Best Texas Food Handler Certificate Courses (2026)
Texas requires food handlers to complete an accredited food handler training course within 60 days of hire under 25 Texas Administrative Code §228.33 and Texas Health & Safety Code §438.046, with cards valid for two years. Texas accepts two parallel accreditation paths: courses accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) directly, and courses accredited by ANAB under ASTM E2659-09. Both paths are recognized statewide, and out-of-state ANAB-accredited cards transfer to Texas under reciprocity. Cards must show either a TXDSHS Accreditation License Number or an ANAB mark to be valid, and food establishments must keep a copy of each food employee's certificate on file (hard copy or electronic) for inspection. Texas does not impose a statutory cost cap; provider prices range from $7 to $20. Cottage food operators (home-based food businesses) are also required to complete accredited food handler training under the Texas Cottage Food Law.
Texas Food Handler FAQ
How long do I have to get my Texas food handler certificate after I'm hired?
60 days from the date you start work as a food employee under 25 Texas Administrative Code §228.33. Note: TXDSHS's own FAQ page still cites the older §228.31 with a 30-day deadline, but the current rule is §228.33 with 60 days. The FAQ page has not been updated to reflect the section reorganization. Employers must keep a copy of each food employee's certificate on-site (hard copy or electronic) and make it available to inspection within 60 days of hire.
What's the difference between TXDSHS-accredited and ANAB-accredited Texas food handler courses?
Both are valid in Texas. TXDSHS (Texas Department of State Health Services) accredits courses directly under its own state program, with each course receiving a Texas Accreditation License Number. ANAB (ANSI National Accreditation Board) accredits courses under ASTM E2659-09, the national standard. The practical difference is portability: TXDSHS-only cards are valid only in Texas, while ANAB-accredited cards transfer to other states that accept ANAB accreditation (California, Arizona, Illinois, Florida, and others). If you may work as a food handler outside Texas, choose an ANAB-accredited course.
Will my food handler card from another state work in Texas?
Sometimes. Texas accepts ANAB-accredited food handler cards from other states under reciprocity — if your card was issued through an ANAB-accredited program (regardless of the issuing state), it's valid in Texas. Cards from state-only programs that are not ANAB-accredited (for example, Oregon and Washington's state-issued cards) are NOT valid in Texas. Check your card for the ANAB mark to confirm.
How long is a Texas food handler card valid?
Two years from the date of issuance. Recertification is by retaking an accredited course (TXDSHS-accredited or ANAB-accredited) and passing the exam — there is no separate renewal-only path. Each course must be completed in full again at recertification.
Who is exempt from Texas food handler training?
Several categories are exempt from the food handler training requirement: certified Food Protection Managers (with a current valid certificate); employees who handle only pre-packaged food and do not handle unpackaged food, food-contact equipment, or food-contact surfaces; and employees of temporary food establishments under DSHS jurisdiction. Several other categories are exempt provided they are supervised by a Certified Food Manager or someone with food handler certification: rehabilitation/correctional facility participants; ADL aides (CNAs, nurses); classroom and daycare staff distributing pre-portioned food; and volunteers not employed by the establishment.
Do cottage food operators in Texas need food handler training?
Yes. Under the Texas Cottage Food Law, anyone who operates a home-based food business (selling cottage foods directly to consumers from their home kitchen) must complete an accredited food handler training course. The same TXDSHS-accredited or ANAB-accredited courses that food employees take satisfy the cottage food operator requirement. Cottage food operators are otherwise exempt from many regulations that apply to commercial food establishments, but the food handler training requirement is not waived.