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How to Get a Food Handling Certificate Online

Written by Canadian Institute of Food Safety | May 14, 2025 7:28:56 PM

Whether you are preparing meals in a restaurant, stocking grocery store shelves or handling food at a childcare centre, knowing where to get a Food Handling Certificate online should be a top priority.

Food Handler certification is a legal requirement for most food industry professionals in Canada, but not everyone has the time to participate in classroom-based Food Handler training. Fortunately, getting a Food Handling Certificate online is a straightforward process.The Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) offers a Food Handler Certification Course that is fast, flexible and nationally recognized

In this post, we will explain where to get a Food Handling Certificate, what to expect from the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course and how you can get started online right away.

Why do you need a Food Handling Certificate in Canada?

Across Canada, food safety regulations are enforced at a provincial level. While exact requirements vary by location, most provinces and territories mandate that anyone involved in preparing, storing or serving food must hold a valid Food Handling Certificate.

This includes employees working in:

  • Restaurants and catering businesses
  • Hospitals, cafeterias and care facilities
  • Grocery stores and food retail outlets
  • Daycares, schools and community kitchens

As well as ensuring you meet your legal obligations, certification can help build your credibility, improve your job prospects and provide the knowledge and skills required to protect public health through the prevention of food-borne illnesses like E. coli and Salmonella.

What are the benefits of getting a Food Handling Certificate online?

Today, more Canadians than ever are choosing to get their Food Handling Certificate online because it offers:

  • Flexibility: Study on your schedule, day or night
  • Accessibility: Learn from anywhere, on any device
  • Affordability: No commuting or printed materials required
  • Immediate access: Start learning the moment you enroll
  • Fast certification: Complete the course and exam before accessing your certificate online

Online certification obtained through CIFS meets the same provincial food safety standards as in-person training.

Where can I get a Food Handling Certificate online?

When considering where to get your food handling certificate online, it is important to choose a training provider recognized by Canadian health authorities. The Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) offers a trusted and convenient online solution that is accepted across most provinces and territories, including:

CIFS helps thousands of Canadians each year earn certification and meet legal food safety requirements. Enroll in the CIFS Food Handling Certificate Course today or contact us for help meeting the food safety training requirements in your province or territory.

What can I expect from the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course?

The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course is suitable for people at all experience levels and meets national training standards. It covers essential food safety topics like:

  • Personal hygiene and handwashing
  • Cross-contamination prevention
  • The Temperature Danger Zone and safe food storage
  • Cleaning, sanitizing and maintenance procedures
  • Foodborne illness causes and prevention
  • Proper food preparation techniques

The entire course can be completed online, with self-paced, interactive training followed by a certification exam

The 60-minute exam is multiple choice and requires a score of 70 percent to pass. You have an unlimited number of retakes within your 30-day course access period.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, your Food Handler Certificate will be available for download (typically within an hour). This digital document is valid for five years and is accepted across Canada.

How to Get a Food Handling Certificate Online: Step-by-Step

Here’s how easy it is to get your food handling certificate online with CIFS:

  1. Visit the CIFS website and select the Food Handler Certification Course
  2. Create your account and enroll (no paperwork required)
  3. Start learning instantly with access to all course modules
  4. Complete the online exam when you are ready
  5. Download and print your certificate

You can finish the course in one session or spread it out over up to 30 days. Your progress is saved as you work your way through the course.

Who Needs a Food Handling Certificate?

You will need a Food Handling Certificate if you work with food in any of the following roles:

  • Line cooks, chefs and prep staff
  • Baristas, servers and bartenders
  • Grocery store and deli employees
  • Food truck and catering staff
  • School and daycare food handlers
  • Aged care and hospital kitchen staff

Even if your province doesn’t mandate it for your role, certification can improve your career prospects and better prepare you to handle food safely.

Become a certified Food Handler Certification with CIFS

Getting your Food Handling Certificate online is one of the easiest ways to meet Canadian food safety standards and open the door to job opportunities. With CIFS, you will receive flexible, nationally recognized Food Handler training that works around your schedule.

Whether you are just starting out in the food industry or renewing an expired certificate, CIFS provides the training you need to stay compliant, confident and safe.

Start your Food Handling Certificate Course today, or contact us to explore the full benefits of CIFS training.