Level 1 food hygiene The starter course explained
Last updated 5 October 2026
Not everyone on your team handles food the way your chefs do. For people who work around food rather than with it, Level 1 can be just right, and it costs less too.
The law asks for training that fits each person's job, not a particular certificate or level. As a guide: Level 1 is a short, basic course that typically suits people with only a little contact with food, such as waiting staff who carry finished plates, bar staff, kitchen porters and delivery drivers. It usually isn't enough for anyone who prepares, cooks or puts food together; Level 2 is commonly recommended for them.
What Level 1 covers
Level 1 is an introduction. It explains why food safety matters, the main things that can make food unsafe (germs, allergens, bits of things falling in, and chemicals), how to store food properly, and the basics of cleaning and personal hygiene. Most online Level 1 courses take one to two hours.
The difference from Level 2 is depth. Level 2 goes much further into how to prepare and cook food safely, keeping food at the right temperatures, and stopping contamination while you work. If someone's job involves any of that, Level 1 won't cover it.
Who does Level 1 suit?
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| Role | Is Level 1 enough? |
|---|---|
| Waiter or waitress who only carries finished plates | ✓Usually |
| Bar staff serving drinks and sealed snacks | ✓Usually |
| Kitchen porter who washes up but doesn't prepare food | ✓Usually |
| Food delivery driver | ✓Usually |
| Anyone who plates, assembles or prepares food | ✗Usually not; Level 2 fits better |
Both of the online providers below list these same kinds of roles as suitable for Level 1, and both point people who prepare or handle food to Level 2 instead.
Level 1 courses compared
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| What you get | High Speed Training£21.60per person, inc. VATView course | Virtual College£16.80per person, inc. VATView course |
|---|---|---|
| How long it takes | 1 to 2 hours | 1 to 2 hours |
| The test | 20 questions, 80% to pass | 15 questions, 75% to pass |
| Free resits | ✓Unlimited | ✓6 attempts |
| Printed certificate in the post | ✓Free | ✗Download only |
| Time limit to finish | ✓None | ?Check when buying |
| Team discount | ✓10% off from 10 courses | ✓10% off from 10 courses |
✓Yes✗No?Not published, worth asking
CIEH also offers a Level 1 course online. Have a look at their website for the latest price.
Is Level 1 worth it, or just a box to tick?
It's useful. Even if someone never prepares food, they can still spread germs, mix up allergens or store things wrongly. A front-of-house team that understands the basics is less likely to make mistakes when it gets busy. It's also a nice first step for someone who might move into the kitchen later.
The one thing to avoid is using Level 1 to save money on staff who handle food. That might save a few pounds, but it leaves them without the knowledge they need for their job.
Do you even need a Level 1 course?
Not by law. For low-risk roles, a good briefing on your first day, plus a note in your training records, may be enough. A course just makes it quicker and gives you a certificate as evidence. Our guide to free resources or a paid course can help you decide, and our page on whether a certificate is legally required explains the law.
How we put this together
Prices and course details come from each provider's own website, checked on 2 October 2026. Prices change, so do check before you buy.