BASICS.fst® Employee-Level Food Handler Training
Canada's widely requested food handler certification course. BASICS.fst® provides practical, easy-to-understand food safety training designed to help employees meet workplace requirements and handle food safely and confidently.
Recognized Across Canada
Trusted by employers, organizations, and public health units nationwide.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Self-paced online training designed to fit your schedule.
Canada's highly requested food handler certification program for frontline food service employees.
Training for a Business or Organization?
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Built for Food Service Employees Across Canada
BASICS.fst® is designed for individuals who prepare, handle, package, serve, or sell food as part of their job responsibilities.
When employers refer to a food handler certificate, BASICS.fst® is often the certification they are referring to.
Trusted by employers, organizations, and public health units across Canada.
Food Handler Training
BASICS.fst® ADVANCED.fst® Train-The-Trainer HACCP Allergen Training Gluten-Free Training Thermometer TrainingEverything You Need to Get Certified
BASICS.fst® is a recognized food safety training program designed to help learners build practical food handling knowledge while supporting safer workplaces and regulatory compliance.
Course Format
The course consists of modules that must be fully completed followed by a module test. You have unlimited attempts at passing the module test in order to proceed to the next module.
Course Content
Includes food safety culture and 13 practical units covering hygiene, sanitation, food storage, temperatures, allergens, and more.
Course Duration
Learn at your own pace. Duration varies depending on your schedule and prior food safety knowledge.
Final Examination
Complete a 60-minute webcam exam using a computer with a webcam and microphone in a quiet testing environment.
Passing Requirements
Participants must achieve 100% on each unit test and score a minimum of 74% on the final proctored exam.
Government ID Required
Valid government-issued photo ID is required for the final exam and must match your course profile information.
Build Practical Food Safety Knowledge With Confidence
BASICS Food Safety Training covers the essential food handling principles needed to help reduce risk, maintain compliance, and support safer food operations.
Prevent Foodborne Illness
Understand contamination risks and how to help prevent foodborne illness.
Cleaning & Sanitation
Learn proper cleaning procedures to support safer food environments.
Temperature Control
Understand safe food temperatures and handling practices.
Personal Hygiene
Learn best practices to help reduce contamination risks.
Allergen Awareness
Build awareness around allergens and safe food handling procedures.
Food Safety Best Practices
Apply practical food safety principles in real-world environments.
Certification With Integrity
Food safety certification is most valuable when it reflects knowledge, understanding, and competency—not simply repeated attempts at an assessment.
Meaningful Learning
Assessment standards are designed to reinforce food safety knowledge and practical understanding.
Demonstrated Competency
Certification is awarded based on successful completion and demonstrated understanding of key food safety principles.
Trusted By Employers
Maintaining meaningful standards helps support employer confidence, workplace compliance, and public health protection.
Online Training & Certification Exam
Complete your certification entirely online. Learn at your own pace, then write your webcam exam whenever you're ready.
Self-Paced Online Learning
- Study anytime, anywhere
- Progress through modules at your own pace
- Complete required unit tests before advancing
- No classroom attendance required
- No course expiry
Webcam-Proctored Certification Exam
- Write your exam when you're ready
- Use your own computer with webcam
- Minimum passing grade of 74%
- Immediate results upon completion
- Recognized food handler certification
Get Certified in Four Simple Steps
Complete your food handler certification online at your own pace.
Register Online
Enroll and receive immediate access to your course.
Complete Training
Work through the self-paced course whenever it fits your schedule.
Write Your Exam
Take the final exam when you feel prepared - 24/7, no scheduling required.
Get Certified
Receive your certification upon successful completion.
The Original BASICS.fst® & ADVANCED.fst® Certification Framework
TrainCan created the BASICS.fst® and ADVANCED.fst® course naming structure over two decades ago to clearly distinguish between:
Employee-Level Certification
Designed for food handlers and frontline staff working in food preparation, handling, packaging, and service environments.
Management-Level Certification
Built for supervisors, managers, operators, and those responsible for food safety oversight and compliance.
When employers, public health units, and food service organizations refer to BASICS.fst® or ADVANCED.fst®, they are often referencing the long-established TrainCan certification framework recognized across Canada.
While similar naming may exist elsewhere, TrainCan established this certification structure to help clearly distinguish employee-level and management-level food safety training.
Questions About BASICS.fst® Certification?
Find answers to common questions about certification requirements, course access, exams, certificates, and support.
Our team is available to assist with course registration, certification requirements, technical support, and employer training questions.
Contact UsDoes BASICS.fst® meet food handler certification requirements?
BASICS.fst® is TrainCan's employee-level food handler certification program and has been recognized by employers, public health units, and regulatory authorities across Canada for more than 25 years.
Is BASICS.fst® recognized by employers?
Yes. BASICS.fst® is widely recognized by employers across Canada in restaurants, retail food operations, catering, hospitality, healthcare, education, and institutional foodservice environments.
How long is the certification valid?
BASICS.fst® certification is valid for five (5) years. While certification requirements may vary by jurisdiction, most employers and health authorities require food handler certification to be renewed every five years.
Does the course expire?
No. TrainCan course access does not expire. You can complete your training and write the exam when you are ready.
Can I transfer my course to another employee?
Yes. If a course has not been started, TrainCan can transfer it to another employee within the same organization.
Once a learner has started the course, it can no longer be transferred.
Is this course approved in my province?
BASICS.fst® is recognized across Canada and appears on approved provider lists in many provinces and territories.
You can view provincial recognition information and accreditation documents on our Accreditations & Recognition page.
What is the passing grade for the exam?
The passing grade for BASICS.fst® is 74%. TrainCan maintains meaningful competency standards to ensure certification reflects a practical understanding of food safety principles.
Do I need a webcam to write the exam?
A webcam is required only if you are completing a webcam-proctored online examination.
If you are writing a classroom or paper-based examination through a trainer or organization, a webcam is not required.
What equipment is required for a webcam exam?
You will need a computer with internet access, a functioning webcam, microphone, and a quiet testing environment.
What happens if I do not pass the exam?
If you do not achieve a passing grade on your BASICS.fst® exam, retesting options are available.
For webcam exams, a retest can be purchased directly through your TrainCan account. For classroom or proctored examinations, please contact your trainer or examination administrator for retesting instructions.
The BASICS.fst® retest fee is $20.
When do I receive my certificate?
Successful online and webcam exam candidates receive their results immediately upon completion.
Your digital certificate and wallet card will be available in your account within one business day of successfully passing the examination.
How long does the course take to complete?
Most learners complete the course in approximately 6–8 hours, but because it is self-paced you can take as much time as needed.
Can I take the course on my phone?
Yes. The course is accessible on computers, tablets, and smartphones with internet access.
Is this course available in other languages?
BASICS.fst® is currently available in English and French.
BASICS.fst® certification exams are also available in a variety of additional languages for paper-based examinations.
TrainCan is currently expanding language offerings for the BASICS.fst® online course, with additional course languages planned for future release.
For information about available exam languages or language accommodations, please visit our Contact Us page.
Can I start today?
Yes. Once your purchase is complete, you will receive immediate access to the BASICS.fst® course and can begin training right away.
Because the course is self-paced, you can progress through the material on your own schedule and complete the examination when you are ready.
What if I need help during the course?
TrainCan is known for responsive customer support and learner assistance.
If you have questions about course content, examinations, certification, technical issues, or account access, please visit our Contact Us page and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
What if exam accommodations are required?
TrainCan is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to support the needs of all learners and test-takers.
If you require an accommodation for a TrainCan examination, please complete the Examination Accommodation Request Form available on our Forms & Requests page.
Once submitted, a member of the TrainCan team will review your request and contact you if additional information is required. If you have questions about the accommodation process, please visit our Contact Us page for assistance.
What if my employer requires a different level of training?
BASICS.fst® is designed for food handlers and front-line employees. Supervisors, managers, operators, and individuals responsible for food safety oversight may require ADVANCED.fst® certification.
If you are unsure which program is right for you, please visit our Contact Us page and our team will be happy to help.