Find a Food Safety Course
Our practice test gets you ready for the knowledge component for free, but the official SITXFSA005 (food handler) and SITXFSA006 (Food Safety Supervisor) certificates can only be issued by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). This page explains how to choose the right accredited course, what you should pay, and how the main Australian providers compare — so you don't overpay or accidentally buy a certificate that isn't recognised where you work.
The smart order is: practise here until you're scoring 80%+, then enrol in an accredited course. Because most online food handler courses are self-paced and largely assessment-based, arriving already prepared often means you finish in a single short sitting.
Compare accredited providers
Prices and formats below are typical guides and change over time — always confirm the current price, the exact unit code, and that the certificate is recognised in your state before you pay. Every provider listed delivers nationally recognised training through an RTO; verify any RTO on training.gov.au.
| Provider | Typical price | Delivery | Units offered | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) | $199–$230 | 100% online, self-paced | Food Handler & FSS | Brand recognition, membership extras |
| Clear To Work | $86–$125 | 100% online, self-paced | Food Handler & FSS | Lower-cost FSS certificate |
| Allens Training | $85–$110 | Online, self-paced | Food Handler & FSS | Budget option, established RTO |
| Club Training Australia | $95–$120 | Online, self-paced | Food Handler & FSS | Hospitality & club industry focus |
How to choose the right course
Four things matter far more than price:
- It must be nationally recognised. Look for the unit codes SITXFSA005 (and SITXFSA006 for supervisors) and confirm the RTO is listed on training.gov.au. A cheap “certificate” that isn't accredited is worthless to an employer.
- It must be valid in your state. Most states accept the national units, but NSW requires the Food Safety Supervisor certificate to be issued by an NSW Food Authority–approved RTO. If you work in NSW, check this before enrolling. See our NSW page for detail.
- Match the certificate to your role. Food handlers need SITXFSA005; Food Safety Supervisors need both units. Don't pay for the supervisor course if you only need the handler unit — or vice versa.
- Check what's included. Some prices include reassessment, a printable certificate, and renewal reminders; others charge extra. FSS certificates generally need renewing every five years, so renewal cost matters too.
Course formats & how long they take
Almost all food safety courses are now delivered online and self-paced, mixing short readings or videos with a quiz-style assessment and, for some RTOs, a practical observation. A food handler course often takes only two to four hours; a full Food Safety Supervisor course (both units) typically takes four to eight hours. Because you can stop and start, the real variable is how prepared you are — which is exactly why working through this site first saves you time and reduces the chance of a re-sit.
What to look for at a glance
- Nationally recognised unit codes (SITXFSA005 or SITXFSA006)
- RTO listed on training.gov.au
- Certificate valid in your state (especially NSW)
- Clear price — including any reassessment or certificate fees
- FSS certificate renewed every 5 years
Before you enrol
Make sure you're choosing the right option: read food safety certificate cost by state and how to get a food safety certificate online.
Food safety course FAQ
- How much does a food safety certificate cost?+
- Food handler (SITXFSA005) courses are often $25–$60 online; Food Safety Supervisor (SITXFSA005 + SITXFSA006) courses typically run $85–$230. See our cost by state guide.
- Is an online food safety certificate valid?+
- Yes, when it is issued by an accredited RTO for the nationally recognised units. Verify the provider on training.gov.au. NSW also runs its own approved-RTO scheme.
- Which unit do I need — SITXFSA005 or SITXFSA006?+
- Food handlers need SITXFSA005. Food Safety Supervisors complete both SITXFSA005 and SITXFSA006. See FSS vs food handler.
- How long does the course take?+
- Many online food handler courses take only a few hours, since they are self-paced. Preparing with our free practice test first helps you pass first time.