Texas
Food Handler Card
Accredited, approved online food handler training. Complete in 75 minutes, print your certificate immediately.
- ANAB Accredited
- Accepted Statewide
- Complete in 75 Minutes
- Instant Certificate
- Mobile Friendly
- No Hidden Fees
Limited Time Offer
Ends 11/30
$15.00
$8.00
Valid for 2 Years👥 Buying for a team? You'll get assignable seats plus a manager dashboard — taking the course yourself is an option at checkout. Learn more about team training
Bundle & save $1.00
Texas Food Handler + TABC
Serving food and alcohol in Texas?
- Texas Food Handler Card$8.00
- Texas TABC Seller-Server Certification$8.00
$16.00
$15.00
Who Needs a Texas Food Handler Card?
The Texas Food Establishment Rules require every food employee, except the certified food protection manager, to complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of starting work (25 TAC §228.31). A food employee is anyone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces. The Texas Department of State Health Services sets the rule, and city and county health departments enforce it.
Restaurants & Cafés
Servers, cooks, prep and dish staff
Grocery & Convenience Stores
Deli, bakery and produce staff
Catering Teams
Event staff and food prep
School Cafeterias
Cafeteria and nutrition staff
Food Trucks
Mobile food unit crews
Bars & Coffee Shops
Bartenders and baristas
Texas Food Handler Requirements
Texas has one statewide rule, and a few cities set a shorter deadline. For the details, city by city, see our Texas food handler requirements guide.
30 Days From Hire
Food employees must complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of starting work (25 TAC §228.31(d)). Many employers want it before your first shift.
Some Cities Are Stricter
Fort Worth requires it within 7 days, Irving within 14 and McKinney within 15. Corpus Christi and Laredo require it before you start work.
Accredited Course Required
The course must be accredited by DSHS or by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Ours is ANAB-accredited, and ANAB's directory lists our Texas program.
Keep a Copy On Site
Your employer must keep a copy of your certificate at the food establishment (25 TAC §228.31(e)).
Accepted Statewide
An accredited certificate meets every local health department's training requirement, and no city can make you buy a separate local card (Health & Safety Code §438.046).
Managers Are Exempt
The certified food protection manager doesn't need a food handler card (25 TAC §228.31(d)). Every other food employee does.
What You Will Learn
Our Texas food handler course covers the core food safety topics every food employee needs, aligned with the FDA Food Code.
- 1
Foodborne Pathogens
Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and the Big 5 foodborne illnesses food handlers must recognize.
- 2
Employee Health & Hygiene
Proper handwashing, when to wash, illness reporting, and personal hygiene.
- 3
Time & Temperature Control
The temperature danger zone, safe cooking temperatures, and proper cooling.
- 4
Contamination Prevention
Cross-contamination risks, allergen awareness, and safe food storage.
- 5
Cleaning & Sanitizing
Sanitizer concentrations, three-compartment sinks, and food-contact surfaces.
How It Works
How to Get Your Texas Food Handler Card
Enroll Online
Sign up in under 2 minutes. Just $8, no hidden fees.
Complete Training
Self-paced course takes about 75 minutes. Save and resume anytime.
Pass the Exam
Multiple-choice exam with a free retake included.
Download Your Card
Get your certificate instantly and give your employer a copy to keep on site, as Texas requires.
Food Handler Card Comparison
Here is how our $8 Food Handler Card compares to other ANAB-accredited providers.
| Provider | Price | ANAB Accredited | Certificate Access | Mobile Friendly | Sells Your Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FenixFoodSafetyBEST VALUE | $8 | In 9 states | 3 Years | Yes | No |
| 360Training | $9.99 | Yes | 60 Days | Yes | Yes |
| eFoodHandlers | $9.95 | Yes | 3 Years | Yes | No |
| StateFoodSafety | $10.99 | Yes | 1 Year | Yes | No |
| ServSafe | $11.99 | Yes | 3 Years | Limited | Yes |
Prices verified as of February 2026. Competitor prices may change.
How Long Is a Texas Food Handler Card Valid?
A Texas food handler certificate is valid for two years from the date it's issued (25 TAC §229.178). After that, you renew by retaking the course.
2 Years
Your certificate is valid for two years from the date it's issued.
$8 Renewal
Renew at the same $8 price. Retake the course before your certificate expires to stay compliant.
Keep on File
Texas requires your employer to keep a copy of your certificate at the food establishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an online food handler card accepted in Texas?
Yes. Texas accepts food handler courses accredited by DSHS or by ANAB, including online courses. Ours is ANAB-accredited, and an accredited certificate meets every local health department's training requirement.
When do I need my Texas food handler card?
Within 30 days of starting work under state rules (25 TAC §228.31). Some cities are stricter: Fort Worth requires it within 7 days, Irving within 14 and McKinney within 15, while Corpus Christi and Laredo require it before you start.
Does my city issue its own food handler card?
You don't need one. Texas law bars local health departments from requiring a local food handler card, or charging a fee, when you have a certificate from an accredited course (Health & Safety Code §438.046).
Do managers need a Texas food handler card?
Not if they're the certified food protection manager. The food handler rule covers every food employee except the certified food protection manager.
How long is a Texas food handler card valid?
Two years from the date it's issued (25 TAC §229.178). Renew by retaking the course before it expires.
Is a food handler card the same as TABC certification?
No. A food handler card covers food safety. TABC certification covers selling and serving alcohol, and it's approved by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. We offer both courses.
What if I fail the food handler exam?
A free retake is included with your purchase, and you need 70% to pass.
How much does a Texas food handler card cost?
$8, with no added fees. Renewals are the same price.
Is the Fenix course ANAB-accredited for Texas?
Yes. The ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) lists our Texas Food Handler program in its directory, valid through September 16, 2030. FenixFoodSafety is ANAB Certificate Issuer #9262. Verify our Texas listing on ANAB's website. (opens in a new tab)
Start Your Food Handler Training Today
Join a growing number of certified food handlers. Just $8 — no hidden fees, instant certificate.
Local guides by city
County rules, local health department contacts, and how the card works where you live.