What Do You Need to Know to Earn Your Texas Food Handlers Permit?

A woman wearing latex gloves cutting a sandwich in a restaurant kitchen.

Need help understanding the different food handlers certification options and online training programs? We’re here to help.

This guide explores the cost, duration and requirements for obtaining a Texas food handler certificate, along with state-approved online courses you can take to get your certificate as soon as today.

Read on to find out more.

Food Safety Regulations in the Lone Star State

The state of Texas takes the health and safety of workers, patrons and citizens seriously — that’s why every worker who sells, serves, packages or who works with food-contact equipment, utensils or surfaces must complete a food safety course accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TX DSHS).

This requirement must be met within 30 days of employment.

The law covers anyone working with unpackaged foodstuffs, including during preparation, storage and service. Food service industry positions that require this training include:

Server
Hostess
Busser
Dishwasher
Kitchen staff
Barback
Quick-service restaurant worker

This is not a complete list of workers who need a handler’s card. In most cases, sit down and take out establishments require workers to take an accredited training course. Your certification expires after two years. To stay current, repeat an approved program before your current card expires.

Why Do You Need Special Training?

Standardized material that covers food safety guidelines ensures every worker understands good hygiene, safe storage and food handling practices, how to avoid cross-contamination and steps to prevent diners from exposure to foodborne illnesses.

These food safety regulations are aligned with CDC standards and set by the TX DSHS to empower workers and create safer dining environments. The only way to ensure that you satisfy state requirements is to choose a provider and program that is licensed by the TX DSHS.

Is TABC Training Required?

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) encourages every Texan employee who sells, serves, delivers or dispenses alcohol to complete a separate program and receive TABC certification. Employees who serve alcoholic beverages at work, including workers in bars, restaurants, liquor stores, grocery stores and private clubs, should consider getting TABC-certified. Unlike the Texas food handlers card, this training is not mandatory (but it is strongly suggested).

Training Options: Classroom and Distance Learning

TX DSHS approves select online, private and classroom course providers to offer accredited courses and test students with an approved food safety certification exam. As long as you choose an accredited provider, you can complete your education and certification in a classroom or from an internet-connected device.

Choose the option that works best for you.

Classroom settings may be ideal if you prefer learning in a traditional environment with a live instructor and can attend an in-person class on a pre-scheduled date.
Distance learning (online) is preferred if you want self-paced coursework that can be completed from any internet-connected device, including computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets.

If a short course duration is important to you, note that accredited distance learning courses will take roughly two hours to complete from a computer or mobile device, but may take longer in a classroom setting — especially once you factor in transportation and class participation.

Both classroom and digital options offer the same state-accepted credentials when you select a licensed course provider. No matter which avenue you choose, it’s important to complete an accredited course and obtain your handlers card within 30 days of getting the job.

TX DSHS-Approved Online Handlers Certification Programs

TABC Certification Program offers accredited, 100% online training to help you get your handler card with all course materials provided and instant certificate downloads. Access your materials 24/7 from any device that’s connected to the internet and work at your own pace.

Our high-quality courses are offered in English and Spanish to ensure you can choose the language you’re most proficient in. We make it easy by helping you:

Get trained anywhere, anytime with 100% mobile-friendly, digital coursework.
Log on and off to start and pause the program at your convenience.
Instantly download your card after completing the program.
Finish in as little as two hours or take up to 90 days to finish.
Deal with paperwork by automatically report your course completion to DSHS.

Handler Card + TABC Bundle

If you also need your TABC license, we offer a discounted bundle option with approved handler and TABC training at one low price. This program separately covers topics related to safe and responsible alcoholic drink sales, including seller/server laws, delivery regulations and requirements, identification checks and verification, preventing sales to underage or intoxicated customers and recognizing signs of impairment.

Accredited by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and Department of State Health Services, our courses prepare you to meet and understand all relevant regulations and safety guidelines with 100% digital training and no in-person classes.

Get Your Handler Card Today

Don’t wait to get your certificate—in just two hours, finish your accredited training and download your official handler card when you sign up for our state-approved online handler course now.

With no in-person classes and the freedom to complete our mobile-friendly course from any internet-connected device, you can master the safety guidelines and handling practices to satisfy state requirements and start your new job with all the training you need to succeed.

Need your TABC permit, too? Bundle our digital Texas handler card and TABC certification courses now to stand out from other applicants, help ensure responsible drink sales and service in the state and strengthen your alcohol sales and service skills—all at a discounted price.