Certified Food Handler Training

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

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

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

• City of Ottawa: Food Handler Course - Re-challenging the exam
• Food Safety Training - via: high school, college, university education
• Completion of any of the approved Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) recognized programs
• Completion of the "In Good Hands" on-line course  

2019 Exam Only Sessions

Location: 100 Constellation Drive, Nepean, Main floor

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.

• OPH One Day Course: $55.00 per person (tax included) - Course exam is included. Please check offered dates.
• Exam-only sessions: $16.50 (tax included) - Please check offered dates.
• Re-certification: $16.50 (tax included) - Please check offered dates.
• Re-issuing of a misplaced certificate: $16.00 (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.