The Texas Food Handler Certificate is required for employees working in food service roles throughout the state. This certification is mandated by the Texas Department of State Health Services to establish a minimum standard for food safety knowledge. The program educates staff on safe food handling practices, which is necessary before working with unpackaged food, utensils, or food-contact surfaces.
Required Duration of the Texas Food Handler Course
The instructional time necessary to complete the Texas Food Handler course is brief, requiring between 1.5 to 2 hours of dedicated training. This duration is mandated to ensure comprehensive coverage of topics like personal hygiene and cross-contamination prevention. Most individuals opt for online training programs, which offer a self-paced format. Although the total time can be spread out over multiple sessions, the system tracks the required minimum instructional time before granting access to the final assessment.
Steps to Get Certified After Training
Following the required training hours, the next step is successfully passing a final knowledge assessment. This examination consists of multiple-choice questions designed to confirm a grasp of the food safety principles covered in the course. Most approved providers require a minimum passing score of 70%. Upon passing the assessment, the certificate is issued immediately and is available for instant download as a printable document. This quick turnaround allows the employee to provide proof of certification to an employer.
Validity and Renewal Requirements
The certificate is valid for two years from the issue date. This fixed expiration period requires food service workers to keep their certification current to maintain compliance with state regulations. To renew the certificate, the individual must retake the entire approved food handler course and pass the knowledge assessment again. The renewal process requires repeating the full training to ensure the worker is updated on food safety standards.
Scope of the Texas Food Handler Card
The Texas Food Handler Card is recognized statewide and must be obtained through an accredited training program. Accreditation ensures the course meets the content and quality requirements set by the state. Many approved programs are also accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), which provides quality assurance. The valid state card must be accepted by all local health departments across Texas. While the state card is universally accepted, some local jurisdictions may require additional administrative steps or fees.