Welcome to our new website

We’ve redesigned niagararegion.ca to make it easier to find what you need. We’re still putting on the finishing touches, so over the next few weeks you may notice:

  • Search is still learning. Some results may be incomplete or out of date. Try browsing by topic from the main menu.
  • Some links may not work. Old bookmarks and links may lead to pages that have moved.
  • Pages are still being updated. We’re reviewing content across the site and improving it as we go.

Food handler certification

Person wearing black gloves and cutting grape stems for charcuterie

Get certified

We offer food handler certification courses taught by Public Health inspectors. Certification is required by law for all food premises operating in Niagara.

Register for a course or exam

Courses and exam

Full course

First time certification

A seven-hour course taught over two sessions by a Public Health inspector. Recommended for anyone who has never been certified before.

Includes:

Available online (real time) and in person.

Cost: $64.57 per person

Refresher course

Recertification

A three-and-a-half-hour course taught by a Public Health inspector. Recommended for anyone who has been previously certified and has reviewed the Food Handler's Training Manual before starting the course.

Includes:

Available online (real time) and in person.

Cost: $26.01 per person

Exam only

Self-study

For those who prefer to study independently using the Food Handler's Training Manual. The one-hour exam is written in person and proctored by a Public Health inspector.

Includes:

The manual and exam are available in multiple languages. See the registration form for details.

Cost: $26.01 per person

Certification requirements for food premises

All food premises operating in Niagara must have, at minimum:

  • One certified food handler on the premises at all times during operation
  • One owner or operator with a current, valid food handler certificate

Certificates must be produced along with photo identification upon request by Public Health.

Non-compliance with Ontario Regulation 493/17 Food Premises and / or the Mandatory Food Handler Certification By-law (78-2010) (PDF) can result in a fine upon conviction.

More information

A mark of 70 per cent or higher is required to pass the exam. Upon passing, you will receive a Food Handler Training Certificate valid for five years, recognized by health units throughout Ontario.

After five years, recertification is required. A printed copy of your certificate is available for $20.40.

To complete online courses, participants must have:

  • Regular access to a personal computer
  • A strong internet connection
  • Basic computer skills
  • A working camera and microphone for video and exam proctoring

By registering for an online course, you agree to these minimum requirements.

Other agencies offer food handler certification programs recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Health as meeting minimum training requirements. For a list of approved programs, visit the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

Have a question?

Contact Environmental Health