In Australia, food safety is taken seriously – and for good reason. Whether you work in a café, restaurant, supermarket, or catering business, understanding how to handle food safely protects both customers and your reputation.
But one common question many people have is: Who needs a food handler’s certificate in Australia?
If you work with food in any way, a food handling certificate can help you take the next step in your hospitality career while showing you understand key hygiene and safety standards. This guide explains who needs a food handling certificate in Australia, why it’s important, and how to get certified through an accredited online provider.
Completing your Food Handling Certificate online ensures your training is nationally recognised and demonstrates that you can handle food safely in line with Standard 3.2.2A.
What Is a Food Handling Certificate?
A food handler’s certificate is a nationally recognised qualification that proves you have the skills and knowledge to handle food safely. It teaches you how to prevent contamination, maintain hygiene, control food temperatures, and comply with national laws under Food Standard 3.2.2A.
Under Standard 3.2.2A of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (mandatory since 8 December 2023), all food businesses must ensure that staff are trained in safe food handling practices relevant to their duties as part of the business’s Food Safety Program.
There are two main levels of training:
- Level 1 (Food Handling Certificate): For all employees who handle food directly or indirectly.
- Level 2 (Food Safety Supervisor): For supervisors or managers responsible for ensuring food safety compliance within the workplace
Completing the Food Handling Certificate as an accredited course isn’t essential, but it’s a great stepping stone if you want to work toward the Food Safety Supervisor course, or for anyone involved in preparing, storing, displaying, serving, or transporting food — regardless of the size or type of business.
Who Needs a Food Handling Certificate in Australia?
In short, no one needs a Food Handling Certificate, but it can benefit almost everyone who works in a food business.
Here’s a breakdown of who typically uses this certification:
1. Chefs, Cooks, and Kitchen Staff
Anyone involved in preparing or cooking food must hold a valid food handling certificate. This includes staff working in restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and catering companies.
2. Caféand Bar Workers
If you handle ready-to-eat foods such as sandwiches, pastries, or beverages with garnishes (like lemon or mint), you need certification. Even handling ice or serving food prepared by others requires food safety training.
3. Retail and Supermarket Employees
Supermarket deli workers, butchers, seafood handlers, and bakery assistants all need food safety knowledge to avoid cross-contamination and maintain hygiene standards.
4. Aged Care, Childcare, and Healthcare Staff
Workers who prepare or serve food in healthcare or residential facilities must be certified to ensure food is handled safely for vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly.
4. Food Delivery and Transport Staff
Even if you don’t prepare the food yourself, anyone transporting or delivering food must understand safe storage temperatures and handling requirements.
5. Food Business Owners and Managers
Business owners and supervisors are legally required to complete higher-level training (Food Safety Supervisor certification) to ensure their team complies with safety standards.
Why Food Handling Certification Is So Important
Food safety certification protects customers from foodborne illnesses and helps businesses meet legal obligations. More importantly, it builds trust with customers, showing that you take hygiene and compliance seriously.
This training is based on nationally recognised units of competency – SITXFSA005 (Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety), SITXFSA006 (Participate in Safe Food Handling Practices), and SIRRFSA001 (Handle Food Safely in a Retail Environment.
Checkout our blog about What is a Food Handlers Certificate to learn more.
How Long Does a Food Handler’s Certificate Last?
Understanding the duration of a food handler’s certificate is key to staying compliant. Most certificates are valid for five years before they need to be renewed through a short recertification course.
Regular renewal ensures you and your team stay up to date with the latest food safety laws and industry best practices.
Unlike the Food Safety Supervisor qualification, which must be renewed every five years, there is currently no national expiry on accredited Food Handler training.
Businesses are still responsible for ensuring staff maintain up-to-date skills and knowledge, and many choose to arrange refresher training every few years to meet the competency requirements of Standard 3.2.2A.
Getting Certified in Your State
Food safety laws are consistent across Australia but regulated by individual states and territories. That’s why it’s important to complete your certification through an accredited provider recognised in your region.
AIA offers fully compliant courses across Australia, including:
- Food Handling Certificate VIC
- Food Handling Certificate NSW
- Food Handling Certificate QLD
- Food Handling Certificate SA
All courses are 100% online, nationally recognised, and meet the requirements of local food authorities. Learners receive full pre-enrolment and ongoing support; visit the AIA course pages for fees, assessment, and learner information.
Why Choose Online Training with AIA
At the Australian Institute of Accreditation (AIA), we make it easy to get certified with flexible, fully online learning. Our platform is designed for busy professionals who need to train at their own pace, without classroom schedules or time pressures.
You can:
- Study anywhere, anytime
- Pause and revisit lessons as needed
- Access expert support from qualified trainers
- Complete your assessments online and receive certification within days
Whether you’re starting a new role or renewing your qualifications, AIA helps you get certified quickly, easily, and confidently.
Get Certified and Stay Compliant
If you prepare, serve, or handle food in any capacity, you’re legally required to hold a valid food handling certificate. It’s not just about meeting regulations – it’s about protecting your customers, your team, and your reputation.
With over 19 years of experience and thousands of certified students, the Australian Institute of Accreditation is your trusted partner in food safety training.
Get started with the Australian Institute of Accreditation today.
Training delivered by Australian Institute of Accreditation (RTO 45009).
Upon successful completion, learners receive a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment for the units listed above. For details about fees, assessment requirements, and learner support, visit our website https://b-t.website/