Food Handler Certification

Man preparing food in a kitchen wearing a mask

All food premises, including special event vendors, are required to have at least one food handler onsite during every hour of operation. It is recommended that anyone working in the food industry obtain Food Handler Certification.

Together with community partners, Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) offers in-person, online, and/or self-study (exam only) Food Handler Certification courses to residents of Elgin County, Oxford County, and the City of St. Thomas.

Register for a Food Handler Certification course

In-Person Courses

All 2024 in-person food handler certification courses are now available for registration

Food Handler Certification courses are offered at our St. Thomas site, Woodstock site, and various other locations. This course is facilitated by our certified Public Health Inspectors.

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

Courses are offered in two formats:

One day course (8 hours)
Two day course (Each session is 4 hours)

Upcoming Course Dates and Locations

St Thomas Site - located at 1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON

Next date TBA

Woodstock Site – located at 410 Buller Street, Woodstock, ON

FALL COURSE October 8 and 10, 2024 5 pm - 9 pm (Two day course)

Please click here to start registration.

High School Student Course (offered on a scheduled PD Day)

St Thomas Site - located at 1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON

Next date TBA

Woodstock Site – located at 410 Buller Street, Woodstock, ON

Next date TBA

Please click here to start registration for the High School PD Day Course

Online Courses

Safe Check Food Safety Certification Course

Cost: $24.98 (tax & exam fee included)
24/7 access
multiple languages available for course and exam
online exams can be completed from any device equipped with a webcam and microphone (including tablets and mobile phones)

In Good Hands

Cost: $34.95 + HST (exam fee included)
Learn about safe food handling at your own pace in an online environment through 15 modules of course content.
Certification exam is offered online
View frequently asked questions to ensure your computer meets the requirements for the online course.

NOTE: These courses are not affiliated with Southwestern Public Health

Self-Study and Certification Challenge Exams

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 2 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, which is provided free, click on links below for manuals in the available languages:

Woodstock site - Exams are offered the 1st Wednesday of (June, September and December) with a start time of 1 pm. Pre-Registration is required, please contact 519-421-9901 x 3520 to reserve a spot.

NOTE: NO walk-ins allowed

St. Thomas site - Exams are offered the 1st Wednesday of (June, September and December) with a start time of 9 am. Pre-Registration is required, please contact 519-631-9900 x 1387 to reserve a spot.

NOTE: NO walk-ins allowed

Cost to write the exam is $15.00 ($13.27 plus HST)

Other programs recognized by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

London Training Centre provides in-class training & certification recognized in Ontario.
- Note: London Training Centre offers EXAM ONLY sessions for $15, however you must call ahead to pay for a time slot.

To Register: Call London Training Centre 519 685-4331

What will I learn during the Food Handler Certification course?

During the Food Handler Certification course, students will learn:

The role of the Public Health Inspector and Public Health legislation
About bacteria that can cause illness
How to prevent foodborne illness
Personal hygiene, premises sanitation, and pest control practices within food premises
Food allergens and food recalls

Accommodation

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.

Please note that SWPH reserves the right to cancel exams and in-person courses. SWPH does not provide Smart Serve certification. For additional information on Smart Serve certification please visit www.smartserve.ca.