TABC vs. Food Handlers Certification

Written by Staff Writer

A waitress serves alcoholic beverages and an appetizer to a table full of patrons.

If your workplace sells unpackaged foods and alcoholic beverages, do you need both TABC and food handler certifications? Not necessarily.

However, each training program helps satisfy different requirements and recommendations set forth by the state of Texas. This complete guide explains the requirements and processes for obtaining both certifications.

What’s the Difference?

Safe food handling and responsible alcohol service are managed by two different regulatory bodies. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) oversees the state’s alcohol server/seller regulations and offers workers the opportunity to get certified with an alcohol sales and service permit after completing an valid course.

Separately, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) governs the TX food handler certification program, which mandates all employees who work with or around unpackaged foods to complete a licensed training program.

  • Workers who handle unpackaged foods or the utensils, equipment or surfaces used to prepare them are required to complete an accredited training program and receive a handlers certificate within 30 days of hire.
  • Workers who serve, deliver, dispense or sell alcohol may be required to complete an accredited TABC education program by an employer or local law; the state recommends but does not require this training.

In the interest of foodborne illness prevention, the DSHS requires every worker who comes into contact with foods or the utensils, surfaces or equipment used to prepare, store or serve them to be trained on the latest food safety laws.

The state’s Alcoholic Beverage Commission strongly recommends TABC training to help bartenders, servers, liquor store workers and anyone engaging in alcohol dispensing or deliveries understand the legal aspects of responsible sales and service.

This training program helps reduce liability in alcohol-related incidents. Lessons help beverage workers check IDs, refuse service to intoxicated patrons and identify underaged customers.

Which Certification Do You Need?

If you work with unpackaged foods in TX, you must get a handler certification from a DSHS-accredited program that teaches food safety guidelines. This includes workers like:

  • Servers
  • Hostesses
  • Bussers
  • Dishwashers
  • Fast food workers

Getting this certificate in Texas starts with taking state-accepted food safety training that covers topics like:

  • Safe worker hygiene
  • Storing, handling and preparing unpackaged foods
  • Avoiding cross-contamination
  • Preventing foodborne illness

If you serve or sell alcoholic drinks to customers in TX, your employer may require TABC training and a certificate for employment. The state does not require this training but does strongly encourage it. Workers who benefit from getting certified for alcohol sales and service include:

  • Servers
  • Bartenders
  • Barbacks
  • Liquor store employees
  • Grocery store employees

To obtain your alcohol seller/server permit in TX, you must complete an approved program that covers important topics in alcohol safety, like:

  • TX alcoholic beverage laws and regulations
  • Delivery restrictions and rules
  • Verifying identification
  • Refusing service/sales to underage or intoxicated customers

There is an overlap between these two types of permits. If you serve both foods and alcoholic drinks, it makes sense to get certified under both programs. This may apply to:

  • Bar employees who also serve snacks or unpackaged foods
  • Restaurant workers who serve alcoholic beverages
  • Grocery deli or bakery employees who may process alcohol sales at the register

How to Get the Certificates You Need

Your TABC and Texas food handler certification courses and training options include online or in-person classes:

  • Classroom courses are held in person at physical locations, may take two or more hours to complete and must be scheduled with a licensed provider.
  • Online or distance learning courses can be taken from home or on the go, allowing you to finish the class at your own pace in as little as two hours.

The most important consideration is the course provider you choose — Instructors must be accredited by the proper state department (TABC or DSHS) to issue a valid handler or server/seller permit.

TABC Certification Program is approved by the state to meet all Alcoholic Beverage Commission and health department requirements for these important certifications. We offer 100% online courses you can take at your own pace.

Register and take the self-paced courses you need from any internet-connected device. When you finish, instantly download your certificate and your completion will be automatically reported to the state.

Our courses are:

  • Convenient: Take anywhere, anytime with English and Spanish options
  • 100% online: No in-person classes or commuting
  • Self-paced: Finish in as little as two hours or take up to 90 days
  • Easy: Instantly download your certificate with auto-reporting to the state
  • Low cost: Select one course or bundle server/seller and handler courses for a discount

If you’re busy juggling work, school and family life, there’s no better way to take care of your training requirements — you can even bundle both safety education courses together for one low price.

Start Your State-Approved Training Today

Whether you’re looking to satisfy state or employer requirements for your new job, develop better customer service skills, expand your knowledge or take a step into a new career, TABC Certification Program makes it easy with 100% online, mobile-friendly courses that are accredited by the state of Texas.

Get clear, effective training to obtain your TABC permit or handler card, or bundle both courses together for a discounted price. Explore our Texas food and alcohol safety education course options to get your certification as soon as today.