Food Handler Certification

All food premises, including special event vendors, need at least one certified food handler working during all hours of operation. If you work with food, it’s a good idea to get your Food Handler Certification. This helps keep food safe for everyone.

Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) offers in-person courses and exam only days. Courses can also be taken online. 

How can you get your Food Handler Certification?

In-person courses are taught by certified Public Health Inspectors. SWPH offers the courses as:

  • A one-day course (8 hours), or

  • A two-day course (each session is 4 hours)

In-person courses are taught by certified Public Health Inspectors at our St. Thomas and Woodstock sites.

  • Cost $62.15 ($55 plus HST)
  • Registration and payment required in advance

Upcoming course dates and locations

St. Thomas site - 1230 Talbot St., St. Thomas, ON

Monday, March 2, 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Monday, September 14th 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Woodstock site - 410 Buller St., Woodstock, ON

Monday, May 11, 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Monday, October 19, 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Register now

High School course (offered on a scheduled PD Day)

St. Thomas site - 1230 Talbot St., St. Thomas, ON

Friday, April 24, 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Woodstock site  - 410 Buller St., Woodstock, ON

Friday, April 24, 2026 9:00 am - 5:00 p.m

REGISTER NOW

SafeCheck Food Safety Course

  • Cost: $24.98 (includes tax and exam fee)

  • Available anytime (24/7)

  • Course and exam are available in multiple languages 

  • Take the exam on any device with a webcam and microphone

In Good Hands Course

  • Cost: $34.95 + HST (includes exam fee)

  • Learn at your own pace with 15 modules

  • Take the certification exam online

  • View frequently asked questions to ensure your computer meets the requirements for the online course

Note: the online courses are not affiliated with SWPH

SWPH will proctor examinations for individuals who wish to challenge the exam, exams are available in English, French, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Russian and Punjabi. 

In order to challenge the exam, a candidate must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Reviewed the Food Handler Training Manual, which is available in English, French, Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, Russian and Punjabi
  • Received training from a third party
  • Have at least two years of experience in the food industry
  • Previously certified

Note: If a candidate fails to pass the exam, a repeat attempt is not permitted until the candidate completes an approved course.

Download and study the Ministry of Health’s Provincial Food Handler Training Manual, in a variety of languages:

Woodstock site - Exams are offered the 1st Wednesday of (February, May, August and November) with a start time of 1 pm.

Note: No walk-ins allowed

St. Thomas site - Exams are offered the 1st Wednesday of (March, June, September and December) with a start time of 9 am. 

Note: No walk-ins allowed

Cost to write the exam is $15 ($13.27 plus HST)

Register and pay for the Food Handler exam

You can also get certified through the London Training Centre:

  • In-class training and certification

  • Exam-only sessions: $20 (pre-registration required), you must call ahead to pay for a time slot

  • Register by calling: 519-685-4331

What will you learn in the Food Handler Certification course?

During the Food Handler Certification course, you will learn:

  • What Public Health Inspectors do and the rules they follow to keep food safe

  • How bacteria can make people sick and how to keep food free from harmful bacteria

  • Ways to prevent foodborne illness, like keeping food at the right temperature and avoiding cross-contamination

  • Good personal hygiene (like washing your hands), how to keep your workplace clean, and how to control pests like mice and insects

  • How to handle food allergens safely and what to do during food recalls

Need special accommodations for your exam?

If you require accommodation for your in-person course or exam, or if you would like to write the exam in French or Chinese (all in-person courses are taught in English), please contact us at 1-800-922-0096.

Looking for Smart Serve certification?

Southwestern Public Health does not offer Smart Serve certification. To get Smart Serve, visit Smart Serve Ontario.

Contact Us

Southwestern Public Health (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday)

St. Thomas Site
(Administrative office)
1230 Talbot Street
St. Thomas, ON N5P 1G9

Woodstock Site
410 Buller Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 4N2

Call us toll free: 1-800-922-0096
Email us

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Southwestern Public Health values our people. We pride ourselves on our positive and flexible work environment.

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