What Certifications Are Required for Food Handler Jobs in Canada?
Whether you’re applying at a restaurant, grocery store, catering service, or healthcare facility, you’ll notice a common theme in job postings - many employers require certifications before you can start work.
This blog breaks down the most common certifications expected for food handler jobs in Canada and explains why they matter. You’ll also discover how starting with the right training can set you apart in a competitive job market.
Why Do Employers Require Certifications for Food Handler Jobs?
Food service isn’t just about preparing meals - it’s also about protecting public health. Employers are legally required to follow strict food safety and workplace safety standards. Certifications prove that workers understand these responsibilities and are trained to meet them.
For employers, requiring certification:
- Reduces health and safety risks
- Helps maintain compliance with provincial regulations
- Builds customer trust by showing a commitment to safety
For job seekers, certification signals to hiring managers that you’re job-ready. In many cases, it can mean the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked entirely.
The Most Common Certifications for Food Handler Jobs in Canada
Food Handler Certification
This is the most widely required certification for food service workers in Canada. In fact, many provinces mandate it by law for employees who prepare, handle, or serve food.
A Food Handler Certification Course teaches you how to:
- Store, cook and serve food safely
- Prevent food-borne illness
- Follow hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing best practices
- Identify and reduce cross-contamination risks
Although requirements vary by province and even by municipality, having a valid Food Handler Certificate demonstrates that you’re prepared to work anywhere.
WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) Certification
Working in a kitchen often means handling more than just food. Cleaning chemicals, sanitizers, and other hazardous products are part of the daily environment.
WHMIS Certification ensures that workers know how to:
- Safely use and store hazardous materials
- Interpret safety labels and hazard symbols
- Respond to spills or exposure incidents
While not every employer requires a WHMIS Certificate upfront, many strongly prefer candidates who already have it. It shows you’re safety-conscious and reduces the time needed for onboarding.
First Aid & CPR Certification
Although not always mandatory, First Aid and CPR training can be a valuable asset in the food service industry. Kitchens are fast-paced environments where accidents like burns, cuts, or allergic reactions can occur.
Employers see First Aid certification as a sign of initiative and responsibility.
It’s especially useful in workplaces such as:
- Camps and childcare facilities
- Institutional kitchens (e.g. hospitals and schools)
- Catering companies and event venues
Even if it’s not required for your first job, having this certification can set you apart from other candidates in any industry.
Provincial Alcohol Service Certification
If you plan to work in a role that involves serving alcohol, you’ll need to complete a government-approved alcohol service course. Each province or territory has its own program, and completion is usually a legal requirement before you can start work.
These certifications focus on:
- Responsible alcohol service
- Identifying signs of intoxication
- Preventing service to minors
- Reducing liability for both servers and employers
Even if you’re applying for a food-only role, having this certification can make you eligible for more shifts or roles that involve alcohol service.
How Certifications Help You Stand Out as a Job Candidate
In a competitive job market, having the right certifications makes you a stronger applicant in several ways:
- Faster onboarding: Employers can put you on the schedule sooner if you’re already certified
- Versatility: You’ll qualify for more roles, from prep cook to server, or even supervisor as you gain experience
- Professionalism: Certifications show that you’re serious about your career, not just looking for temporary work
- Confidence: Knowing you meet compliance standards helps you perform better from day one
Getting Started with the Right Certification
If you’re new to food service, the best place to start is with a Food Handler Certificate. It’s often the baseline requirement for food service jobs across Canada and opens the door to entry-level opportunities in restaurants, retail, catering, and more.
From there, you can expand your qualifications with WHMIS, First Aid, or alcohol service training, depending on your career goals and the type of workplace you want to join.
If your goal is to get hired quickly and build a lasting career in food service, certifications are the foundation that will help you succeed.
Ready to Grow Your Career?
At Userve, we’re here to support your journey in the service sector - whether you're just starting out or levelling up. From training and certification to industry insights, we help you build a career, not just get a job.
Head to the Userve homepage to explore tools and resources to grow your career in the service sector.
