Get Your Texas Food Handlers Certificate
Complete 100% Online in Under 2 Hours. DSHS-Approved and Valid Statewide. Instant Certificate Download.
- 100% Online & Mobile-Friendly
- Finish in Under 2 Hours
- Texas DSHS-Approved
- Instant Certificate Download
- Valid Statewide for 2 years
License #: 249
Which Course Should I Take?
Texas Food Handler Training
Get your Texas Food Handlers Certificate in 2 hours with our TX DSHS approved course.
$10.95
Key Features:
- DSHS-Approved & Statewide Compliant
- Complete in Just 2 Hours
- Meets Texas Food Handlers Training Standards
- Valid for 2 Years
- Mobile-Friendly & On-Demand
BUNDLE
Texas Food Handler + TABC Certification
Get your Texas Food Handlers Certificate + TABC training with this bundle.
$19.95
Key Features:
- Save with Both Certifications
- Complete Both in Under 4 Hours
- Approved by both TXDSHS and TABC
- 2-Year Validity for Each
- Content is updated and current
Texas TABC Certification
Get your Texas Alcohol Seller-Server Training in 2 hours with our TABC approved course.
$11.99
Key Features:
- TABC-Approved Seller-Server Training
- Finish in Just 2 Hours
- Instant TABC Certificate Download
- Valid Statewide for 2 Years
- Mobile-Friendly & Interactive
Why You Need a Texas Food Handlers Certificate
Texas requires food employees to complete DSHS-approved Texas Food Handlers Training within 30 days of starting work.
Under the Texas Food Establishment Rules, most food workers must complete DSHS-approved Texas Food Handlers Training within 30 days of starting employment.
If you handle food, beverages, utensils, or food-contact surfaces, you must earn a valid Texas Food Handlers Certificate. This requirement applies statewide in Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and all Texas counties.
The 30-Day Rule
Under the Texas Food Establishment Rules, food workers must complete an accredited Texas Food Handlers course within 30 days of being hired. Some employers require it before your first shift to avoid inspection issues.
Completing your training early protects your job and keeps your employer compliant.
What Happens If You Delay?
Waiting can result in:
Being sent home from scheduled shifts
Delays in starting work
Employer fines during inspections
Risk of termination
Certification takes less than 2 hours online.
Get Certified Fast and Stay Compliant
Our Texas Food Handlers Training is:
Fully DSHS-approved
100% online and mobile-friendly
Self-paced and under 2 hours
Instant certificate download after passing
Finish today and avoid last-minute stress.
Get Your Texas Food Handlers Certificate Online
Get your DSHS-approved Texas Food Handlers Certificate quickly, affordably, and 100% online.
100% Online
No classrooms or travel. Train anytime from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Mobile-Friendly Design
Start on your phone, finish on your laptop. Pause and resume anytime.
Valid for 2 Years
Our certification is good for two years from issuance, helping you compliant without hassle.
Quick & Efficient
Complete the entire course in under 2 hours. Includes all Texas-required training topics.
Texas DSHS-Approved
Officially approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Instant Certificate
Pass the exam and instantly download your official Texas Food Handlers Certificate.
What You’ll Learn in This Texas Food Handlers Course
After completing this accredited Texas Food Handlers Training, you’ll be able to:
Prevent Foodborne Illness:
Identify bacteria, viruses, and contamination risks before they cause problems.
Control Food Temperatures Safely:
Avoid the danger zone and follow proper cooking, holding, and reheating standards.
Practice Proper Hygiene:
Use correct handwashing, glove use, and illness reporting procedures.
Prevent Cross-Contamination:
Separate raw and ready-to-eat foods and reduce allergen risks.
Handle Food Safely from Start to Finish:
Follow safe receiving, storage, preparation, and serving practices.
Maintain Clean & Sanitized Work Areas:
Understand cleaning vs. sanitizing and pass inspections with confidence.
What’s Included in Our Texas Food Handlers Course?
Our DSHS-approved, course covers exactly what Texas requires, no unnecessary extras, just essential food safety training.
(~15–20 minutes)
Food Safety
Introduction to core food safety principles, common hazards, foodborne illness risks, and why proper handling matters in Texas establishments.
(~15–20 minutes)
Good Personal Hygiene
Learn essential hygiene practices, including proper handwashing, glove use, hair restraints, illness reporting, and preventing contamination from personal habits.
(~20–25 minutes)
Time and Temperature
Master the danger zone, safe cooking, holding, reheating, and cooling temperatures, thermometer use, and time controls to keep food safe.
(~15–20 minutes)
Cross Contamination
Learn how to prevent bacteria and allergen transfer by separating raw and ready-to-eat foods, using proper storage, and following safe handling practices.
(~15–20 minutes)
Cleaning and Sanitizing
Learn proper cleaning and sanitizing methods for equipment, utensils, and surfaces, plus safe storage, receiving practices, and basic pest prevention.
(~10–15 minutes)
Final Exam
Multiple-choice final exam (70% passing score required; free retakes included). Pass and instantly download your official Texas Food Handlers Certificate.
How to Get Texas Food Handlers Certified in 3 Easy Steps
Enroll in minutes, complete at your own pace, and download your official Texas Food Handlers Certificate instantly.
Step 1:
Enroll & Get Instant Access
Sign up in under 2 minutes, just enter your details, pay securely, and start training right away.
- 100% online, no downloads or software needed
- Works on phone, tablet, or computer
Step 2:
Complete the Training
Go through our simple, self-paced modules covering everything Texas requires.
- Under 2 hours total, pause and resume anytime
- Easy-to-follow lessons with visuals and quick checks
Step 3:
Pass the Exam & Download Your Certificate
Pass the exam with a 70% or higher. Once you pass:
- Instantly download and print your official Texas Food Handler Certificate
- DSHS-approved and valid statewide for 2 years
Trusted by Texas Food Workers Statewide
EXCELLENT Based on 93 reviews Posted on Enrique PTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Easy and fast to get thru, very helpfulPosted on Rachel BTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Giving 4 stars for the grammar errors but overall easy-peasy!Posted on Davis DTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It was pretty awesome on how ServeSmart made it easy to quickly study and do the test. I passed with flying colors. I'm excited to start working in the field I was meant for. Thank you!Posted on Tiffany TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Easy to follow lessons with mid lesson mini quizzes. They really know how to set you up for a passing test.Posted on Jerry DTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Has great courses and thorough information.Posted on Metta PTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am glad to use the service from this page and it is the page I trust the most.Posted on Kristin FTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Revised review. Outstanding customer service. Prompt. Very responsive and courteous. My husband and I agree that this is one of the most comprehensive CBT programs we have taken. Excellent value. In-depth training. Has provided both of us with exactly what we need. Thank you!!! We highly recommend ServeSmart.Posted on Charlie yTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took their MAST permit program online and I think it was a pretty well done online school. It was definitely more tedious then it needed to be, with a lot of trick questions and new random content on the quizzes. Along with they've got some bugs like mislabeling of quizzes and one of their ID Questions on the quiz was just having the wrong answer. But overall a pretty solid online course.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Texas Food Handlers course DSHS-approved and accepted statewide?
Yes. Our Texas Food Handlers Training is fully approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). It is valid statewide and accepted in all Texas counties, including Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, and surrounding areas. No additional local course is required.
How long is a Texas Food Handlers Card valid?
Your Texas Food Handler Certificate is valid for 2 years from the date of completion. After it expires, you must retake a DSHS-approved food handler course to renew.
Do I need a Texas Food Handlers Certificate to work in Texas?
Most food employees in Texas are required to complete an accredited Texas Food Handler course within 30 days of starting employment, according to the Texas Food Establishment Rules. Some employers may require training before your first shift.
How long does the Texas Food Handlers course take?
The course takes under 2 hours to complete. It is self-paced and includes 5 short modules and a final exam. You can start, stop, and resume anytime on any device.
Is this Texas Food Handler course 100% online?
Yes. This is a 100% online Texas Food Handler Training course. There are no in-person classes, no downloads, and no scheduling required. It works on phones, tablets, and computers.
What score do I need to pass the final exam?
You must score 70% or higher to pass. If you do not pass on your first attempt, you may review the course and retake the exam.
Do I need to print my Texas Food Handlers Certificate?
Yes. After passing, you can instantly download and print your official Texas Food Handlers Certificate. Employers must keep proof of training on file for health inspections.
What if I lose my Texas Food Handlers Certificate?
You can log in to your account anytime to download and reprint your certificate for free during the 2-year validity period.
What is the difference between a Texas Food Handlers and Food Manager certification?
A Texas Food Handlers Certificate is required for most food employees. A Food Manager Certification is required for at least one certified manager per establishment and involves a more advanced exam.
Is this course valid in my Texas city or county?
Yes. Because this course is approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services, it is valid statewide. There are no city-specific versions required.
Get Your Texas Food Handlers Certificate Today
100% online. DSHS-approved. Instant certificate download.
What You Get Immediately:
• Instant access to all 5 modules + final exam
• Mobile-friendly training you can complete anytime
• Free exam retakes if needed
• Instant certificate download upon passing
• Valid statewide for 2 years