At the Australian Institute of Food Safety, we offer a variety of food safety courses for you to choose from. But, how do you decide which one is right for you? Finding out which course you need to do will depend on your situation.
Our students complete courses with us for lots of different reasons. They might be applying for a job that requires a Food Handler Statement of Attainment, or setting up a food van and need a Food Safety Supervisor Statement of Attainment, or want to learn some of the basics or upskill. Whatever the reason, all of our courses will give you the food safety knowledge you need, and our courses meet all legislative requirements across Australia.
Online food safety courses
At an introductory level, we have a non-nationally recognised course called Introduction to Food Safety, which teaches students basic food safety skills. After this course is completed, students receive a Certificate of Completion.
We also have a nationally recognised Food Handler Course. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to work as a Food Handler. Once they’ve finished, the students receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment for the unit of competency in their sector. This is more commonly known as a ‘Food Handling Certificate’.
Both the Introduction to Food Safety and the nationally recognised Food Handler Course meet the Food Handler training requirements under Food Standard 3.2.2A.
We also offer the nationally recognised AIFS Food Safety Supervisor Course. This is our most popular course, and not only teaches students all of the necessary skills for safe food handling but also how to monitor and maintain food safety in an organisation, including a Food Safety Program.
As set out in Food Standard 3.2.2A, most Category 1 and 2 food businesses in Australia* require a Food Safety Supervisor by law to be available during regular hours of operation.
Category 1 businesses include restaurants, cafes, takeaway food shops, caterers, hospitals, childcare centres, family day cares, bakeries, mobile food vendors, market stalls, supermarkets and service stations that make and serve food.
Category 2 businesses include supermarkets, delis, service stations, seafood retailers, market stalls, and convenience stores.
If you have already completed the Food Handler Course, then you can become a Food Safety Supervisor by taking our Advanced Food Safety Course (not applicable to students in New South Wales working in organisations governed by the NSW Food Authority).
The most advanced level of food safety training AIFS provides is the Food Safety Manager Course. This course is non-nationally recognised and provides more details on how to maximise food safety in an organisation as well as provides instructions on advanced food handling, organising and preparation skills.
If you’re looking to expand on your food safety knowledge in a particular area of expertise, our Food Allergen Management Course may be the perfect course for you.
For more information on which course you should complete, you can either visit the individual course pages on our website or contact our support team.
* Note for NSW: In New South Wales, school canteens, children's services, supermarkets, greengrocers, and delis have been granted a 12-month extension, until December 8, 2024, to fulfil the new food safety requirements mandated by Food Standard 3.2.2A.
* Note for VIC: In Victoria, all Food Safety Supervisors who acquired their certification before December 8 2023, have until December 2028 to renew it.