Certified Food Handler Training

The Food Handler Certification program is an excellent opportunity to learn the safe way to prepare food. Whether you operate a restaurant, take-out, catering, or mobile food premises, or are working directly with high-risk groups such as children and the elderly, this one-day course is designed to meet the needs of your staff and your customers.

Online options - Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

In addition to Ottawa Public Health's (OPH's) food handler training program, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) has recognized other programs, including an online program called "In Good Hands", and has deemed them be equivalent to the training and certification offered by OPH.  OPH will accept certifications issued by these providers, as well as those issued from any other health unit in Ontario. 

Click here: MOHLTC approved food handler training and certification courses

 Registration process for Ottawa Public Health sessions

  1. Register online: You will need to enter the barcode or program code for the date you wish to attend. Have your credit card number and expiry date ready (Visa or MasterCard). You will need your Family PIN number and Client Barcode. If you require both Client Barcodes and Family PIN numbers, please call 613-580-2588, Monday to Friday 7 am to 7 pm (with the exception of statutory holidays) and follow the prompts.
  2. Touch Tone Telephone: Call 613-580-2588. Please have your credit card number and expiry date ready (Visa or MasterCard). You will need your Family PIN number and Client Barcode. Receipts are available upon request.
  3. In person: Visit a city of Ottawa Client Service Centre. Payments accepted by cash, cheque (made payable to the City of Ottawa), debit or credit card (Visa or MasterCard).

As Ottawa Public Health is sensitive to participants' wide range of learning styles, courses can be adapted to ensure accessibility for all prospective students. Please contact us if you have any questions about the course: 613-580-6744 or email us at foodhandlercertifica@ottawa.ca.

In-class - Ottawa Public Health

Ottawa Public Health in Class Course Features

This certificate-based course is designed to meet the content requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

Gives participants a strong knowledge of:

  • The Role of the Health Unit and Understanding Foodborne Illness
  • Understanding Bacteria
  • Preventing Foodborne Illness
  • Personal Hygiene, Sanitation, Pest control
  • Emergency Response

***No refreshments or food provided, please bring your own***

West locations

  • 100 Constellation Cres. Jaguar Room, Tuesdays, 8:30 am to 4 pm
  • 101 Centrepointe Dr., Saturdays, 9 am to 4:30 pm
  • 101 Centrepointe Dr., Thursdays, 8:30 am to 4 pm

Central location

  • 110 Laurier Ave., Thursdays, 8:30 am to 4 pm

East location

  • 255 Centrum Blvd., Orleans, Room 340, Wednesdays, 8:30 am to 4 pm
 West locations

100 Constellation Dr. Jaguar Room: Tuesdays, 8:30 am to 4 pm

2019 Dates

Program Code

October 01

1426084

October 08

1426086

October 15

1426087

October 22

1426088

October 29

1426090

November 05

1426091

November 12

1426092

November 19

1426094

November 26

1426095

December 03

1426099

December 10

1426100

December 17

1426101

101 Centrepointe Dr., Room 1A: Thursdays, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

2019 Dates

Program Code

November 07

1426109

101 Centrepointe Dr., Council Chambers: Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

2019 Dates

Program Code

October 19

1426165
 Central location

110 Laurier Ave., Billings Room: Thursdays, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm 

2019 Dates

Program Code

December 05

1426116
 East location

255 Centrum Blvd., Orleans, Room 340: Wednesdays, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm 

2019 Dates

Program Code

October 23

1426145
Exam only
Alert: Candidates that would like to challenge the Food Handler Certification Exam must show proof of completion from one of the criteria listed below, within the last year:

2019 Exam Only Sessions

Location: 100 Constellation Drive, Nepean, Main floor

Date

Day

Time

Program Code

Boardroom
October 03 Thursday 3 – 4:30 pm 1426289 Mustang
October 07 Monday 9 – 10:30 am 1426261 Mustang
October 17 Thursday 3 – 4:30 pm 1426290 Mustang
October 21 Monday 9 – 10:30 am 1426262 Mustang
October 31 Thursday 3 – 4:30 pm 1426291 Mustang
November 04 Monday 9 – 10:30 am 1426263 Mustang
November 14 Thursday 3 – 4:30 pm 1426293 Mustang
November 18 Monday 9 – 10:30 am 1426264 Mustang
November 28 Thursday 3 – 4:30 pm 1426294 Mustang
December 02 Monday 9 – 10:30 am 1426265 Mustang
December 12 Thursday 3 – 4:30 pm 1426295 Mustang
December 16 Monday 9 – 10:30 am 1426266 Mustang
 Re-certification

Ottawa Public Health offers re-certification to any of the following individuals:

  • Those who are currently certified from any Ontario Public Health Unit;
  • Those who are currently certified by an approved course by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care;
  • Those who are currently certified from any Public Health Agency from Canadian provinces and territories

Individuals meeting the above criteria may be eligible to challenge the food handler training exam. Proof of certification is required prior to re-challenging the exam. Individuals who are unable to provide satisfactory proof of certification will not be allowed to challenge the exam.

You have one calendar year from the day of your certification expiry date to re-challenge the exam. For example, if your certification expires on June 14, 2018, you can re-challenge the exam up to June 14, 2019.

If an individual meets the criteria to challenge the food handler training exam, you can attend any of the regularly scheduled Food Handler Certification Exam Only Sessions. Please follow the registration process listed below.
 Cost
  • OPH One Day Course: $56.10 per person (tax included) - Course exam is included. Please check offered dates.
  • Exam-only sessions: $16.85 (tax included) - Please check offered dates.
  • Re-certification: $16.85 (tax included) - Please check offered dates.
  • Re-issuing of a misplaced certificate: $16.85 (tax included). Email foodhandlercertifica@ottawa.ca. and provide your first and last name and telephone number where you can be reached.
  • Non-Residents Fee: As per City of Ottawa policy, non-residents will be charged an additional 25 % per person.
  • Seniors’ Discount: City of Ottawa residents who are 65 years of age receive the seniors’ discount of 10 per cent.
  • Withdrawals/Credits: - For withdrawals or a credit on your account visit a City of Ottawa Client Service Centre. Please be advisesd, course fees are non refundable and non transferable to other participants.

French Food Handler Certification Schedule

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