ANAB-Accredited · Accepted Statewide in Texas
Texas Food Handler Card & Certification Online
Only $15.95 · About 1 Hour · Valid 2 Years
Texas requires food employees to complete accredited food handler training within 30 days of being hired. Take this ANAB-accredited course on your phone, tablet or computer, then print your Texas Food Handler certificate as soon as you finish.
Next step: on the registration page, choose quantity 1 for yourself (or the number of employees you are enrolling) and click Register Now.
Buying for your staff? Each employee gets their own login and certificate.
¿Prefiere español? El curso está disponible en español. Elija el idioma cuando comience el curso.
Texas Food Handler Requirements — What You Need to Know
Who needs training?
Under the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER §228.31), food employees must complete accredited food handler training within 30 days of being hired. That includes cooks, prep staff, servers, bartenders, baristas, dishwashers, and deli, bakery and food truck workers.
Exempt: employees who hold a valid Certified Food Protection Manager certificate.
Is this course accepted?
Yes. Texas accepts food handler training that is accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or by ANSI. This course is ANAB-accredited (the ANSI National Accreditation Board), so it meets the Texas requirement.
How long is it valid?
Your Texas Food Handler certificate is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued. When it expires, complete an accredited course again to get a new certificate.
Valid everywhere in Texas
Under Texas Health & Safety Code §438.046, an accredited food handler certificate is recognized statewide, including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth and El Paso. Cities and counties cannot require a separate local card.
Source: Texas DSHS Food Handler FAQ
Who Should Take This Course?
What You’ll Learn
How the Texas Food Handler Course Works
Register Online
Choose quantity 1 (or one per employee), check out in about 2 minutes and get immediate course access.
Complete the Training
Work through the course at your own pace on any device, in English or Spanish. Most people finish in about 1 hour.
Print Your Certificate
Download and print your Texas Food Handler certificate as soon as you pass. Give your employer a copy for their files.
Training a Team? Buy for Your Whole Staff
Set the quantity at checkout to enroll several employees in one order. Each employee gets their own login and their own certificate, so you can keep a copy on file for every food employee, as TFER §228.31 requires, and show it to the health inspector on request.
- ✓ $15.95 per employee, with no subscriptions or setup fees
- ✓ New hires can finish between shifts on any phone
- ✓ English and Spanish course options
Why Take Your Texas Food Handler Course With Us?
ANAB-Accredited
Accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board and accepted statewide in Texas.
Fast and Mobile-Friendly
About 1 hour, self-paced, on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop.
Affordable
A 2-year Texas Food Handler certificate for only $15.95.
Texas Food Handler Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the questions Texas food employees and managers ask most often about food handler training.
Who needs a Texas Food Handler card?
Any food employee in Texas who handles unpackaged food, food equipment, utensils or food-contact surfaces needs food handler training. This includes cooks, prep staff, servers, dishwashers, bartenders, baristas, deli and bakery workers, and food truck employees. Certified Food Managers are exempt because they hold a higher-level credential.
How soon after being hired do I need to complete the course?
Food handler training must be completed within 30 days of hire under the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER §228.31). We recommend finishing during onboarding so your employer has your certificate on file right away.
Is this course accredited?
Yes. The course is accredited by ANAB, the ANSI National Accreditation Board. Texas accepts food handler training accredited by Texas DSHS or by ANSI, so this course meets the Texas requirement.
How long is my Texas Food Handler card valid?
Your Texas Food Handler certificate is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued. There is no paper renewal: when it expires, complete an accredited food handler course again to get a new certificate.
Is your course accepted everywhere in Texas?
Yes. Under Texas Health & Safety Code §438.046, an accredited food handler certificate is recognized statewide. Local jurisdictions may not require a separate local food handler card or charge an additional fee for employees who already hold one.
How long does the online course take?
Most students finish in about 1 hour. The course is fully self-paced, so you can pause anytime and pick up where you left off on any device.
What device do I need? Can I take it on my phone?
Yes. The course works on any smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop with an internet connection. No downloads or special software are required.
When do I get my certificate?
Right away. As soon as you pass the final exam, you can download and print your Texas Food Handler certificate. A copy is also emailed to you for your records.
Is the course offered in Spanish or other languages?
Yes. The course is available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, Tagalog, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, Russian and Arabic.
I already have a food handler card from another state. Do I need to retake the course in Texas?
Only if your card is not from an ANSI-accredited program. Texas accepts an out-of-state food handler card if it was issued by an ANSI-accredited program and has not expired. If your card came from a program that is not ANSI-accredited, you will need a Texas-accepted course such as this one.
Can I buy the course for my employees?
Yes. Set the quantity at checkout to the number of employees you are enrolling. Each employee gets their own login and their own certificate at $15.95 per person.
Does my employer need to keep a copy of my certificate?
Yes. Under TFER §228.31, food establishments must keep a certificate of completion on file for every food employee and show it to the health inspector on request. Give your employer a copy as soon as you finish the course.
Is a Food Handler card the same as a Food Manager certificate?
No. A Food Handler card is for individual food employees. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certificate is a separate, higher-level credential. Texas requires at least one CFPM at food establishments that handle unpackaged, time/temperature-controlled foods.
Source: Texas DSHS Food Handler FAQ