Food handling training with two pathways

Food Handling Course Online

SITXFSA005 - Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety

Choose the course that matches your requirement: nationally recognised SITXFSA005 training with workplace evidence, or a 100% online non-accredited option for general food safety knowledge and refreshers.

  • Accredited and Basic options
  • Self-paced online learning
  • Pay only when you pass

Accredited SITXFSA005

$39.95

Basic non-accredited

$19.95

Choose the option your employer or role requires. Prices are current and payment is due only after you pass.

Food handler checking prepared food with a probe thermometer in a clean commercial kitchen
RTO #32252Two food handling pathways
SITXFSA005National unit option
Basic option100% online and non-accredited
Flexible learningStudy at your own pace
Pay when you passNo payment before a pass

Food Handling Course Online: Choose the right option

Compare the nationally recognised SITXFSA005 pathway with the Basic non-accredited course before you enrol.

Accredited SITXFSA005

Complete the national food handling unit when your employer or role requires a recognised outcome.

Basic non-accredited option

Build practical food safety knowledge through a lower-cost, self-paced course with no workplace assessment.

Online learning

Log in from a modern phone, tablet, laptop or desktop and resume your saved progress when it suits you.

Workplace evidence

The accredited option includes practical evidence in a suitable operational food preparation or service environment.

Everyday food safety skills

Learn how personal hygiene and hazard controls help prevent contamination and food-borne illness.

Clear course choice

The page explains the outcome, assessment and best fit for each pathway before you start.

Food Handling Course options

Nationally recognised training

Accredited Food Handling Course

$39.95

SITXFSA005 - Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety

  • Self-paced online learning and knowledge assessments.
  • Short video demonstrations through the student portal.
  • Required workplace practical evidence in an operational food preparation or food service environment.
  • Supervisor or industry expert checklist submitted to Eclipse Education for review.
  • Photo ID, USI, LLN and digital literacy checks as required for nationally recognised training.
  • Statement of Attainment issued when all assessment requirements are met.

This course is designed for food handlers whose employer, role or pathway requires nationally recognised training. Confirm any local workplace requirement before enrolling.

Non-accredited and 100% online

Basic Food Handling Course

$19.95

A practical food handling refresher for general knowledge and workplace induction.

  • Self-paced online course that can be completed from anywhere.
  • No workplace practical, video demonstration or third-party report.
  • Learn everyday hygiene, contamination prevention and safe food handling practices.
  • Suitable for refreshers or workplaces that do not require a national unit.
  • Eclipse Education Certificate of Completion after successful completion.
  • Choose this option only when a non-accredited course meets your requirement.

This course is not nationally recognised training and does not provide a Statement of Attainment. Ask your employer or regulator if you are unsure which option you need.

Food handling course details

What you will learn and receive

SITXFSA005 focuses on using personal hygiene practices and controlling food hazards in food preparation and service environments. The Basic option covers the same practical foundations as a general learning course without the nationally recognised assessment outcome.

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Accredited unitSITXFSA005 Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety
Study methodOnline, self-paced learning through the student portal
Workplace evidenceRequired for the accredited option; not required for Basic
Completion windowUp to 3 months from enrolment
Accredited outcomeStatement of Attainment when competence is confirmed
Basic outcomeEclipse Education Certificate of Completion

What does a food handling course cover?

Food handlers work directly with food or food-contact surfaces, so everyday habits have a direct effect on food safety. The training covers how to maintain personal hygiene, recognise hazards and follow procedures that reduce the risk of contamination.

Core food safety topics

  • Personal hygiene and effective handwashing.
  • Preventing cross-contamination between food, equipment and surfaces.
  • Safe receiving, storage, preparation and service practices.
  • Cleaning, sanitising and maintaining a safe work area.
  • Identifying food hazards and reporting unsafe practices.
  • Following workplace food safety procedures consistently.

Who commonly completes it?

The course suits cooks, chefs, kitchen hands, caterers, food and beverage attendants and other people who handle food in restaurants, cafes, hotels, clubs, care settings, institutions or catering operations.

If your role supervises food safety systems or requires a Food Safety Supervisor pathway, compare this course with the Food Safety Supervisor Course before enrolling.

Accredited workplace assessment

The accredited SITXFSA005 option is not theory-only. You need access to a suitable operational food preparation or food service environment where the practical evidence can be demonstrated.

  • Arrange a suitable workplace or industry-realistic environment before practical assessment.
  • Nominate a supervisor or industry expert who can observe the required food handling tasks.
  • Complete the workplace checklist and any student records required in the portal.
  • Keep customers, staff names and private workplace information out of recordings or evidence.

Before you enrol

  • Confirm whether your employer needs SITXFSA005 or only a general non-accredited refresher.
  • Choose Accredited or Basic and start the relevant enrolment.
  • Complete your online learning and knowledge assessments.
  • Complete workplace evidence if you selected the accredited option.
  • Wait for the assessor outcome before payment and certificate issue.

Not sure which option fits? Contact our support team before enrolling and tell us what your employer or regulator has requested.

Accredited vs non-accredited food handling training

Use this comparison as a starting point. Your employer, local authority or regulator may set a specific training requirement.

Comparison of the accredited and Basic food handling course options
Course featureAccredited SITXFSA005Basic non-accredited
OutcomeStatement of Attainment when competentEclipse Education Certificate of Completion
DeliveryOnline learning plus workplace evidence100% online, self-paced
Workplace assessmentRequiredNot required
Best forRoles requiring a nationally recognised unitGeneral knowledge, induction or refreshers
Current price$39.95$19.95

Training standards and related food safety guidance

SITXFSA005 is listed on the National Training Register. Read the official unit information before enrolling, and check with your employer or local authority if your role has an additional food safety requirement.

Frequently asked questions

What is SITXFSA005 Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety?

SITXFSA005 Use Hygienic Practices for Food Safety is a nationally recognised unit for food handlers who need to use personal hygiene practices and control food safety hazards in a food workplace.

Can I complete the Food Handling Course online?

Yes. The learning and knowledge assessments are completed online through the Eclipse Education student portal. The accredited option also includes the required workplace evidence stage, while the Basic option is online only.

What is the difference between the accredited and non-accredited options?

The accredited option is the SITXFSA005 national unit and can lead to a Statement of Attainment when all assessment requirements are met. The non-accredited option is a lower-cost general food handling course and provides an Eclipse Education Certificate of Completion, not a nationally recognised qualification.

Does the accredited Food Handling Course require workplace assessment?

Yes. You must complete the online learning and the required practical evidence in a suitable operational food preparation or food service environment. A supervisor or industry expert provides workplace evidence for review by an Eclipse assessor.

Is the Basic Food Handling Course 100% online?

Yes. The Basic Food Handling Course is self-paced and 100% online, with no workplace practical or third-party report. It is designed for general knowledge, refreshers and workplaces that do not require nationally recognised training.

How much does each Food Handling Course option cost?

The current price for the accredited SITXFSA005 option is $39.95, and the current price for the Basic non-accredited option is $19.95. Prices are shown live from the course price list.

When do I pay for the Food Handling Course?

You only pay once you pass. Select the course option that matches your employer, role or training requirement before you start.

How long do I have to complete the course?

The online theory is self-paced and most learners complete it in several hours. Your enrolment window is up to three months, so plan the workplace evidence early if you choose the accredited option.

Who is the Food Handling Course for?

The course suits people who prepare, pack, serve or otherwise handle food, including cooks, kitchen hands, chefs, caterers and food and beverage attendants. The Basic option can also suit people completing a refresher.

What do I need for the accredited course?

For the accredited option, you need suitable device access, photo identification, the enrolment information requested by Eclipse, and a suitable workplace and observer for the practical evidence. A USI and LLN and digital literacy check may also be required for nationally recognised training.

Is SITXFSA005 nationally recognised?

Yes. SITXFSA005 is a nationally recognised unit on the National Training Register. The training outcome is issued when an authorised assessor confirms that all assessment requirements have been met.

Can I get help while I complete the course?

Yes. Eclipse Education provides support through phone, email and instant chat. If you need help with your assessment or workplace evidence, contact the support team during business hours.

Ready to start your Food Handling Course?

Choose the nationally recognised SITXFSA005 pathway or the Basic non-accredited option, then start learning online at your own pace.

Start accredited for free Start Basic course
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