Food Handler Certification renewal is a key part of workplace safety renewal requirements in Canada. Most provinces require food workers to refresh their certification every five years to stay compliant and up to date with food safety laws and requirements.
Renewing your Food Handler Certificate through the completion of a Food Handler Certification Course helps protect customers, coworkers and your business.
In most Canadian provinces and territories, Food Handler Certification is valid for five years. After this period, you must retake an approved Food Handler Certification Course and pass the final exam to renew your certificate. This helps to ensure food safety knowledge remains current and in line with modern requirements.
| Validity period | Typically five years |
| Renewal method | Retake training and pass exam |
| Format | Online or in person |
If you are unsure when your Food Handler Certificate expires, check your original certificate or contact your training provider.
A province-by-province guide to Food Handler Certification requirements can be found here.
The Food Handler Certification Course Renewal plays a direct role in maintaining a safe workplace. Food safety hazards do not stay the same - regulations, pathogens and industry practices change over time.
By renewing your certification, you will refresh your knowledge of the following topics:
From an employer’s perspective, keeping staff certifications current reduces liability and supports a strong food safety culture. It also signals to customers that your business takes safety seriously.
You can renew your Food Handler Certification online with the Canadian Institute of Food Safety (CIFS) in four simple steps:
Online renewal allows flexible, self-paced learning. You can study from any device and complete the remotely proctored exam whenever you are ready.
Begin your renewal by enrolling in the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course today.
Allowing your Food Handler Certificate to expire can create compliance risks for both you and your employer. If a Health Inspector conducts a food safety inspection and required staff do not hold valid certification, the business may face:
In some cases, an expired Food Handler Certificate can affect your employment eligibility, especially if your job requires active certification.
To avoid disruption, it is a good idea to set a reminder several months before your Food Handler Certificate expiry date. Renewing early helps ensure continuous compliance.
Maintaining compliance is easier when you take a proactive approach. Here are practical steps you can follow:
Remember, food safety is not a one-time task. It requires ongoing attention, training and accountability.
The CIFS Food Handler Certification Course is an essential piece of workplace safety compliance training that must be renewed every five years to ensure Food Handler Certificate validity.
If your certificate is nearing expiry - or has already expired - now is the time to act. Renew your credentials through a trusted, government-recognized provider and maintain compliance with Canadian food safety regulations.
Enroll in the CIFS Food Handler Certification Course today.
A. In the majority of cases, Food Handler Certification must be renewed every five years. Always confirm with your local public health authority.
A. Yes. CIFS offers a fully online Food Handler Certification Course that includes a remotely proctored exam.
A. Typically, yes. Most provinces require you to complete the full Food Handler Certification Course and pass the exam again.
A. Although not legally required, employers may set stricter internal policies as part of workplace safety compliance training programs.