Food Handler Card in Arlington, TX
Food service workers in Arlington must complete an accredited food handler course within 60 days of hire under Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) §228 — a statewide rule enforced locally by the City of Arlington's own Health Services division, part of Planning and Development Services. FenixFoodSafety's ANAB-accredited online course is accepted in Arlington, takes about 75 minutes, and issues your certificate instantly.
Instant certificate download the moment you pass.
- Cost
- $8
- Course time
- ~75 minutes
- Format
- 100% online
- Accreditation
- ANAB-accredited
- Valid for
- 2 years
- Deadline
- 60 days from hire
Local health authority — Tarrant County
City of Arlington Health Services
101 W. Abram St., 2nd Floor, Arlington, TX 76010
(817) 459-6693
How food handler rules work in Arlington
Texas sets the food handler requirement statewide — every food employee needs an accredited course within 60 days of hire, with certificates valid for 2 years under TFER §228. There is no separate Arlington-only card: an ANAB-accredited certificate like Fenix's satisfies the requirement citywide.
Arlington maintains its own municipal Health Services division rather than deferring entirely to Tarrant County for fixed restaurant inspections, and it inspects food establishments against the same TFER standard plus the city's Health and Sanitation Ordinance. Mobile and temporary food vendor permitting, however, shifted to Tarrant County Public Health as of 2023 under state law (H.B. 2878), so a mobile vendor operating in Arlington may need a county permit even though a brick-and-mortar restaurant is inspected by the city.
How it works in Arlington
Enroll online
Start the Texas Food Handler Card on any device — about 75 minutes, self-paced.
Pass the exam
Score 70% or higher. Retakes are included if you need another shot.
Download your certificate
Your ANAB-accredited certificate is ready the moment you pass.
Show your employer
They keep proof on file for Tarrant County inspections.
Arlington
Arlington food handler questions
Is an online food handler card accepted in Arlington?
Yes. Texas accepts accredited online training statewide, including Arlington. Fenix's course is ANAB-accredited, so it qualifies.
Who enforces food handler requirements in Arlington?
The City of Arlington's own Health Services division enforces food safety rules for fixed food establishments in Arlington. You can reach them at (817) 459-6693.
How long do I have to get certified after starting a job in Arlington?
60 days from hire, statewide under TFER §228. The course takes about 75 minutes, so most people finish it before their first shift.
How long is an Arlington food handler card valid?
Two years from issuance, per Texas Food Establishment Rules §228. Renew before it expires to stay compliant.
Ready to get certified in Arlington?
Start now and show your certificate at work today — just $8.