Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will the training material be available to me?
Q: How long do I have to complete the training?
Q: Can I access it at anytime?
Q: Can I access it from anywhere?
Q: Can I access it from any computer?
Q: Will the training material run on any computer?
Q: Do I need any specific software to run the material?
Q: Does the training material carry sound?
Q: What if I need technical help while I am working through the material?
Q: How is the training delivered to me?
Q: What does the course look like?
Q: Do I have to do the training all at once?
Q: How long does the training take?
Q: Do I have to take the test all at once?
Q: Do I need any specific computer skills to be able to use the system?
Q: Who will see my record?
Q: Do I have to pass the test first time?
Q: What happens if I fail the test?
Q: How many times can I take the test?
Q: What is the pass mark?
Q: Can I just take the test, because I already understand the subject?
Q: What does the test involve?
Q: Do I need any prerequisite training or qualifications to be able to take this course?
Q: How long is the certificate valid for?
Q: How long will the training material be available to me?
A: Once you have purchased the material, it will remain on your record for you to access for 1 year.
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Q: How long do I have to complete the training?
A: You can complete the training at anytime up to one year from purchase, at which time it will be removed from your record. That is unless your employer has specified a specific completion date.
Q: Can I access it at anytime?
A: Yes. As this is a web based product, it can be accessed at anytime via your internet connection.
Q: Can I access it from anywhere?
A: Yes. You can access it from any web enabled computer
Q: Can I access it from any computer?
A: You can access the training from a web enabled computer. That is to say, a computer that has Internet access.
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Q: Will the training material run on any computer?
A: The training material will require a system running Windows 98 or later with Internet Explorer 4 or later and Flash Player installed. Flash player is available as a free download.
Q: Do I need any specific software to run the material?
A: The only additional software you will need is a Flash player. Flash player is available as a free download from the Internet. All our products carry a link to the free download page for ease of use.
Q: Does the training material carry sound?
A: Yes. Virtual College training material carries sound, however do not worry if your computer does not support sound as the narration is covered in an optional text box at the bottom of each screen.
Q: What if I need technical help while I am working through the material?
A: The Learning Management System (LMS), through which the training is usually delivered, has a “Help & Support” link on the top navigation bar – this sends an instant message to a our admin and technical support teams who will reply via the system or via email or telephone if necessary.
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Q: How is the training delivered to me?
A: Via a computer using the Internet. Once you have purchased the training, you will receive an email giving you full instructions of how to access the Training. It will carry your unique username and password and all you need to do is put in the web address, put in your user name and password and click the training and assessment links. There are “Help & Support” links through out to guide you through.
Q: What does the course look like?
A: The course is developed using Flash and carries a new user tutorial at the beginning. We recommend all new users work through this short tutorial, which explains the navigation and the functions of the various buttons. It also explains the tracking and various types of questions and interactive material you will encounter as you work through.
Q: Do I have to do the training all at once?
A: No. You can visit the training material as often and as many times as you wish. The material tracks where you have got to and you can see where to resume.
Q: How long does the training take?
A: It depends on your individual learning speed, but on average around 2 hours.
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Q: Do I have to take the test all at once?
A: No. The system will mark where you have got to and save your results at that point. When you come back to the test, it will ask you if you want to resume the unfinished test or to start a new one.
Q: Do I need any specific computer skills to be able to use the system?
A: No. If you can access a computer, understand basic functions and follow instructions you will be able to use the system. If you should need help – there is a "Help & Support" link that is supported by our technical and administration teams.
Q: Who will see my record?
A: Your records are kept secure and covered by the Data Protection 1998. The only people who will have access to your records are the Virtual College system administrators, any awarding body representative (if the course is accredited) and, if this course is bought for you by your employer, anyone your organisation sets up with the correct level of security (usually your manager or tutors). You are responsible for keeping your username and password secure.
Q: Do I have to pass the test first time?
A: No. If you fail the test, you should revisit the training material to fill the gaps in your knowledge and then re sit the test when you feel you have reached the required level.
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Q: What happens if I fail the test?
A: If you fail the test, you should revisit the training material to fill the gaps in your knowledge and then re sit the test when you feel you have reached the required level.
Q: How many times can I take the test?
A: There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test. However, when the invigilator comes to review your record and verify your pass mark, if there have been several attempts at the test, they may feel it necessary to contact you to discuss things or clarify any issues before issuing a certificate.
Q: What is the pass mark?
A: The pass mark for this course is 75%.
Q: Can I just take the test, because I already
understand the subject?
A: No. "EU Regulation 852 Hygiene for Foodstuffs requires everyone working in a role
involving contact with food and drink must be instructed and trained in food safety appropriate to their work" - and so you must
complete the training before you can complete the test. The system is set up so you cannot access the test until the training is complete.
The system records your progress through the training material.
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Q: What does the test involve?
A: The test is made up of questions pulled at random from a data bank. These questions may be multi choice, drag and drop or hotspot questions.
Q: Do I need any prerequisite training or qualifications to be able to take this course?
A: No. This is a Level 2 Certificate in Food Safety & Hygiene and it is aimed at anyone working in a role that involves contact with food, or the management of such people.
Q: How long is the certificate valid for?
A: Current guidelines are that the training and certificate renewal should take place every 3 years. Certain organisations such as the NHS require renewal every year.
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