Earn Your Texas Food Handler Certificate Online

The Texas Food Handler Program teaches food preparation and handling techniques to food service employees who work with packaged and unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils and food contact surfaces. Students will learn how to prevent foodborne illness through sanitary preparation methods.

This mobile-friendly course is approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The program takes at least two hours to complete, and there are no quizzes or a final exam. Upon completion of the course, you can instantly download a food handler certificate that will remain valid for two years.

Who Needs Food Handler Certification Training?

The Texas Food Handler Program is required for employees who handle packaged or unpackaged food, food-preparation equipment, utensils and other related items.

Once you register, you can begin the course whenever you like. The course has a user-friendly format, with easy to understand material to help you pass the final exam. Once you've successfully completed the course, you can instantly download your certificate for free.

Employees who need this training include:

  • Hostesses
  • Barbacks
  • Kitchen staff
  • Bussers
  • Servers
  • And more

The course curriculum provides employees with food safety knowledge, responsibilities and skills required by the Texas Food Establishment Rules. This program curriculum meets the training requirement for bare hand contact of ready-to-eat foods.

Testing Information

This course does not contain quizzes or a final exam. You can instantly download your certificate of completion after finishing the course.

Course Learning Objectives

After completing Texas Online Food Handler training, students will understand:

  • Food safety
  • Biohazards, foodborne illness and spoilage of food
  • Contaminants
  • Time and temperature controls
  • Health and hygiene of employees
  • Buying, handling and storage of food
  • Cleanliness and sanitation

Course Outline

The Texas Food Handler Program takes about two hours to complete. The five modules illustrate safe and hygienic food handling, foodborne illness prevention, contamination and more.

  • Module 1: Foodborne Illness
  • Module 2: Good Hygienic Practices
  • Module 3: Preventing Contamination by Employees
  • Module 4: Cross Contamination
  • Module 5: Time and Temperature

Texas Online Food Handler Program FAQs

What is a Texas food handler, and who needs certification training?

A food handler is a food service employee who works with packaged and unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, and food contact surfaces. Employees who need this training include hostesses, barbacks, kitchen staff, bussers and more.

Certain employees are exempt from food handler training, including:

  • Certified Food Managers
  • Employees at establishments that only serve pre-packaged food
  • Temporary Food Establishments under DSHS jurisdiction

In addition, the following employees do not need a food handler certificate while working under the supervision of a Certified Food Manager or someone with a food handler certification:

  • Individuals with an intellectual disability
  • Individuals in a rehabilitation facility or correctional facility who work with food as part of their rehabilitation
  • Employees who aid in activities of daily living, such as nurses and nurse assistants
  • People who distribute pre-portioned food in facilities such as classrooms and daycare
  • Volunteers not employed by the food establishment

Food service employees in Texas must complete food handler training within 30 days of starting work.

Is this Texas food handler training approved for my area?

This training is accepted for use throughout Texas, including all counties and cities that require a certificate from a program that is approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Some employers or jurisdictions may require food handlers to complete a training program that is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Our program is not ANAB accredited, but it is accepted by most employers.

When will I receive my Texas food handler certificate?

You can instantly download your food handler certificate upon successful completion of this DSHS-approved course. There are no quizzes or final exams.

Will my Texas food handler certificate expire?

Yes, your food handler certificate is valid for two years from the date you complete the training program. Texas requires food handlers to retake the course every two years to renew their training.

How long do I have to complete Texas food handler training?

You have 90 days to complete the program and earn your food handler certificate.

Who do I contact if I have questions about the course content?

Contact our trainer Katie Heil with questions about course content. She is available 10 a.m.-12 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday, at katie.heil@certus.com.

What topics does the Texas Food Handler Program cover?

This course teaches employees the importance of safe food handling practices and preventing foodborne illness. You'll learn about contaminants, personal hygiene, time and temperature controls, sanitation methods and other strategies that protect the health of customers.

Is this course ANAB accredited?

Our Texas food handler program is approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services. However, it is not accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board. Employers in most jurisdictions accept DSHS-approved training, but some may require you to complete an ANAB-accredited program.

How long does the course take to complete?

The course contains two hours of learning material, which is the minimum amount of time it will take to complete your training and earn your food handler card. Students can spend as much time as they need to complete the course.

Can I order a replacement food handler certificate?

After you complete the course, you can log in at any time to print copies of your Texas Food Handler certificate.

How long do employees have to become certified?

Food-handler employees are required to take a food handler course within their first 30 days of employment. You can meet this requirement 100% online by completing our state-approved food handler course.

What is the Texas cottage food law?

The Texas cottage food law governs safety and health requirements for individuals who operate food production businesses out of their homes. These individuals are required to complete an accredited food safety education program such as the Texas Online Food Handler Program.

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