If you’ll soon be stepping into the food industry, whether as a chef, server, kitchen manager, food truck operator, etc., one of the top ways to boost your success is getting your food handler certification. Many states require it by law, but even if they didn’t, it’s the kind of credential that shows you are serious about safety and professionalism in the workplace.

Even as you do it, however, you must think of it as a long-term investment, rather than just a requirement you want to get done with so you can start working. So, here’s how to get maximum benefits from the course you’ll take.

1. First, Understand What the Course Covers

Why is this even important to anyone? You’re probably wondering how knowing that your course will include topics like cross-contamination prevention, foodborne illnesses, and others will help you benefit fully from your course. Well, here’s the thing: knowing what your course will be about ahead of time helps you prepare mentally.

This way, you won’t just be listening passively. Instead, you will know the areas to focus on more, depending on how they are connected to your daily responsibilities. And even when taking an online food handler certification course from a top provider like RocketCert that allows you to revisit the content as many times as you can, you will know the topics that need greater attention.

2. Just Take It Seriously

So many workers take their food handler certification process as just a series of steps they want to get rid of as fast as they can, so that they can get to the real deal. Well, it’s not bad that you’re eager to start your career, but think about the long-term effect of not preparing adequately when it comes to food safety.

And if you’re ever tempted to think that it’s not a serious issue, reports from the CDC show that up to 48 million Americans get sick each year from foodborne illnesses. Such cases often lead to personal liability for the food handlers, and trust us when we tell you that’s not an experience you want to encounter.

3. Choose a Training Format That Works for You

Food handler courses come in different styles: in-person classes, online self-paced modules, and even employer-led group sessions, and each has its pros and cons. Online courses or classes are the most convenient and are considerably cheaper, making them a great choice if you have a busy schedule.

In-person training, on the other hand, gives you more exposure and opportunities to interact with your peers and instructors, which is more engaging for some people. They are also a great choice for those who struggle to stay motivated when learning online.

You can also take employer-based training, which will almost certainly be tailored to your specific workplace, as this makes it easier to apply what you’ve learned almost immediately. So, think about your learning style and career goals when choosing your course.

4. Start Applying the Knowledge as Soon as You Can

Don’t just take the course and then risk losing everything as soon as you’re done. Whatever you’ve learned will stay longer with you if you can start applying it at work right away. So, if you’ve recently learned about proper storage temperatures, for instance, check the walk-in cooler the next time you’re on shift.

Similarly, if you’ve just learned about glove use, watch how your coworkers handle them and model the correct method. Reinforce concepts by practising as much as you can and watch how that helps you build habits that stick: ones that even your supervisors will notice.

Start Your Training Right Away

A food handler certification course goes beyond legal formality. It’s your first step into building a reputation as a safe, professional, and career-minded worker in the food industry. With the tips mentioned in this post, you will be able to get the most out of this educational investment to boost your career prospects.

And if you’re looking for the perfect way to get started, that’s what RocketCert is here for. With simplified online courses that make your studying as convenient as it can be, you have no excuse not to enjoy learning. So, head over to rocketcert.com to start your journey of excellence.