Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, since July 1, 2023, WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 is mandatory for ALL food handlers in Singapore (both retail and non-retail). This is required by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) for anyone handling food in a commercial setting.

A food handler is anyone involved in preparing, cooking, serving, or handling food in a commercial environment. This includes restaurant staff, hawker stall operators, catering workers, hotel F&B staff, bakery workers, and central kitchen employees.

Yes, all hawker stall workers who handle food must complete WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1. This applies to stall owners, helpers, and anyone involved in food preparation at hawker centres.

Yes, if you operate a home-based food business and sell food commercially, you need to complete WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 and register as a food handler with SFA.

Yes, all F&B workers, including part-time staff, must hold a valid WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 certificate if they handle food. Employment status (full-time or part-time) does not exempt anyone.

No, food delivery riders who only transport pre-packaged food do not need the food safety course. However, if they handle or prepare food, certification is required.

The WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. After 5 years, you must complete a refresher course to renew your certification.

You must complete the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 Refresher within 5 years of your initial certification. The first refresher is required within 5 years, and subsequent refreshers every 10 years thereafter.

If your certificate expires, you cannot legally work as a food handler. You must complete the refresher course to renew your certification. Working without a valid certificate can result in fines and penalties.

You can check your certificate validity through the SFA's Food Handler Digital 2 Hub (FHD2H) portal or contact us at Jacin Learning Center for assistance.

WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 is the initial certification course (7.5 hours) for first-time food handlers. The Refresher course (4.5 hours) is a shorter update course for those renewing their expired or expiring certificates.

WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 takes 7.5 hours in total - comprising 6 hours of training and 1.5 hours for assessment. It is typically completed in one day.

The full course fee is approximately $163.50 (including GST). After 50% SSG subsidy, it costs around $82. With 70% subsidy (for SME employees and mid-career workers 40+), the cost is approximately $49.

Yes, WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 is SkillsFuture claimable. You can use your SkillsFuture credits to offset the course fees.

While some components may be available online, the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 requires in-person attendance for practical training and assessment to meet SFA requirements.

At Jacin Learning Center, the WSQ Food Safety Course is available in English, Mandarin, and Tamil to accommodate Singapore's diverse workforce.

Our training center maintains a high pass rate. With proper attendance and attention during the course, most participants successfully complete the assessment on their first attempt.

The course covers food safety legislation, personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, temperature control, cleaning and sanitization, pest control, and safe food handling practices according to SFA standards.

After completing the course, your details will be submitted to SFA for registration through the Food Handler Digital 2 Hub (FHD2H). You will receive your digital certificate once SFA processes the registration.

FHD2H (Food Handler Digital 2 Hub) is SFA's digital platform for food handler registration and certificate management. All food handlers are registered through this system after completing WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1.

SFA registration typically takes 3-5 working days after course completion. You will receive a digital certificate that can be accessed through the FHD2H portal.

You need a valid identification document (NRIC, FIN, or passport), and if claiming subsidies, relevant supporting documents such as employment details or company UEN.

Food establishments without properly certified food handlers can face fines up to $400 per uncertified worker and 6 demerit points under the SFA Points Demerit System. Repeat offenses may result in license suspension.

No, it is illegal to work as a food handler in Singapore without a valid WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 certificate since July 1, 2023. Both workers and employers can face penalties.

During SFA inspections, establishments must show proof that all food handlers have valid WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 certificates. Failure to comply results in demerit points, fines, and potential license action.

The SFA Points Demerit System tracks food safety violations. Accumulating 12 or more demerit points within 12 months can result in license suspension. Having uncertified food handlers results in 6 demerit points per violation.

Singapore Citizens and PRs can receive 50% SSG subsidy (approximately $82 course fee). SME employees and mid-career workers aged 40+ may qualify for 70% subsidy (approximately $49 course fee).

UTAP (Union Training Assistance Programme) provides additional funding for NTUC members. You may qualify for further course fee waivers on top of SSG subsidies.

Yes, employers may claim Absentee Payroll (AP) funding to offset wage costs when sending employees for WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 during working hours.