Food Handler Card in Dallas, TX
Food service workers in Dallas must complete an accredited food handler course within 60 days of hire under Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) §228 — a statewide rule enforced inside Dallas city limits by the City of Dallas Code Compliance Services' Consumer Health Division, not by Dallas County. Fenix's ANAB-accredited online course is accepted in Dallas, 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 — Dallas County
City of Dallas Code Compliance Services — Consumer Health Division
7901 Goforth Rd, Dallas, TX 75238
(214) 670-8083
How food handler rules work in Dallas
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 Dallas-only card: an ANAB-accredited certificate like Fenix's satisfies the requirement citywide.
Inside Dallas city limits, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, and schools are permitted and inspected by the city's own Consumer Health Division, part of Code Compliance Services — Dallas County Health and Human Services handles unincorporated county areas and county-wide mobile food unit permitting, not fixed establishments in the city. Dallas inspects on a 100-point scale, and an inspection score below 80% triggers a paid re-inspection, so employers keep training records tight.
Dallas food establishment permits renew annually with fees set by risk level, and the permitting inspector verifies compliance — including employee food handler certificates — during health inspections. That is why most Dallas employers want your certificate on file before your first shift, even though state law allows 60 days.
How it works in Dallas
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 Dallas County inspections.
Dallas
Dallas food handler questions
Is an online food handler card accepted in Dallas?
Yes. Texas accepts accredited online training statewide, including Dallas. Fenix's course is ANAB-accredited, so it qualifies.
Who enforces food handler requirements in Dallas?
Inside city limits, the City of Dallas Consumer Health Division (Code Compliance Services) permits and inspects food establishments — not Dallas County. You can reach the division at (214) 670-8083.
How long do I have to get certified after starting a job in Dallas?
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 a Dallas 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 Dallas?
Start now and show your certificate at work today — just $8.