Food Handlers Course and Certification (Level 1)

Multiple-choice Questions
Straightforward questions to demonstrate your knowledge

Scenario Questions and Case Studies
Apply what you have learnt to a simulated environment

Third Party Observation Report
Easy to complete 100% online form that allows a co-worker or supervisor (recent past or present) with at least 18 months industry experience to confirm that you can do practical tasks in the workplace. We developed a custom learning platform to make life simpler for you.

Video Evidence Submissions
Your Performance Evidence submission couldn’t be easier. You can submit your assessment by recording yourself completing three (3) straight-forward examples of Food Safety in short, two (2) minute smartphone videos, or setup a Zoom with one of our trainers to quickly demonstrate your skills live in less than 20 minutes! You will need to record these videos in an operational food preparation environment.

Skills must be demonstrated in an operational food preparation or service area. This can be:
An industry workplace
An industry-realistic simulated environment

To complete the course, you will need access to the following:

• Food handler gloves
• Receptacles for storage and display purposes
• Serving utensils
• Appropriate changing facilities
• Personal protective equipment relevant to job role
• Appropriate facilities for handwashing
• Designated hand washing sink
• Antiseptic liquid soap
• Single use towels
• Warm running water
• First aid kit
• Ready to eat food items
• Current plain English regulatory documents distributed by the commonwealth, state, territory or local government food safety authority
• Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code
• Current organisational hygiene and food safety policies and procedures

There are no formal training prerequisites to enrol. However, the following requirements must be met to successfully complete this nationally recognised course.

Minimum Age Requirement

• Students must be at least 15 years of age at the time of enrolment.
• This requirement reflects the level of responsibility, workplace context, and practical performance expected within the course.

Practical Environment Requirements

To complete the practical assessment components, you must have access to:

• A suitable operational food preparation or food service environment (e.g. commercial kitchen, food business, catering facility, café, restaurant, canteen, sporting clubs or equivalent workplace setting)
• A suitable Third-Party Observer who can verify your practical skills and workplace performance
• Appropriate equipment and resources to demonstrate required food safety practices
  (Refer to the Resources section for full details)

Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) Requirements

While there are no formal LLN prerequisites, students must have sufficient skills to:

• Read and interpret workplace information
• Use email and basic digital communication tools
• Follow written procedures and recipes
• Respond appropriately to customer or workplace scenarios
• Complete written and practical assessment tasks independently

Technical Requirements

To complete this course online, you will need:

• A modern web browser updated to the latest version
• A valid email address
• Reliable internet access

Who is the Australian Institute of Accreditation?

The Australian Institute of Accreditation (AIA) is a nationally registered training organisation (RTO #45009) specialising in accredited online food safety training. We deliver nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses designed to meet regulatory requirements across Australia.

What’s the difference between a Food Handler and a Food Safety Supervisor?

Food Handlers complete entry-level training focused on safe food handling and hygiene practices.

Food Safety Supervisors complete more comprehensive training and are responsible for overseeing food safety practices within a food business. Food Safety Supervisor courses require a higher level of knowledge and practical skill demonstration than Food Handling courses.

Both types of courses include mandatory practical assessment components.

What is the difference between the Food Safety Supervisor (Hospitality) and Food Safety Supervisor (Retail) courses?

Food Safety Supervisor qualifications are industry specific.

• Hospitality courses apply to businesses such as restaurants, cafés, hotels, catering and takeaway food services. Successful completion results in two units of competency:
  
  SITXFSA005 Use hygiene practices for food safety and
  
  SITXFSA006 Participate in safe food handling practices.
• Retail courses apply to businesses such as supermarkets, delicatessens and convenience stores. Successful completion results in one unit of competency:
  
  SIRRFSA001 Handle food safely in a retail environment.

You should select the course that aligns with the food sector in which the training will be applied.

Is there a minimum age to enrol?

Yes. Students must be at least 15 years of age at the time of enrolment.

This reflects the level of responsibility, assessment complexity, and practical performance requirements associated with nationally recognised food safety training.

Can international students enrol in this course?

No. AIA is not a CRICOS-approved provider. International students on a subclass 500 study visa must enrol with a CRICOS-approved provider.

Do I need access to a suitable operational food preparation or service environment?

Yes. To meet nationally recognised assessment requirements, students must have access to a suitable operational food preparation or food service environment, or an industry-realistic simulated environment.

These assessment requirements are set under the Australian VET framework and apply to all Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) delivering accredited food safety training. AIA is required to assess practical skills in accordance with these national standards in order to issue valid certification.

What is a Third Party Observation and is it mandatory?

Yes. Third Party Observation is a mandatory assessment requirement for nationally recognised food safety training.

National assessment rules require students to be observed demonstrating specific practical skills relevant to their course. AIA meets this requirement through an online Third Party Observation Report completed by a suitable observer.

These requirements are not determined by AIA and cannot be waived, as they apply to all RTOs delivering accredited training.

Are videos mandatory as part of the assessment?

Yes. Performance videos are a mandatory assessment requirement for some courses delivered online.

National training standards require RTOs to collect sufficient evidence that practical skills have been competently demonstrated. For online delivery, performance videos are one of the approved methods used where in-person observation is not possible.

As an online training provider, AIA is required to use methods such as performance videos to comply with national assessment standards. These requirements cannot be waived or substituted.

Can I enrol if I am not currently working in the industry?

You may enrol; however, you must still ensure you can access:

• A suitable operational food preparation or service environment
• A suitable Third Party Observer
• The required equipment and resources to demonstrate practical skills

Some students arrange short-term access or volunteer in a food environment to meet these assessment requirements.

Does completing this course guarantee I can work or be appointed in a food safety role?

No. Completion of training provides a Statement of Attainment, but it does not override employment laws, age restrictions, employer requirements, or regulatory obligations. Suitability for specific roles is determined by employers and relevant authorities.

What happens after I have paid for my course online?

Once payment is received, your login details and receipt are sent by email immediately. You can commence your course straight away and access all learning materials online.

In which states and territories is my Statement of Attainment recognised?

Statements of Attainment issued by AIA are nationally recognised across all Australian states and territories.

Please note: New South Wales has additional regulatory requirements. Students requiring Food Safety Supervisor certification for NSW must complete the NSW-approved Food Safety Supervisor course, which includes additional requirements set by the NSW Food Authority.

When will I receive my Statement of Attainment?

Once all assessment requirements have been successfully completed, your Statement of Attainment will be issued and posted within the next business days. Returned or unclaimed certificates can be reissued for a postage and handling fee.

Where can I find more detailed FAQs and policies?

For detailed information about enrolment, assessments, refunds and course policies, please view our full FAQs here:
👉 View our full FAQs

Last updated: July 2025