Do you need a Food Handlers Certificate?
If you work in a food business, you may need to complete a government-approved food safety training course. Most provinces and territories across Canada require food service businesses to employ certified Food Handlers or to enrol their current staff in a Food Handler Certification Course.
If you are looking for work in the hospitality industry, a Food Handlers Certificate can give you a leg up on the competition; if you are currently employed, you may have been asked to complete the course by your hiring manager.
To obtain your Food Handlers Certificate, you will need to complete an online certification exam. This a proctored exam, which means that it is monitored by an instructor. If you're taking an online food safety course, the proctor will oversee your exam via a webcam.
What kinds of questions are on the final exam?
The Food Handlers Certification Exam includes 50 multiple-choice questions designed to test your knowledge of important food safety concepts, such as:
- food contamination / food spoilage
- food allergens and allergen management
- cross-contamination
- personal hygiene
- causes of food-borne illness
- potentially hazardous foods / high-risk foods
- proper food storage, preparation and cooking techniques
- time and temperature control
|
Food Safety Topic |
Key Focus |
Why It Matters |
|
Food Contamination |
Causes and signs of contaminated food |
Helps prevent food-borne illness |
|
Cross-Contamination |
Separation of raw and ready-to-eat foods |
Reduces spread of harmful bacteria |
|
Personal Hygiene |
Hand washing and employee cleanliness |
Limits contamination from Food Handlers |
|
Time & Temperature Control |
Safe cooking, cooling and storage temperatures |
Controls bacterial growth |
|
Food Allergens |
Identifying allergens and preventing cross-contact |
Protects customers from allergic reactions. |
To help you prepare for your final exam, the Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) has created a quick, free Food Handlers Practice Test comprised of questions from the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course.
Take the CIFS Food Handlers Practice Test.
If you're not happy with your final score, we can help. Contact the Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS).