• Safety Basics

  April 5, 2023

FOODSAFE Level 1 by Distance Education

FOODSAFE is British Columbia’s food safety, handling and sanitation training. The Level 1 program equips foodservice workers with the knowledge and skills to apply proper food handling and preparation techniques and to follow appropriate safety measures to prevent food-borne illness.

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FOODSAFE Level 1 by Distance Education

The FOODSAFE Level 1 by Distance Education is the only learning option that doesn’t require internet access or classroom attendance, with exams available in ten languages.

The FOODSAFE program was jointly developed by the BC Ministry of Health, BC CDC, local Health Authorities, businesses, and educators.

FOODSAFE BY DISTANCE EDUCATION IS IDEAL FOR YOU IF:

  • You want to learn at your own pace
  • English is your second language (our exams are available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Farsi, French, Japanese, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, and Tagalog)
  • You live in a remote area with limited internet access

FOODSAFE BY DISTANCE EDUCATION IS IDEAL FOR YOUR GROUP IF:

  • You are an employer who wants a flexible schedule to train new staff
  • You are a teacher supporting a group of students with different learning styles

HOW DO YOU REGISTER FOR FOODSAFE BY DISTANCE EDUCATION?

Follow these 5 Easy Steps:

Step 1

Select the FOODSAFE Level 1 Distance Education Registration Form that applies to you, read the instructions, complete and return it to us via mail or email at foodsafe@go2hr.ca

Individual Registration Form – English
Organizations with Multiple Students Registration Form – English
Supported Languages Registration Form – Arabic, Chinese, French, Korean and Punjabi
Supported Languages Registration Form – Farsi, Japanese, Spanish, and Tagalog

Step 2

Once registration has been processed, the following materials will be sent to you:

  • Course Textbook
  • Activity Book
  • Course Video Resource on USB (if ordered)
  • Invigilator Request Form
  • Payment Receipt

Once you have received the materials, complete the Invigilator Request Form provided in your package and return via mail or email at foodsafe@go2hr.ca

Step 3

The exam materials will be mailed to the Invigilator

Once we process the Invigilator Request Form, we will mail the exam materials to the Invigilator.

Please note that it may take up to 5 business days to process the Invigilator Request Form upon receiving it.

Step 4

Writing the exam

You have 6 months to study the material before you must take the final exam.

When you are ready to take the exam, schedule an appointment with your Invigilator, who will provide you with the exam materials.

You will take the exam in person under supervision of the Invigilator.

The exam will be a closed book exam with 50 multiple choice questions.

Step 5

The invigilator will mail the completed exam to our office for marking.

You will be notified of your grade once the exam is marked. A passing grade of 70% is required for certification.

If a passing grade is achieved, you will be provided with a Congratulations Letter as proof of certification while you wait for the Health Authority to issue your certificate. Your certification is valid as of the date your exam was marked and graded.

Please note that it can take up to 4-6 weeks before you receive the certificate from the Health Authority.

Students who did not pass the exam may retake the exam for a fee of $25.00 + GST.

Please submit the Exam Re-Write Form to request a re-write.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Q1. HOW MUCH DOES THE CERTIFICATION COST?

The individual FOODSAFE by Distance Education course fee is $95.00 + $18.00 shipping & handling + GST. Included are:

  • Textbook
  • Activity book
  • Video resources (USB)
  • Exam and certificate

Companies registering more than one employee are eligible for course fees of $80.00 as well as bulk shipping and handling costs with the purchase of at least one USB.

 

Q2. HOW LONG DOES THE DISTANCE EDUCATION COURSE TAKE TO COMPLETE?

The course must be completed within 6 months of registration.
A 2-month extension is available for $25.00. Re-registration is subject to the full course fee.

Please submit the Extension Form to request 2 month course extension

 

Q3. WHO CAN BE AN IVIGILATOR/EXAM PROCTOR?
The invigilator must be someone who is at least 19 years old, is not related to the student and who does not live in the same household as the student.

 

Q4. DOES THE FOODSAFE CERTIFICATION EXPIRE?

FOODSAFE Level 1 certificates issued in BC are valid for 5 years.

Individuals may take a three-hour FOODSAFE Level 1 Online Refresher course prior to certificate expiration and achieve a grade of 80% in the exam in order to be re-certified. The refresher is available online only through Open School BC.

Individuals whose certificate has expired must re-take the FOODSAFE Level 1 course in order to be re-certified.

 

Q5. WHAT ABOUT COURSE REFUNDS?

Course materials must be returned complete and in their original condition and received back at go2HR within 30 days in order to receive a full refund minus the cost of shipping & handling.

 

Q6. I HAVE LOST OR MISPLACED MY CERTIFICATE

You may request a replacement certificate by contacting any Health Authority office in the province.

 

Q7. I AM LOOKING FOR AN ONLINE OR CLASSROOM FOODSAFE COURSE

Classroom Courses
Online Courses via Open School BC

 

Q8. I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS

If you have further questions about the FOODSAFE Level 1 by Distance Education course, please contact us using the form below or at foodsafe@go2hr.ca

go2HR is BC’s tourism & hospitality, human resources and health & safety association driving strong workforces and safe workplaces that deliver world class tourism and hospitality experiences in BC. Follow us on LinkedIn or reach out to our team.