Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who should take this course?
This course is recommended to anyone that serves food to others, especially those who serve food to the public.
This course satisfies legislated food handler training requirements across Canada and is ideal for staff in restaurants, day cares, camps, long-term care homes, special events, etc.
2. Where is your course approved in Canada?
Everywhere! All provincial public health authorities across Canada recognize our certification.
It is equivalent to FOODSAFE Level 1 and meets all food handler training requirements.
Click the provincial links near the top of our homepage to see our government approvals.
3. Why must the final exam be proctored by video?
It is a government requirement. The purpose is to:
1) verify test-taker identification, 2) maintain security of the exam questions, and 3) prevent cheating.
To learn more about our proctored exam experience, review this link.
4. Why must photo ID be shown before accessing the final exam?
Provincial/territorial health authorities require online test-takers to prove their identity. To do this, valid photo ID must be shown. Don’t worry, records are not retained.
5. I heard if I take the exam online my certificate won't be accepted by my health department. Is that true?
Not true! All health departments across Canada recognize our food handler certification as equivalent to their own.
Our online exam is proctored via webcam and microphone. Our exam proctor service partner uses state-of-the-art monitoring tools to ensure integrity of the examination process.
6. Does the course fee include both course review and exam?
Yes! Our online course is a complete certification solution.
The final exam may be taken 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – no scheduling necessary! One free retest attempt is included, if necessary.
Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers are all supported.
7. Will my credit card details remain safe?
Of course! Our server does not receive any user credit card information. All payments are processed securely through PayPal.
8. What score do I need on the final exam to pass the course?
A score of at least 70% on the final exam is necessary to pass the course and receive your certificate.
9. What if I don't pass the final exam?
Not to worry. The pass rate on the first exam attempt is about 99%. However, a free retests are available should you need it.
10. How Long is the Certification Valid?
5 years. This is industry standard.
11. After passing the course, when do I get my certificate?
Right away! Upon passing the exam, the certificate is available for immediate download.
The certificate is to be self-printed by students. Hard copies of the certificates are not mailed later.
12. How long does the online course take to finish?
The average user takes about 6 hours to complete the course. Users have up to 30 days to complete the final exam. During these 30 days users may start and stop reviewing the course material as many times as they wish.
13. What course languages do you offer?
Our course is currently English only. Exam accommodations are available for ESL users.
14. Where can I find the link to download and print my certificate?
If you took our exam between February 20th 2018 and October 18th 2021, you can access your certificate HERE. It’s the same link you used to access the exam. After logging in, click the ‘award/medal’ icon.
If you took our exam before or after these dates, please request a copy of your certificate from our customer support.
15. What are the minimun computer hardware/software requirements needed to run the course?
Course content, including the final exam, may be accessed on any Internet-connected device with a web browser and camera.
Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers are supported. To check if your device is compatible with our final exam, click here.
16. Are course materials mailed to students?
All course materials are provided electronically online and found on the course page. Nothing is mailed.
17. What happens if a student is suspected of violating the security of the online exam process?
Our proctor exam service partner monitors test takers for unusual behaviour for the purpose of maintaining exam security and preventing cheating. Those believed to be violating exam rules may be required to retake the exam at their own expense.
18. Will my final exam score be kept confidential?
We respect our student’s privacy. Your exam results will only be released to you, any sponsoring organization (if applicable), your local health department, and your provincial health authorities, as required.