The course

Is this Level 2 food hygiene? The honest answer

No. Our course is not a regulated Level 2 award and we will not call it one. It is food hygiene training with a certificate of completion. Here is what that means for you.

Yes: Gesthos's online food hygiene course covers the food handler training required by the Food Hygiene Regulations (retained Regulation 852/2004, Annex II, Chapter XII). Studying and the test are free; the certificate costs €9.50 and you only pay if you pass.

€9.50(≈ £8, charged in euros)

Start the course for €9.50★ 5.0 on Google · 11/2026

Reviewed by , head of training ·

What "Level 2" means

Some Level 2 courses are regulated qualifications with a supervised exam. Many others are online courses that use the name Level 2 for their content level.

Both are common in the UK. The law does not ask for either: it asks for training that fits your job.

What our course covers

Contamination, bacteria, safe storage and cooking, personal hygiene, cleaning, pests, HACCP records, the 14 allergens, Natasha's Law and hygiene ratings.

It follows English law: chilled food at 8 °C or below and hot food at 63 °C or above.

How it is different

It is shorter: about 30 minutes. It costs €9.50. You get your certificate as soon as you pass, with a QR code to check it.

It is not a regulated qualification and no public body has endorsed it.

When to choose something else

If a job advert or your employer names a specific regulated award, take that one. Ask before you buy.

If they just want proof of food hygiene training, our certificate can be that proof.

Frequently asked questions

Will my employer accept it?

Many ask only for proof of training. If they ask for a named regulated award, check with them first.

Is Level 2 food hygiene hard?

Most are basic. Ours is not a Level 2 award, but it uses short, plain sentences and a multiple-choice test.

How long is Level 2 food hygiene valid for?

There is no legal expiry for any of them. A refresher every 3 years is the usual advice.