Language requirements

Important: All the Council courses and examinations are run mainly in English. Before booking a course consider the standard of English of the staff you plan to send.

Candidates for foundation courses must have an ability to speak and read English to a level which enables them to answer multiple choice questions for a minimum qualification equivalent to GCSE grades D to G. Candidates for intermediate and advanced level courses should have an equivalent to GCSE grades A to C.

You should select candidates carefully taking into account factors of previous experience, knowledge, qualifications and level of written English.

Once a candidate has attended a certificate course, the proprietor must provide evidence of refresher training and how they have instructed them in matters relevant to their work activity.

A manager cannot supervise a food handler if they themselves have not received a higher level of training. The burden of training cannot be passed purely on to an external trainer.

Make sure that the training is consistent, relevant, continuous, up to date and understandable. It will help change behaviour and help individuals focus on their jobs.

Other language courses

The Council can run Foundation Certificate and Level 2 Awards in Food Hygiene/Food Safety courses in Arabic, French, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Turkish.

Waiting lists are kept until there are adequate numbers if candidates in each course and the trainers are available.

Language trainers

There is a national shortage of registered trainers to run food safety certificate courses in other langauges.

Visit our Do you want to become a registered trainer? page if you think you can help.