Working in Ontario and not sure whether you need SmartServe, a Food Handler certificate, WHMIS—or all three? This guide explains each, where it’s required, typical time and cost, renewal rules, and a quick decision tree so you can start work without surprises.
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What each certificate is for (plain English)
- SmartServe (alcohol service): Training for anyone who sells, serves, delivers, handles or samples alcohol. It covers responsible service and ID checks. Certificates are valid for 5 years.
- Food Handler (food safety): Training in safe storage, prep temperatures, and cross-contamination control. Ontario requires a certified food handler on site every hour a food premises operates. Most health units recognise certificates for about 5 years.
- WHMIS (hazardous products at work): Mandatory instruction for workers exposed to hazardous products (cleaners, solvents, compressed gases, etc.). The law doesn’t set an expiry; employers must review training at least annually and when work conditions change.
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Where it’s required (typical roles)
- SmartServe: Bars, restaurants, stadiums, banquet servers, retail alcohol, event vendors, alcohol delivery.
- Food Handler: Line cooks, prep cooks, café staff, food-truck staff, grocery hot counters, caterers—anyone handling open food at a regulated food premises.
- WHMIS: Cleaners, lab techs, mechanics, manufacturing, salons using chemicals, warehouse staff handling aerosols or cylinders—any job with WHMIS-labelled products.
Time, cost, and renewal at a glance
| Certificate | Typical time to finish | Typical cost (self-pay) | Renewal / validity | Who sets the rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SmartServe | ~4 hours + online proctored test | ~$45 (recert ~ $30 if still valid) | Valid 5 years, then recertify | Smart Serve Ontario / AGCO |
| Food Handler | ~6 hours course + exam (varies; many 1-day options) | ~$25–$100 | Valid ~5 years (varies by health unit) | Ontario Reg. 493/17; local public health |
| WHMIS | ~1–1.5 hours | ~$20–$30 (often employer-paid) | No fixed expiry; employer must review at least annually | OHSA / WHMIS Reg. 860 |
Want the Food Handler details by city? See our guide to the food handler certificate in Toronto and across Ontario (who needs it, accepted providers, and renewal).
Quick decision tree (60-second check)
- Will you sell/serve/deliver alcohol?
→ Yes: You need SmartServe.
→ No: Go next. - Will you handle or prepare open food at a regulated food business?
→ Yes: Your workplace must have a Food Handler certificate holder on site every hour. Getting certified yourself keeps you schedulable.
→ No: Go next. - Will you use or be around hazardous products (WHMIS pictograms/labels/SDS)?
→ Yes: You need WHMIS training provided and reviewed by your employer.
→ No: You may not need any of these—confirm with your employer.
Practical notes (save time and money)
- SmartServe lets you pause training; you must complete the course and final test within 30 days of purchase. Bring valid photo ID for the proctored test.
- Food Handler acceptance is province-wide when the provider is recognised by public health, but hiring managers often prefer local recognition—check your health unit’s page.
- WHMIS is employer-specific: even if you took a course elsewhere, your new employer must review training for their products and processes, usually yearly.
Verdict (plain advice)
- Restaurant/bar roles: Get SmartServe and Food Handler. Many employers also give you WHMIS on day one.
- Café/quick-service without alcohol: Food Handler plus employer WHMIS.
- Retail alcohol or alcohol delivery: SmartServe (and WHMIS if you handle pressurised products/cleaners).
- Factories/warehouses/auto shops: WHMIS, with refreshers at least annually.
FAQs
Does SmartServe expire?
Yes. It’s valid for 5 years; recertify before it expires.
Is WHMIS yearly?
Employers must review WHMIS training at least annually and whenever things change.
How much do these cost?
SmartServe about $45; WHMIS worker e-courses $20–$30; Food Handler about $25–$100 depending on provider and format.
Can I start work while I’m waiting?
Ask your employer. Many want SmartServe before your first shift if alcohol is involved; Food Handler and WHMIS timing depends on the role and local policy.
Key takeaways
- SmartServe = alcohol, 5-year validity.
- Food Handler = food safety, certified person on duty each hour; validity commonly ~5 years.
- WHMIS = hazardous products, 1-year expiry; employer reviews yearly.
- Time needed: ~4h (SmartServe), ~1–6h (Food Handler), ~1–1.5h (WHMIS).
