A Step-By-Step Guide to the Food Handler Course Renewal Process

In many provinces and territories, food service operations are expected to have at least one trained or certified food handler on-site while food is being prepared or served. So an expired certificate can immediately become a larger staffing issue: your manager can’t count you as the “trained coverage” for the shift, and they may need to reschedule or pull you off food duties.

The good news is that renewal is easy. In most cases, you renew by completing an approved course again and saving the updated proof of training. This guide explains the renewal process in Canada and what to do if your food handler card has already expired.

TL;DR: Food Handler Course Renewal

• In Canada, food handler renewal is typically every 5 years. Renew before it expires so you don’t get pulled off food duties when proof is requested.
• Renewal is usually simple: retake a food handler course, pass the exam, and save your updated certificate (PDF + phone copy).
• If your card has already expired, follow the same steps as soon as possible and send your new certificate to your manager the same day.
• SafeCheck® renewal is a fast, online option: 30-day access, unlimited exam attempts, a same-day printable certificate and wallet card, and completion in about 6 hours.

Food Handler Course Renewal in Canada

In Canada, food handler renewal is typically on a 5-year cycle. If you’re getting close to five years since you last certified, renew before it expires so you’re not stuck scrambling when a manager asks for proof.

Here’s the simple renewal checklist:

• Check your certificate date (or the last time you completed food handler training).
• Renew by taking the course again online when it fits your schedule. SafeCheck’s Food Handler Renewal Course is entirely online, allowing you to renew your certification at your own pace.
• Save your new proof of training somewhere you can find it fast (download the PDF, email it to yourself, and keep a copy on your phone).

How to Renew an Expired Food Handler Card

If your food handler card has expired, renewal is straightforward: retake a food handler course, pass the exam, and save the updated proof of training.

What to do next:

• Enroll in an online food handler course (like SafeCheck’s Food Handler Renewal Course) and complete it as soon as you can.
• Download your new certificate immediately after passing and save it somewhere you can access fast (phone + email).
• Send the certificate to your manager (or whoever tracks training) the same day so you’re back in compliance for scheduling.

What Is the Renewal Process for Food Handler Certifications?

The renewal process is simple: you renew by completing a food handler course again and keeping the updated certificate as your proof of training.

Step-by-step:

1. Retake a food handler course (online courses like SafeCheck’s Food Handler Renewal Course can be completed in approximately 6 hours).
2. Pass the exam.
3. Download/save your certificate right away (PDF + phone copy).
4. Provide proof to your employer if they keep training records on file.

Renew Online with SafeCheck® Learning

If you want the simplest option, SafeCheck’s Food Handler Renewal Course will get you recertified fast, without scheduling an in-person class. SafeCheck’s certification is recognized by public health authorities in all provinces and territories.

What you get:

• 24/7 online access for 30 days
• 10 lessons, quizzes, and a practice quiz
• Online final exam with unlimited attempts
• Printable digital certificate + wallet card immediately after passing
• Certificate validity is 5 years from the date of issue
• Certification takes only about 6 hours

Renew your food handler certificate now with SafeCheck® and get back to work with same-day proof of training.