Texas Food Handler Training Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this Texas Food Handlers Card Training?

The Texas Food Handlers Card Training is about 90 minutes.

Who is considered a food handler?

"Food employee" or "food handler" is someone who handles, prepares, serves, sells, or gives away food for human consumption.

Do I need a Texas Food Handlers Card?

If you are a food handler in Texas, you are required to complete a food safety course that is approved for use in Texas. Completing an approved food safety course will award you with a Texas Food Handlers Card.

Is this food handler training and test approved for my area?

This online course is ANSI-approved and valid throughout the entire State of Texas, including the cities of Austin, San Antonio, Laredo, Denton, Wichita Falls, New Braunfels, Greenville, North Richland Hills, Arlington, Richardson, and Corpus Christi, Harris County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, El Paso County, Bexar County, Denton County, Travis County, Collin County, Hidalgo County, and Fort Bend County.

When do I need to get my Texas Food Handlers Card?

Within 60 days of starting work.

Who is exempt from food handler training?

The following are exempt from food handler training requirement:

• Certified Food Manager
• Food establishment that only serves pre-packaged items
• Temporary Food Establishment (in DSHS jurisdiction)

The following are exempt from food handler training as long as they are supervised by a person who has had either food handler certification through an accredited course or is a Certified Food Manager:

• Individuals with an Intellectual Disability.
• Persons in a rehabilitation or correctional facility that work with food or food related items as part of their rehabilitation.
• Persons who aid in activities of daily living (ADLs) (such as but not limited to certified nurse assistants, nurses, etc.)
• Persons who distribute pre-portioned food items in settings such as but not limited to classrooms, daycare, and similar facilities.
• Volunteers, those individuals that work with food or food related items but are not employed by the food establishment.

Is the employer responsible for paying for food handler training?

No, an employer is not responsible for paying for food handler training, since it is the property of the certificate holder.

What do I get when I finish this course?

Texas Food Handlers Card

How long is my Hawaii Food Handlers Card valid for?

Your Texas food handler's card will be valid for 2 years. The completion date is on the card.

How do I renew my Texas Food Handlers Card?

To renew, click here and purchase and retake the Texas Food Handlers Card training and test.

How do I reprint my current Texas Food Handlers Card?

Go to tapseries.io and click on Print Certificate.