Ministry of Public Health launches food handler examination service outside Qatar

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has introduced an optional service enabling candidates to sit for the Food Handler Licensing Examination outside Qatar at recognized examination centers in multiple nations. This service is designed to aid food businesses in optimizing operational efficiency and minimizing time and resources spent on recruitment. The initiative is a part of the ministry's ongoing endeavors to reinforce the food safety system and elevate workforce expertise in food-related businesses.

The examination is available in both Arabic and English, and the service delivers comprehensive reports on each candidate's performance in various aspects of food safety. These reports empower food establishments to recognize candidates' strengths and areas for improvement, ascertain their training requirements, bolster workforce competence, and promote effective food safety practices.

Once a candidate has successfully completed the examination abroad, the food establishment can proceed with the necessary steps for issuing a professional practice license without necessitating the candidate to retake the exam in Qatar.

It is important to note that at present, utilizing the examination outside Qatar remains an optional choice and does not constitute a prerequisite for hiring staff. The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is currently considering making the professional practice license mandatory in the future. The precise implementation date and related procedures will be disclosed once all necessary arrangements are finalized.

This new service is an expansion of the existing Food Handler Licensing Programme, which has been actively running in Qatar since 2021 and has already licensed 10,630 food handlers across the country.

Food businesses and workers interested in availing the service can find additional information about the program, the professional categories included, registration procedures, and accredited examination centers located outside Qatar on the ministry’s website.