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Food Safety Challenge Exam

A one-hour challenge exam, proctored by GEPH admin or public health inspector.

Duration
Self-paced · 1 hr
Format
In-person classroom
Certificate
Valid 5 years
Price
$15 / person

Course overview

The food safety challenge exam is for those who wish to receive their food handler certification without taking the Food Safety Course.

The Food Safety Certification is designed to ensure food service establishments are in compliance with the Ontario Food Premises Regulation. Part VI, Section 32 of the Regulation states every operator of a food service premise shall ensure that there​ is at least one food handler or supervisor on the premise who has completed food handler training during every hour in which the premise is operating.

This content is based on the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care – Public Health Division, September 2018 Manual Food Safety: A Guide for Ontario’s Foodhandlers and the Ontario Food Premises Regulation 493/17.

Students are required to achieve 70% to pass the exam. This certificate is valid for five years and is recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and other Health Units in Ontario.

Online registration for the Food Safety Exam Challenge can only be paid via credit card.

Students can come to the Grand Erie Public Health offices located in Brantford, Caledonia, and Simcoe to register for the exam in person if they choose not to register online. Registration can take place up to one day before the exam is scheduled to occur. Students can also purchase a print version of the Food Safety Manual in person at our office locations. The textbook will be an additional fee of $20, on top of the exam registration fee.

Who should take this course

This course is open to everyone — no prior experience required. It’s especially relevant for:

  • Restaurant, café, and food truck staff
  • Owners and managers of food premises
  • Grocery, deli, and bakery employees
  • Long-term care and child care kitchen staff
  • Vendors at farmers’ markets and events
  • Anyone needing certification for work

Duration & Format

Self-paced, 1 hr exam

In person at Brantford Office, Simcoe Office, and Grandview Lodge in Dunville.

Exam booklet and exam answersheet.

50 questions multiple choice. 70% or higher is required to pass.

Available dates

Choose a session below to register.

Date
Location
Availability
Date
Wed, October 7, 2026
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location
GEPH-Brantford
Date
Thu, October 8, 2026
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location
GEPH-Simcoe
Date
Wed, November 4, 2026
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location
GEPH -Brantford

Pricing

$15

The textbook will be an additional fee of $20, on top of the exam registration fee.

*GEPH partners with SOAR for student accommodation upon request

Refund Policy:
Refunds can be issued via cheque if cancelled at least one week before the class.

Cancellation:
Please note that if we do not meet the minimum number of attendees, GEPH reserves the right to cancel in-person courses and exams

How to register

1
Pick a date that works for you

Review the available sessions above and note the location and time.

The Food Handlers Certification Program is taught in English only. Upon request, exams can be provided in French, Chinese, Arabic, Punjabi, Spanish and Russian.

$15 / person
Self-paced · 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Exam · Brantford, Simcoe, Caledonia, Dunnville
5-year Food Safety Certification
Open to all · no prerequisites