How to Get a Food Handler Card in Texas

A Texas food handler certification - often called a "food handler card" - is a mandatory credential for anyone who prepares, handles, or serves food for public consumption in the state. It demonstrates that you understand the fundamentals of food safety: proper temperatures, cross-contamination prevention, personal hygiene, and allergen awareness. Texas law requires the certificate to come from a provider accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). The course is designed to be completed online at your own pace and typically takes about 2 hours.

Under Texas Health & Safety Code §438.043 and the Texas Food Establishment Rules (25 TAC §228.33), every food handler working at a food establishment - including restaurants, cafeterias, food trucks, school cafeterias, catering operations, and grocery store delis - must have a valid food handler certification. This applies to full-time, part-time, and temporary workers. New employees must obtain certification within 30 days of their hire date under Texas HSC §438.043, as amended by HB 1060 (2025). Managers and supervisors may have an additional requirement to hold a separate Certified Food Manager (CFM) credential, but the food handler card is the baseline requirement for all food workers.

Texas food handler training is governed by the Texas Food Establishment Rules, codified at 25 TAC §228.33. The rules require that all food handlers complete a food handler training course from an accredited provider within 30 days of hire (Texas HSC §438.043, as amended by HB 1060 (2025)). The Texas Department of State Health Services maintains a list of accredited providers on its website. Employers are responsible for maintaining records showing that all employees have valid certifications, and health inspectors may request these records during a routine inspection. Failure to comply can result in fines and orders to correct the violation. The law applies to any retail food establishment operating in Texas, regardless of size.

A Texas food handler certification is valid for two (2) years from the date it is issued. After two years, you must renew by retaking the course and passing the exam again. Many employers set up internal reminders 60-90 days before expiry. CertPronto automatically emails you a renewal reminder as your expiration date approaches so you never let it lapse.

Getting your card in Texas is straightforward. Here's the process:

1. Choose an accredited provider. Texas requires training from a DSHS-accredited or ANSI-accredited provider. CertPronto's course is in development toward ANAB accreditation and Texas DSHS licensure - it is not yet accredited or licensed, so confirm a provider's current status before enrolling.
2. Create an account. Sign up at CertPronto.com - it takes under a minute.
3. Pay the course fee. CertPronto charges just $12.99 - the lowest price among Texas food handler course providers.
4. Complete the online course. Work through 10 interactive modules covering food safety essentials. Takes about 2 hours. Bilingual: English and Spanish.
5. Pass the final exam. Score 70% or higher on the 41-question exam. Unlimited free retakes.
6. Download your certificate. Your certificate is available instantly as a PDF and includes a QR code for employer verification.

Prices vary by provider, but most charge $10-$25. CertPronto charges $12.99 - the lowest price among Texas food handler course providers (Texas DSHS licensure and ANAB accreditation in progress). There are no hidden fees. The $12.99 includes unlimited exam retakes, a digital certificate, and a QR-code-enabled verification system your employer can use. Employers who need to certify teams of 5 or more workers can purchase bulk seats at a group discount through the CertPronto Team portal.

Working as a food handler without valid certification puts both you and your employer at risk. During a health department inspection, an inspector may cite the establishment for employing uncertified food handlers. Repeated or egregious violations can result in fines ranging from $100 to $500 per uncertified employee, required corrective action plans, or even temporary closure. For employees, some employers may withhold scheduling until the card is obtained. Getting your card now - for just $12.99 - is far cheaper than any enforcement action.