the online Food Handler Course in Alberta cover? The [**CIFS Food Handler Certification Course**](https://www.foodsafety.ca/courses/food-handler-certification-course) is built around 21 interactive lessons divided into three modules. Here is what you can expect to learn: ### **Module 1: Understanding Food Safety** This module covers the basics: how bacteria and microorganisms cause food-borne illness, how cross-contamination happens and how allergens are identified and managed in a food service setting. ### **Module 2: Preventing Food-Borne Illness** You will work through personal hygiene standards, temperature control, cleaning and sanitation procedures and how to maintain safe facilities and equipment. ### **Module 3: Working With Food Safely** The final module focuses on practical, day-to-day food safety: safe storage and handling, pest control and food service protocols. The course is fully online and self-paced. Most people complete it in around eight hours, though you can spread that across multiple study sessions within a 30-day access window - no fixed schedule required. ## How does the Food Handler Exam work? Once you have finished the course material, you will sit the [**Food Handler Exam**](https://blog.foodsafety.ca/food-handler-exam-preparation-tips). Here is what to expect: - **Format:** 50 multiple-choice questions - **Passing score:** 70 percent - **Attempts:** Unlimited within your 30-day access period - **Results:** Available immediately after submission If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can review the relevant course material and try again - there is **no limit on retakes** within your 30-day course enrolment period. ## What do you receive when you pass? Your Alberta Food Handler Certificate** **is issued **within one hour** of passing the exam. The certificate is **valid for five years** and is recognized across Canada, so if you change provinces, your certification carries with you. CIFS provides a printable digital certificate you can share with employers straight away. As soon as you pass, you are ready to work. ## Ready to get certified in Alberta? [**Start your Food Handler Certification**](https://www.foodsafety.ca/courses/food-handler-certification-course) with CIFS today and have your Alberta Food Handler Certificate in hand within hours. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### **Q. How long does the online Food Handler Course in Alberta take?** A. Most people complete the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course **within eight hours**. You have 30 days of online access, so you can study at your own pace and split it across as many sessions as you need. ### **Q. Is online Food Handler Certification valid in Alberta?** A. **Yes.** The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course meets the requirements set out under Alberta's Food Regulation and is recognized by local health authorities. ### **Q. How soon will I receive my Food Handler Certificate after passing?** A. Your Food Handler Certificate is issued **within one hour** of passing the exam. ### **Q. What happens if I fail the Food Handler Exam?** A. You can retake the Food Handler Exam as many times as needed within your 30-day enrolment period, at no extra cost. ### **Q. How long is an Alberta Food Handler Certificate valid?** A. CIFS Food Handler Certification is valid for **five years** and recognized across Canada. 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