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WSQ Courses

WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 (English)

WSQ Food Safety Course Level 1 (English)

Food Safety Course Level 1 Course: Awarded by SkillsFuture Singapore in partnership with Singapore Food Agency

Duration

7.5 Hours

Fees

$163.50 w/GST, Per Participant

Mode

Full-Time

Funding

Available
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Why Food Hygiene Certification is Crucial in Singapore

In Singapore, the strict food safety standards in the food and beverage (F&B) industry are non-negotiable. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) require all food handlers to be properly trained and certified. Attending a recognised food hygiene course ensures that workers understand safe practices and can prevent incidents such as cross-contamination or foodborne illnesses.

Without proper certification, businesses face heavy penalties, suspension of licences, or mandatory closure during audits. Under the Food Hygiene Officer framework, licensed premises must appoint trained staff who have completed a food safety and hygiene course. In recent years, the SFA has stepped up enforcement, with fines issued to establishments that failed to comply with hygiene regulations.

For anyone seeking employment in the sector, completing a WSQ course on food hygiene and obtaining a valid certificate is essential. It not only fulfils legal obligations but also assures employers and customers of safe food handling practices. Learn more about accredited WSQ courses offered by Avanta Academy.

Food Safety Course Level 1 – Course Overview

Course Reference No.:  TGS-2017501274
Course Unit Code: FSS-FRC-1004-1.1
Awarded by SkillsFuture Singapore in partnership with Singapore Food Agency

Food Safety Course Level 1: Previously known as WSQ Follow Food and Beverage Safety and Hygiene Policies and Procedures (Basic Food Hygiene Course), this 1-day Singapore Food Agency (SFA) accredited-course in English aims to equip food handlers of both retail and non-retail food establishments with the knowledge and application skills to follow food safety and hygiene procedures and policies, as well as maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of premises.

Food Safety Course Level 1

Persons engaged in the sale or preparation for sale of any food in SFA-licensed food establishments are required to attend and pass Food Safety Course Level 1 (FSCL1). They are required to attend and pass their first refresher training by the 5th year from the date of first passing FSCL1, and thereafter the second and subsequent training every 10th year from the last refresher course passed date.

Duration

  • 9.00am-5.30pm
  • 7.5 hours (incl. of 1.5 hours of assessment)
  • Depending on the speed each learner takes to complete the assessment, the assessment may end later than the stipulated time.

Food Safety Course Level 1 - Modules

  • Practise Good Personal Hygiene
  • Use Safe Ingredients
  • Handle Food Safely
  • Store Food Safely
  • Maintain Cleanliness of Equipment and Premises
  • Legislation and Case Studies; Workplace Safety

Mode of Assessment

  • At the end of the course, learners are required to complete a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes of written (Multiple Choice and Short-Answer questions) and practical assessment (Pratical Performance).
  • Depending on the speed each learner takes to complete the assessment, the assessment may end later than the stipulated time.

Who Should Attend This Food Hygiene Course

This basic food hygiene course is suitable for a wide range of participants, including:

  • Entry-level F&B workers – Individuals starting careers in food service.
  • Food stall and hawker assistants – Staff supporting operations in markets and coffee shops.
  • Food packers and delivery riders – Workers handling food items for distribution.
  • Home-based food sellers – Individuals preparing food for sale from their residence.
  • Employers and supervisors – Sending staff to obtain a certificate for the WSQ food hygiene course for compliance.

Holders of a valid food hygiene certificate in Singapore can legally handle food in licensed establishments. Non-certified individuals are not permitted to work in food handling roles in Singapore.

Food Safety Course Level 1 - Entry Requirement

Learners are expected to demonstrate competency at Level 3 (i.e. lower secondary) for Employability Skills WSQ Work Place Literacy and Numeracy (WPLN).
All information is correct at the time of publishing. Avanta Academy reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice in its absolute discretion.

Career Outcomes & Benefits of Certification

Completing this food hygiene course in Singapore provides learners with tangible career and compliance benefits:

  • Gain a recognised food hygiene certificate required to work legally in SFA-licensed food outlets.
  • Qualify for full-time positions such as food court assistants, bakery helpers, and catering staff.
  • Meet compliance standards for home-based food sellers, ensuring legitimacy and customer confidence.
  • Obtain a food safety certificate that serves as a prerequisite for progression into WSQ Food Safety Course Level 2, leading towards supervisory roles.

For many, certification is the first step in advancing their career within the F&B sector. With additional training, learners can move into supervisory positions where higher levels of food hygiene competency are required.

Funding

SELF-SPONSORED

SkillsFuture Funding (Baseline)
Up to 50% of course fees w.e.f. 1 Jan 2022
All SCs & PRs

Course Fees

S$ 150

Per Month

Grant Amount

S$ 75

-

Payment Amount

S$ 75

Per Month

SkillsFuture Mid-career Enhanced Subsidy
Up to 70% of course fees w.e.f. 1 Jan 2022
SCs & PRs aged ≥ 40 years old

Course Fees

S$ 150

Per Month

Grant Amount

S$ 105

-

Payment Amount

S$ 45

Per Month

Do note that the training grants disbursement criteria for Self-Sponsored learners are;

  • Trainee has not obtained course fee fundings previously (same course title/course reference code/skills code)
  • Course fees have been fully paid by trainees themselves;
  • Trainee met 75% attendance requirement; and
  • Trainee passed assessments (where applicable)
SkillsFuture Credit Funding:
  • Offset Payment Amount
  • Singaporeans only >= 25 years

All terms and conditions apply and funding is subjected to SSG’s final approval.

UTAP Funding:

Limits and Claim Process:

  • For NTUC Union Members, UTAP funding is limited to $250 for members aged 39 and below and $500 for those aged 40 and above. The UTAP claim amount is initially paid to the training provider, and after the completion of the class, the learner can claim it back through the NTUC website using the provided invoice. Please note that terms and conditions apply. For further details, visit the UTAP website.

COMPANY SPONSORED

SME
SkillsFuture Enhanced Training Support for SMEs
Up to 70% of course fees w.e.f. 1 Jan 2022
All SCs & PRs

Course Fees

S$ 150

Per Month

Grant Amount

S$ 105

-

Payment Amount

S$ 45

Per Month

NON-SME
SkillsFuture Funding (Baseline) (NON-SME)
Up to 50% of course fees w.e.f. 1 Jan 2022
All SCs & PRs

Course Fees

S$ 150

Per Month

Grant Amount

S$ 75

-

Payment Amount

S$ 75

Per Month

SkillsFuture Mid-career Enhanced Subsidy (NON-SME)
Up to 70% of course fees w.e.f. 1 Jan 2022
SCs & PRs aged ≥ 40 years old

Course Fees

S$ 150

Per Month

Grant Amount

S$ 105

-

Payment Amount

S$ 45

Per Month

All terms and conditions apply and funding is subjected to SSG’s final approval.

Do note that the training grants disbursement criteria for Company-Sponsored learners are;

  • Trainee has not obtained course fee fundings previously (same course title/course reference code/skills code)
  • Course fees have been fully paid by sponsored company
  • Trainee met 75% attendance requirement
  • Trainee passed assessments (where applicable); and
  • There is employer-employee relationship and CPF contribution for employer-sponsored trainees.

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FAQ: Food Safety and Hygiene Course

Is this food hygiene course approved by MOM and SFA?

Yes. This food hygiene course is accredited by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and recognised by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA). It fulfils MOM’s requirement for food handlers to be certified.

Can I take this course online?

Currently, this course is delivered in person to ensure both theory and practical components are effectively assessed. However, some aspects of the food hygiene certificate online learning pathway may be introduced in the future.

How long does the certificate last?

The food hygiene certificate is valid for 5 years. A refresher food safety course in Singapore must be attended by the 5th year, with subsequent refreshers required every 10 years thereafter.

What if I fail the test?

Learners who do not pass may retake the assessment. Our trainers will provide guidance to help you prepare better for a successful attempt. For queries on scheduling a re-test, please contact us.

Can foreigners attend this course?

Yes. Foreigners employed in Singapore’s F&B sector may enrol. Many overseas learners completed this food safety and hygiene course as part of their job requirements. For those seeking progression, the WSQ Food Safety Course Level 2 is also available.