FOODSAFE is BC’s food handling and sanitation course. Level 1 is for front-line food workers; Level 2 is for owners and managers.
FOODSAFE is BC's food handling and sanitation course. Level 1 is for front-line food workers; Level 2 is for owners/managers. (source)
How it’s offered: Online anytime; classroom courses run by colleges, community centres and private trainers province-wide (source)
| Detail | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 · Course length | Classroom 7-8 hours (one day); online 1-20 days | source |
| Level 1 · Cost | Classroom varies by provider; online $69; distance $115 | source |
| Level 1 · How long it is valid | Certificate valid 5 years | source |
| Level 2 · Course length | Classroom 12 hours (two days); online 28 days | source |
| Level 2 · Cost | Classroom varies; online $115 | source |
| Level 2 · Prerequisite | Level 1 | source |
| Level 2 · How long it is valid | No expiry date at present (Level 1 and Level 1 Refresher expire 5 years after issue) | source |
| MarketSafe · Course length | Classroom 6.5 hours; online 10 days | source |
| MarketSafe · Cost | Classroom varies; online $55 | source |
| MarketSafe · Required | Not legislated; some markets require it; not equivalent to Level 1 | source |
| How often offered | Online anytime; classroom courses run by colleges, community centres and private trainers province-wide | source |
| Certificate | Digital certificate for online courses after Feb 2, 2026; paper from health authority for in-person (4-6 weeks) | source |
Online and distance options are below. Classroom courses run at colleges, community centres and private trainers across BC; use the search on foodsafe.ca to find one.
| Name and city | Program / status | Cost | Notes | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open School BC Online | FOODSAFE Level 1 (online) Official FOODSAFE online delivery | 69 source | Official page | |
| Open School BC Online | FOODSAFE Level 2 (online) Official FOODSAFE online delivery | 115 source | Official page | |
| Open School BC Online | MarketSafe (online) Official FOODSAFE online delivery | 55 source | Official page | |
| go2HR Distance (mail) | FOODSAFE Level 1 Distance Education Official FOODSAFE distance package | $115 incl. materials, exam, certificate, shipping source | Official page |
The operator of a food premises must hold FOODSAFE or an equivalent. When the operator is away, at least one employee on site must hold it.
$69 online or $115 by distance (mail). Classroom prices vary by provider.
The certificate is valid for 5 years. The Level 2 page does not state a validity period.
Yes. Level 1 is the prerequisite for Level 2.
No. MarketSafe is for farmers market vendors. It is not legislated and is not equivalent to Level 1, though some markets require it.
This page relies on the official pages below. Rules, fees and processes change, so check the authority before you apply or spend money.
Links checked November 1, 2026. Found an error or a broken link? Report it.