Texas law requires all food handlers to obtain a food handler card within 30 days of being hired (Texas HSC §438.043, as amended by HB 1060 (2025)). Here's everything you need to know about Texas food handler card requirements in 2026.
- Required within 30 days of hire (HB 1060, 2025)
- Valid for 2 years
- Must be from a DSHS-accredited provider
- Starting at $12.99 at CertPronto
- Accepted statewide
Who Needs a Texas Food Handler Card?
- Cooks, line cooks, prep cooks
- Servers, bartenders, baristas who handle food or garnishes
- Dishwashers and staff who clean food-contact surfaces
- School cafeteria, hospital kitchen, and nursing home kitchen workers
- Catering workers who handle food on-site
Cost Comparison
| Provider | Price | Time | Spanish |
|---|---|---|---|
| CertPronto | $12.99 | ~2 hours | ✅ |
| ServSafe | $15.00 | 8 hours | ⚠️ |
| National Registry | $12.00 | 3 hours | ❌ |
| Learn2Serve | $9.95 | 2–4 hours | ❌ |
How to Get Your Texas Food Handler Card Online
- Visit CertPronto.com/pricing — Select the Food Handler course for $12.99.
- Create a free account — Takes about 60 seconds.
- Complete the course — 10 modules, available in English and Spanish.
- Pass the final exam — 41 multiple-choice questions.
- Download your certificate — Instant PDF with QR code for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a food handler card in Texas?
All food handlers who prepare, store, or serve food must obtain a food handler card within 30 days of hire under Texas HSC §438.043, as amended by HB 1060 (2025).
How much does a Texas food handler card cost?
CertPronto charges $12.99 — among the lowest prices for a Texas food handler course (DSHS accreditation application pending).
How long is the Texas food handler card valid?
Texas food handler cards are valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
Is the Texas food handler card accepted statewide?
Yes. A DSHS-accredited certificate is valid at any food establishment in Texas.
Can I take the course in Spanish?
Yes. CertPronto offers the course fully in Spanish. Visit certpronto.com/es.
Get Your Texas Food Handler Card Now
$12.99 · About 2 hours · Instant certificate · English & Spanish
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