Food safety should be a top priority for every business that prepares and serves food. Whether you’re a cafe or a food truck, safe food handling is about protecting your customers, acting in accordance with food laws, and keeping your business’s reputation going strong.
For business owners or individuals looking to improve their understanding of safe food practices, a Food Handlers certificate is a great way to ensure staff are fully trained in the legal requirements of food safety.
But one commonly asked question is: What is the duration of a Food Handler’s Certificate? In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about how long it lasts, how you can progress from there, and why staying current with food safety practices is a smart move for anyone in the industry.
How Long Does a Food Handler’s Certificate Last?
The good news is that the duration of a Food Handler’s certificate is indefinite, which means once you’re certified, you’re qualified for life. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll know how to:
- Follow proper hygiene practices to minimise contamination risks
- Safely handle, store, and prepare different types of food
- Prevent cross-contamination in food prep and service areas
- Understand and meet basic food safety laws and responsibilities
- Recognise potential food safety hazards and respond appropriately
As there’s no official expiry date, there’s no need to worry about renewing your certificate under national registration. However, food laws can change regularly, so some employers and food authorities recommend refreshing your training every 3 to 5 years. This will help you stay up to date with the latest regulations and industry best practices.
Who Needs a Food Handler’s Certificate?
A Food Handler’s certificate is great for anyone in the food industry who handles, prepares, or serves food. You could be a waiter, bar staff, kitchen hand, or even a barista. If you come into contact with food, then a Safe Food Handler’s certificate is for you – even if it’s not legally required.
Check out this blog for a more in-depth look at what a Food Handler’s certificate is.
What’s Covered in the Safe Food Handlers Course?
Whether you’re looking to get a food handling certificate QLD or a food handling certificate SA, the course itself, also known as “SITXFSA005 – Use hygiene practices for food safety”, is designed to give you the practical knowledge you need to handle food safely and confidently in any work environment.
It’s a straightforward, nationally recognised accreditation that shows you take your responsibilities as a food handler seriously. You’ll learn:
- Basic hygiene – like how to properly wash hands and clean workspaces
- Safe food storage, including temperature control and stock rotation
- Cross-contamination prevention, such as avoiding allergen risks and foodborne illnesses
- Cleaning and sanitising equipment and surfaces
- Personal health (recognising when you’re unfit for food service due to illness)
- Food safety responsibilities and how to meet them.
Where is My Safe Food Handler’s Certificate Valid?
This certificate is valid across most of Australia. So if you’ve completed your Food Handling certificate in VIC, for example, you can work in food handling roles across Queensland, Western Australia, and beyond.
However, the only exception to this is New South Wales, has its own state-specific food legislation. This means you’ll have to complete a Food Handling certificate for NSW to ensure your training covers those regulations.
Career Progression: What Happens Next?
If you’re already a certified Food Handler and you want to continue progressing within the hospitality industry, your next move could be completing the advanced training to become a Food Safety Supervisor (FSS) – with a Food Handler’s certificate, you’re already halfway there!
Every food business in Australia is legally required to employ an FSS, meaning it’s an excellent qualification to have if you want to boost your skills, take on more responsibility, and work toward a supervisor or management role.
This qualification, which includes both “SITXFSA005 – Use hygienic practices for food safety” and “SITXFSA006 – Participate in safe food handling practices”, covers more in-depth topics such as:
- Identifying and managing food safety risks.
- Monitoring and training team members on hygiene practices.
- Developing and implementing food safety programs in the workplace.
- Ensuring ongoing compliance with local and national food safety laws.
Ready to Get Your Food Handler’s Certificate?
Now you know the duration of a Food Handler’s certificate, take your next step in the food industry today and get your Food Handler’s certification with the AIA.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refresh your skills, the Australian Institute of Accreditation makes it easy with fast, flexible, 100% online training. Get a nationally recognised certification, boost your career, and stay ahead of the game – no matter where you are in Australia.
Enrol in your Food Handler’s course today and serve with confidence.