Certified Food Handler Training

Please note: Beginning March 1, 2020, Ottawa Public Health will no longer be providing food handler certification training. In-class training will be available through Algonquin College and other providers recognized by the Ministry of Health.
 
Visit Algonquin College's website for food handler training course information.

Visit the Ministry of Health website for a list of approved food handler training and certification courses.

Food Handler Certification 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, the course is designed to meet the needs of the retail food industry, as well as customers. As per Ontario Regulation 493/17, every operator of a food service premise shall ensure that there is at least one food handler or supervisor on the premise who has completed food handler training during every hour in which the premise is operating.

Visit Algonquin College's website for food handler training course information. 

Ministry of Health Approved Options (including online options) 

In addition to in-class training offered through Algonquin College, the Ministry of Health has a list of recognized in-class and online training programs that meet provincial requirements. You may also consider an online program called "In Good Hands.” OPH will accept certifications issued by these providers, as well as those issued from any other health unit/authority in Ontario or Canada. 

Visit the Ministry of Health website for a list of approved food handler training and certification courses.

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:

  • Algonquin College 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 recognized programs
  • Completion of the "In Good Hands" on-line course  
  • If you are a professionally-trained Chef with the appropriate credentials, you may also be eligible to challenge the exam.
 Re-certification

Re-certification may be available to those who are currently certified by :

  • any Ontario Public Health Unit;
  • an approved course by the Ministry of Health
  • 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, 2020, you can re-challenge the exam up to June 14, 2021.

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.

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