{
  "$schema": "https://json.schemastore.org/faq-page",
  "meta": {
    "generated_for": "The Safer Food Group",
    "purpose": "Machine-readable FAQ data to help search engines, LLMs and AI agents accurately understand and cite the answers on this page.",
    "last_updated": "2026-08-10",
    "canonical_url": "https://www.thesaferfoodgroup.com/faqs.php",
    "language": "en-GB",
    "content_notes": "This file mirrors the questions and answers visible on faqs.php, including the two additions 'How often are your courses updated?' and 'Are there any extra costs?'. Answers are lightly cleaned of HTML but semantically identical to the page. Keep this file, the on-page FAQs, and the FAQPage JSON-LD in sync when any FAQ changes. Phone-number answers are written generically to avoid hardcoding a number."
  },
  "faq_page": {
    "name": "Frequently Asked Questions",
    "provider": {
      "name": "The Safer Food Group",
      "url": "https://www.thesaferfoodgroup.com"
    },
    "url": "https://www.thesaferfoodgroup.com/faqs.php",
    "sections": [
      {
        "section": "About our courses",
        "anchor": "faqs",
        "faqs": [
          {
            "question": "How are our courses delivered?",
            "answer": "All our award-winning online courses are video based and delivered by food safety experts. We believe this is the best way to learn as it is as close to the face-to-face experience as you can get online. To view a chapter of any course, go to the final course information page and click the demo chapter play button to explore a live chapter in full."
          },
          {
            "question": "Which devices do your training courses work on?",
            "answer": "You can access training on any electronic device as long as it has both an internet browser and an internet connection."
          },
          {
            "question": "Are your courses accredited?",
            "answer": "Yes. Our courses are accredited by Qualifi, an Ofqual-regulated awarding body, and are also certified by CPD (Continuing Professional Development). To check the accreditation of a particular course, please visit the relevant course page."
          },
          {
            "question": "Are your courses accepted by EHOs?",
            "answer": "Yes. We work with industry experts, including Environmental Health Officers (EHOs), to ensure that our training meets the necessary standards and covers all the content required to prepare and serve food safely."
          },
          {
            "question": "How often are your courses updated?",
            "answer": "Our courses are reviewed on a three yearly cycle, but if any significant changes to practice or legislation occur, they will be updated as soon as possible to ensure your training is always up-to-date and relevant."
          },
          {
            "question": "How long will it take me to complete the course?",
            "answer": "The time taken depends on the skills, experience and learning style of each learner. On average, Level 1 courses require 1-2 hours, Level 2 courses require 2-4 hours, and Level 3 courses require 18-24 hours. Our FastTrack rapid pass lets experienced learners renew their certificates quickly by testing their knowledge and unlocking the exam as soon as they are ready."
          },
          {
            "question": "How many days do I have to complete the course?",
            "answer": "From the day you activate your course you have: Level 1 courses – 30 days access; Level 2 courses – 30 days access; Level 3 courses – 90 days access."
          },
          {
            "question": "How long is my certificate valid for?",
            "answer": "It is recommended that you renew your training every 3 years, but you may want to renew more regularly than this."
          },
          {
            "question": "How do I renew my training?",
            "answer": "If you have previously trained with us, simply log in to your learner account where you can renew your training. If you have not used The Safer Food Group before, purchase a course and a learner account will be created for you on payment."
          },
          {
            "question": "Can I take your courses if I don't live in the UK?",
            "answer": "Yes. Just check that the course you have chosen covers the legislation in your country. EU/UK legislation is designed to ensure food operators work to the highest food safety standards, and this is reflected in the best practice and processes taught within Safer Food Group courses."
          },
          {
            "question": "Can I access the training material after I have completed my course?",
            "answer": "No. Once you have gained your certificate, you will no longer have access to the training material."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "section": "Account types",
        "anchor": "account-types",
        "faqs": [
          {
            "question": "What is a learner account?",
            "answer": "A learner account is designed for one individual, allowing them to keep all their learning records in one place. You can access courses, pass certificates and training history, and download receipts any time. Learner accounts let you know when time is running out on a course's access, give you unlimited exam retakes, and remind you when your training is due for renewal."
          },
          {
            "question": "How can I create a learner account?",
            "answer": "To create an account, simply buy a course or register a course code. Your learner account will be created automatically from your registration details."
          },
          {
            "question": "What is a business account?",
            "answer": "A business account allows you to purchase course codes on behalf of your team or staff. Once they register a course code, you can track their progress and access a copy of their certificate on completion. It keeps full training records, shows who is doing well and who is struggling, and reminds you when a staff member's training needs renewing. It is also a great way to demonstrate to your EHO that your staff are fully trained and up to date."
          },
          {
            "question": "How do I create a business account?",
            "answer": "If you purchase more than one unit of any course, a business account is created automatically. If you purchase single units of two or more courses, you will be asked whether you require a business account before completing your purchase. For advice before purchasing, please contact our team by phone."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "section": "Purchasing courses",
        "anchor": "purchasing",
        "faqs": [
          {
            "question": "How do I buy courses for myself?",
            "answer": "1) Click the 'Choose a course' drop-down at the top of the home page, or click 'view courses' for the category you need. 2) Select the course and version you would like. 3) Add it to your basket via 'buy now', then check out or continue adding courses. If you already have a learner account, you will need to log in to purchase further courses."
          },
          {
            "question": "If I buy multiple courses do I receive any discount?",
            "answer": "Yes. Our multibuy discounts are applied automatically and courses get cheaper the more you buy. For example, Level 2 Food Hygiene is priced at £14.00+VAT per course for 1-4, £13.00+VAT for 5 or more, £12.50+VAT for 10 or more, £9.00+VAT for 50 or more, and £7.00+VAT for 100 or more."
          },
          {
            "question": "Are there any extra costs?",
            "answer": "No. Once you have purchased your course, there are no hidden, additional costs. Your certificate will be available for download as soon as you have passed your exam, with no extra fees payable."
          },
          {
            "question": "How do I buy courses for my team?",
            "answer": "1) Click 'Choose a course' or 'view courses' for the category you need. 2) Select the course and version. 3) Add it to your basket via 'buy now'. 4) With multiple units of one course you are given a business account automatically; with single units of two or more courses you are given the option to create one. 5) In your business account, the codes you have purchased are available in the 'course codes' area to distribute to your staff so they can register and start training. If you already have a business account, you will need to log in to purchase course codes."
          },
          {
            "question": "Can I buy a course for someone else?",
            "answer": "Yes. If you are ordering one course for someone else to complete, fill out the registration form with their details, not your own — do not place the order in your own learner account. If you have a business account, you can order the course there, give the course code to your team member, and let them register it and create their own account."
          },
          {
            "question": "How do I pay?",
            "answer": "You can pay online at the time of ordering. We accept Visa, Maestro, Mastercard and American Express. Alternatively you can pay by BACS — select 'pay by BACS or phone' to download your invoice, then quote the invoice reference when sending your payment, or call our team."
          },
          {
            "question": "I want to buy courses for my team to complete, how do I do this?",
            "answer": "If you already have a business account with us, please log in and order there. If not, add the number of courses you need to your basket and complete your order — this will create a business account for you."
          },
          {
            "question": "How do I buy courses if I am VAT exempt?",
            "answer": "We can process VAT-exempt orders directly with you. Please call our team."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "section": "Logging in / Registering a course code",
        "anchor": "logging-in",
        "faqs": [
          {
            "question": "I've forgotten my username",
            "answer": "1) Click the 'LOG IN' box at the top of the home page. 2) Click the 'forgotten your username' link. 3) Complete the username request form and press 'retrieve username'. You will shortly receive an email to your registered address containing your username."
          },
          {
            "question": "I've forgotten my password",
            "answer": "1) Click the 'LOG IN' box at the top of the home page. 2) Click the 'forgotten your password' link. 3) Enter your registered username and press 'send email'. You will shortly receive an email to your registered address containing a link to reset your password."
          },
          {
            "question": "I have been given a course code, what do I do now?",
            "answer": "1) Click the 'REGISTER CODE' box at the top of the home page. 2) Type or paste your course code into the 'enter code here' box. 3) Click 'check code' to confirm it is for the correct course. 4) Complete the registration form to access your new learner account and start your course. If you already have a learner account, log in and register your course code from within your account to keep all your records in one place."
          },
          {
            "question": "The course code I am trying to register says it has already been registered, what should I do?",
            "answer": "If the code has already been registered to you, log in to your learner account with your username and password. If it was not registered by you, it may have been registered by someone else — go back to the person who supplied the code and ask them to check their records."
          }
        ]
      },
      {
        "section": "Exams & certificates",
        "anchor": "exams-certificates",
        "faqs": [
          {
            "question": "If I don't pass the course exam first time, can I try again?",
            "answer": "Yes. You can take the exam as many times as you need at no extra charge. We suggest you revisit the training material between attempts to ensure you have the knowledge to pass."
          },
          {
            "question": "How do I get my certificate once I have passed?",
            "answer": "On passing your exam you will find a 'download certificate' link on the exam results page. You can also download your pass certificate any time by logging into your learner account. We do not send out certificates."
          },
          {
            "question": "I have lost my certificate, how can I get a replacement?",
            "answer": "You can download your pass certificate again any time by logging into your learner account."
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}