RSPH vs CIEH vs Highfield — Which Food Safety Awarding Body?
RSPH, CIEH and Highfield are the three largest UK awarding bodies for Level 2 Food Safety qualifications. All three are Ofqual-regulated, all three are recognised by EHOs, and all three cover the same core syllabus mapped to UK food law. The differences are in price, format, branding, and how widely each is recognised in specific sectors.
| Attribute | RSPH Royal Society for Public Health | CIEH Chartered Inst. of Environmental Health | Highfield Highfield Awarding Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofqual regulated | Yes — 603/2395/4 | Yes | Yes |
| Awarding body type | Royal charter society (1876) | Chartered institute (1883) | Commercial awarding body |
| Sector recognition | Hospitality, public sector, catering | EHO-led, public sector, large retail | Hospitality, manufacturing, large enterprise |
| Assessment format | 30 MCQ | 30 MCQ | 30 MCQ |
| Pass mark | 20/30 (67%) | 20/30 (67%) | 20/30 (67%) |
| Typical learner price | £45–£250 | £40–£250 | £35–£250 |
| Kitchen Tonic delivers | Yes — RSPH-registered centre | No | No |
| Best for | Independent hospitality, EHO-aligned, public health-rooted businesses | Public sector procurement, large estates | Large chain hospitality, manufacturing |
| Book RSPH course |
Which awarding body fits your business?
You are an independent UK restaurant, café, takeaway or hospitality business
RSPH is the most widely recognised for independent hospitality and is what we deliver as an RSPH-registered training centre.
Your contract or tender specifies a particular awarding body
Always go with the awarding body named in your contract or tender. All three are Ofqual-regulated and all three are valid food hygiene qualifications.
You are part of a large chain or framework agreement with an existing supplier
Check your framework — large chains often have a preferred awarding body for procurement reasons. If RSPH is on the list, our centre is a competitive option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Is RSPH better than CIEH?
Neither is better — both are Ofqual-regulated and cover the same syllabus. RSPH is the older of the two (founded 1876) and is rooted in public health; CIEH (1883) is more closely associated with environmental health practitioners. In day-to-day hospitality, both certificates carry identical weight with EHOs. Choose based on price, availability of training providers near you, and any preference in your contracts.
Is Highfield a real awarding body?
Yes — Highfield is one of the UK's largest Ofqual-regulated awarding bodies for food safety, HACCP and health & safety qualifications. Their Level 2 Food Safety is fully regulated and accepted by UK EHOs.
Can I switch between awarding bodies on refresher training?
Yes — there is no requirement to renew with the same awarding body. UK food law cares that you have current, appropriate-level training. Many businesses move between awarding bodies based on price, training provider availability, or contractual changes.
Which awarding body do most EHOs recognise?
All three (RSPH, CIEH, Highfield) are recognised by every UK EHO equally. They are Ofqual-regulated qualifications, which is the only formal status that matters for EHO inspections. EHOs are typically more interested in whether all your staff hold current training, less in which awarding body issued it.