Texas Food Handler Card Requirements (2026)
Last updated July 2026
Every food employee in Texas must complete an accredited food handler course within 60 days of starting work — a statewide rule under Texas Health & Safety Code §438.046, overseen by the Department of State Health Services. This guide covers who needs a certificate, what it costs, how long it lasts, and how to get certified online today.
ANAB-accredited · about 75 minutes · $8
Quick answer
Yes — Texas requires every food employee to complete an accredited food handler training course within 60 days of hire (Texas Health & Safety Code §438.046). The certificate is valid for 2 years, ANAB-accredited online courses are accepted statewide, and training typically costs $6–$15.
| Who needs it | All food employees in Texas food establishments |
|---|---|
| Deadline | Within 60 days of hire |
| Law | Texas Health & Safety Code §438.046 |
| Regulating agency | Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) |
| Valid for | 2 years |
| Online training | Accepted statewide (accredited providers) |
| Typical cost | $6–$15 |
| Exam | Yes — score 70% or higher (retakes included with our course) |
Ready to get certified in Texas?
ANAB-accredited · about 75 minutes · $8 · instant certificate
How Texas regulates food handler training
Texas is a statewide-requirement state: Health & Safety Code §438.046 requires food employees everywhere in Texas to complete a basic food safety course from an accredited program, and employers must be able to show proof during health inspections. Oversight sits with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Accreditation is the key word — the course must come from a provider accredited under ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) standards, which is what makes online training acceptable statewide. Local health departments can layer additional rules on top of the state minimum, so if you work in a county or city with its own food program, it's worth a quick check with your local department — but for most Texans, an accredited online course is the whole requirement.
FenixFoodSafety's Texas Food Handler course is ANAB-accredited, takes about 75 minutes, and issues your certificate immediately on passing.
Getting certified
How to get your Texas food handler certificate
Four steps, about 75 minutes, certificate in hand the same day.
Enroll
Start the Texas Food Handler course online — no account setup needed before checkout.
Learn
Work through the interactive modules at your own pace. Most people finish in about 75 minutes.
Pass the exam
Score 70% or higher on the online exam. Retakes are included if you need another shot.
Download your certificate
Print it the moment you pass and give a copy to your employer — they keep proof on file for inspections. Valid for 2 years.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a food handler card in Texas?
Yes. Texas law (Health & Safety Code §438.046) requires every food employee statewide to complete an accredited food handler training course within 60 days of hire, and employers must keep proof on file.
Who counts as a food employee in Texas?
Anyone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces in a Texas food establishment — cooks, servers, baristas, dishwashers, and most grocery and convenience-store food workers included.
How quickly do I need my card after starting a new job?
Within 60 days of hire, statewide. Some local health departments expect it sooner, and many employers want it before your first shift — the course takes about 75 minutes, so most people just finish it up front.
How long is a Texas food handler card valid?
Two years from the date on your certificate. When it expires, you take a course again to renew.
How much does a food handler card cost in Texas?
Typically $6–$15 depending on the provider. Fenix's ANAB-accredited online course is $8, including the exam and your printable certificate — no hidden fees.
Can I take the food handler course online in Texas?
Yes. Texas accepts online training statewide as long as the provider is accredited. Fenix's course is ANAB-accredited, so it qualifies everywhere in Texas.
What happens if I work without a food handler card in Texas?
Health inspectors check training records during inspections. Missing certificates can mean citations or fines for the establishment, and repeated violations put its permit at risk — which is why most employers won't schedule you until your certificate is on file.
Ready to get your Texas Food Handler Card?
Take the ANAB-accredited course online in about 75 minutes — just $8.
Start Texas Food Handler Training →