Food Handler Certification
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 2023 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.
Courses are offered in two formats:
Upcoming Course Dates and Locations St Thomas Site - located at 1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON
Woodstock Site – located at 410 Buller Street, Woodstock, ON
**Tillsonburg – Salvation Army Church, 110 Concession St. W., Tillsonburg
Please click here to start registration. High School Student Courses/Exam (offered on scheduled PD Days)Due to the overwhelming response we had to our April PD Day Food Handler Course, we will be offering a free EXAM ONLY option for the May 19th High School PD Day. Student IDs must be shown as proof. Download and study the free Provincial Food Handler Training Manual provided by the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) to prepare to write the exam. St Thomas Site - located at 1230 Talbot Street, St. Thomas, ON
Woodstock Site – located at 410 Buller Street, Woodstock, ON
Please click here to start registration for the High School Exam ONLY
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Online Courses |
Safe Check Food Safety Certification Course
In Good Hands
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Self-Study and Certification Challenge Exams |
SWPH will proctor examinations for individuals who wish to challenge the exam. In order to challenge the exam, a candidate must meet at least one of the following criteria.
Please note that if a candidate fails to pass the exam, a repeat attempt is not permitted until the candidate completes an approved course.
Woodstock site - Exams are offered the 2nd Wednesday of every other month (April, June, August and October) 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 3rd Wednesday of every other month (April, June, August and October) with a start time of 9 am. Pre-Registration is required, please contact 519-631-9900 x 1258 to reserve a spot. NOTE: NO walk-ins allowed Cost to write the exam is $15.00 ($13.27 plus HST) Download and study the free Provincial Food Handler Training Manual which is provided free by the Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care (MOHLTC). |
Other programs recognized by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care |
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.