Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate
Quick Guide

The Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering is the industry-standard certification for anyone handling food in a commercial setting. It's required by most employers in hospitality, catering, food production, and retail food. The course covers: food safety hazards, contamination prevention, temperature control, personal hygiene, cleaning procedures, and food safety law.

Online: Complete an accredited online course (2-4 hours, from home). Cost: £15-£30. Providers: Highfield, CIEH, RSPH, Virtual College. In-person: Some training centres offer classroom courses (usually half a day). Cost: £40-£80. You'll take a short multiple-choice exam at the end. Pass mark is typically 75%. Most people pass first time.

Kitchen porter, catering assistant, chef/cook, food preparation worker, school meals staff, hospital catering, care home catering, food factory operative, supermarket deli/bakery counter, and any role involving handling unwrapped food.

Absolutely. For £15-£30 and a few hours of your time, you unlock access to thousands of catering, hospitality, and food service roles. Many employers won't consider candidates without it. It's valid for 3 years and is one of the best-value certifications available.