Your Texas Food Handler’s Card Online
Written by Staff Writer
State law requires food service employees, including anyone who works with unpackaged food as well as preparation utensils, surfaces or equipment, to obtain a Texas food handlers card.
Learn how to get a food handlers license in Texas by completing a certified food safety training course that meets the state's permit requirements.
Training and Certification Requirements
Food service workers in the state of Texas must complete training through a program accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) or certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Workers must complete training within 30 days of hire. If you’re not sure if you qualify as a food worker, ask your manager for more information.
Students complete a food safety education program that includes topics ranging from foodborne illness prevention and food safety inspection standards to allergen awareness and hygiene best practices. The curriculum may include the following topics:
- Basic food safety standards
- Foodborne illness outbreak prevention and reporting
- Hygiene practices and procedures
- Contamination and cross-contamination education and prevention
- Time and temperature control to inhibit pathogen growth
- Allergen awareness
The total course length should not exceed two hours, per DSHS guidelines. No test is required for these licenses. You may complete the entire program online for convenience if the program is ANAB-accredited or DSHS-certified. Find a list of accredited online programs here.
The goal of these programs is to provide adequate training to:
- Enhance preparation and handling techniques for working with foodstuffs and equipment
- Reduce foodborne illness outbreaks stemming from improper handling and preparation
- Qualify employees with the education needed to work in these roles
After completing a TX DSHS-certified or ANAB-accredited program, you will receive a certificate that demonstrates you meet state training requirements and understand food safety regulations. Your provider may report your certification to the state. But be sure to check with your provider to see if this service is offered.
Your employer is required to keep your credentials on file. Those records must be kept on-site and accessible upon request. Regulatory authorities may ask for proof of employee training. Employers can satisfy the requirement by keeping a hard copy or electronic file.
Where to Take the Required Course
The state allows you to take the Texas food handlers license training course online or in a classroom setting. With online education providers like Seller Server Online, you can complete the required coursework at your own pace. Plan lessons around your schedule. Choose to finish in as many or as few sessions as needed.
A complete list of ANAB-accredited and DSHS-certified classroom programs can be found on the DSHS website. In-person options are less convenient than internet-based programs. Classrooms may require you to pre-register to reserve a seat in the program and require you to be present on the scheduled day for the entire allotted class period.
How Long Is the Certificate Valid?
Texas food handlers certificates are valid for two years. During that time, the certificate will be recognized statewide under the state's Administrative Code Rule 229.178.
Completing the coursework and obtaining your card demonstrates that you've successfully met the standards outlined in the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER). This gives you the freedom to use your valid card when working in restaurants, dining establishments and other businesses statewide.
Your certificate expires after two years. To renew it, you must retake the food safety certification program (or choose a new DSHS-certified or ANAB-accredited program).
Get Your Certification Online Now
Seller Server Online offers high-quality Texas Food Handlers Certification from your phone, computer or tablet with no final exam. We are an approved training provider, certified by TX DSHS. Once you pass our two-hour online program, you can instantly download and print your certificate and wallet-sized food handler card.
We automatically report your coursework completion and certification to the state so you can get to work without worrying about paperwork. With our internet-based program, you never have to drive to a classroom or attend an in-person class to get the training you need.
If you'll be serving or selling alcohol in addition to working with unpackaged foods, you will also need a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) certification. Bundle your education with a TABC certification now to save 10% and make it easy to complete your alcohol and food service training from any internet-connected device.
We offer approved courses for hospitality employees in many other states. You can search here to see if we provide permits or cards in your area.