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There are over 1.2 million people employed in the Texas food service sector. If you are going to be one of them it’s important that you have the knowledge and skills needed to handle, prepare, and serve food safely. That’s where Texas Food Handlers Certification comes in.
You can get your Texas Food Handlers Certification online by completing an approved Food Handler training program and passing a short exam. The process is fast, affordable and fully online, making it easy to meet Texas food safety training requirements and start work quickly in restaurants, bars and other food service settings.
What Is a Texas Food Handlers Certification?
Who Needs a Food Handlers Certification in Texas?
Can You Get a Texas Food Handlers Certificate Online?
How to Get Your Texas Food Handlers Certification Online
How Long Does Texas Food Handlers Training Take?
Texas Food Handler vs Food Protection Manager Requirements
What Is a Texas Food Handlers Certification?
A Texas Food Handlers Certification confirms that you understand basic food safety practices such as personal hygiene, time and temperature control, cross-contamination prevention and cleaning procedures. It is sometimes called a Texas Food Handlers Certificate, Food Handler Card or Food Handlers License, although it is a training certificate rather than a professional license.
Texas follows the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER), which require food handling employees to receive food safety training. Most employers meet this requirement by asking staff to complete an approved Food Handlers training program.
Who Needs a Food Handlers Certification in Texas?
Most people who handle food as part of their job in Texas need Food Handler training. This includes:
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Restaurant and fast-food employees
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Bar staff who handle garnishes or food
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Catering and event staff
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Food truck workers
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School and institutional kitchen staff
Tip: Even if your role seems limited, handling unpackaged food or food-contact surfaces usually triggers the requirement. Always check with your employer or local health department for confirmation.
Can You Get a Texas Food Handlers Certificate Online?
Yes. Texas allows Food Handler training to be completed entirely online as long as the program meets state and local health department standards. Online training is the most common option because it is flexible, self-paced and available on any device.
An ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) approved online training program covers the same core topics as in-person training and issues a downloadable certificate after you pass the final exam.
How to Get Your Texas Food Handlers Certification Online
Getting your Texas Food Handlers Certification online is fast and straightforward. Here’s how the process works:
1. Enroll in the Texas Food Handlers Training Program
Userve delivers an ANAB-accredited Texas Food Handlers training program that meets food safety requirements for the state.
Ready to get started? Access the program here.
2. Complete the training modules
Lessons and quizzes cover foodborne illness prevention, hygiene, allergen management, cleaning and safe food temperatures.
3. Pass the Texas Food Handlers Exam
The online proctored exam checks your understanding of key food safety principles through 50 multiple-choice questions. A score of 70% is required in order to pass. Multiple attempts are permitted within the enrollment period.
4. Download your Texas Food Handlers Certificate
After you pass the exam, your Texas Food Handlers Certificate will be sent to you digitally via email. It can then be downloaded and shared with your employer.
How Long Does Texas Food Handlers Training Take?
Most learners finish their Texas Food Handlers training in just a few hours. However, the time required can differ depending on your prior food handling experience, English proficiency, and computer literacy. Userve’s online Food Handlers training program is fully self-paced, so you can pause, resume, and progress whenever it suits you.
By offering such a quick turnaround, Userve opens up Food Handlers training to those who need certification quickly before beginning their first shift.
Texas Food Handler vs Food Protection Manager Requirements
Food Handlers Certification is not the same as Food Protection Manager Certification. Texas food establishments often need both, depending on staffing and operation type.
| Requirement | Who It’s For | Purpose |
| Food Handlers Certification Texas | Most food handling employees | Basic food safety knowledge |
| Food Protection Manager Certification Texas | Person in Charge (PIC) - Managers or supervisors | Enhancing knowledge of food safety systems and ability to monitor implementation in the workplace |
Managers may need to pass a proctored Food Protection Manager Exam in addition to Food Handlers Certification.
Learn more about the Texas Food Protection Manager Exam in our dedicated blog - Texas Food Protection Manager Exam: Everything You Need To Know
Get Your Texas Food Handlers Certification Online Today
Completing your Texas Food Handlers Certification online is a fast, flexible and reliable way to meet job requirements and show employers you take food safety seriously. Online training fits around your schedule, delivers immediate proof of completion and helps protect customers from foodborne illness.
Get your Texas Food Handler Certification online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Food Handlers License required in Texas?
Texas requires food safety training for food employees, typically met through a Food Handlers Certificate rather than a formal license.
Is my Texas Food Handlers Certificate valid statewide?
Generally yes, but local health departments may have additional rules. Always verify locally.
How long is a Texas Food Handlers Certificate valid?
Your Texas Food Handlers Certificate is valid for two years from the date of issue. After that, you must retake the training to stay compliant.
Reminder: Keep a copy of your certificate for your records. Inspectors or employers may ask to see it during audits.
