How to get a Food Handlers Permit in Texas?

To obtain a food handlers permit in the state of Texas, you must complete an accredited food handler training course within 30 days of getting a job. The course covers food safety topics including good hygiene practices, how to avoid cross-contamination, and more. The Texas Department of State Health Services licenses online, private, and classroom food handler training programs throughout the state. After completing the training, you will receive a certificate that serves as your food handlers permit.

1.  Enroll in an Accredited Food Handler Training Course

• Purpose: This course is necessary to learn about food safety topics including good hygiene practices, how to avoid cross-contamination, and more. It is a requirement to get a food handlers permit in Texas.
• Instructions: You can enroll in one of the Accredited Food Handler Internet (Online) Training Programs or attend an accredited Food Handler Classroom Training Program. Some of the online programs include “@HOME PREP: A Division of Stautzenberger College”, “All Star Training, Inc.”, “National Food Handlers Foundation”, “1 AAA Food Handler”, and “10DollarFoodCard.com”. Each program has a unique license number and offers training in different languages. Classroom training is offered throughout the state by various licensed programs. You can find class schedules and locations by contacting a licensed program’s administration team or visiting its website.

2.  Complete the Training Course

• Purpose: To gain the necessary knowledge and skills to handle food safely and to meet the requirements for obtaining a food handlers permit in Texas.
• Instructions: Complete the training course either online or in a classroom setting. The course must be completed within 30 days of getting a job. After completing the training, you will receive a certificate that serves as your food handlers permit.

3.  Maintain Your Training Records

• Purpose: To provide proof of your training and to meet the requirements of food establishments in Texas.
• Instructions: Keep a record of your training certificate. Food establishments in Texas are required to maintain a record of the training for each employee at the establishment.

Useful Information Source Links:

• Texas Department of State Health Services: Food Handler Training Programs
• Accredited Food Handler Internet (Online) Training Programs: List of Programs
• Food Handler Classroom Training Programs: List of Programs

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is a food handlers permit? A food handlers permit is a certificate that proves you have completed a food handler training course and are qualified to handle food in a professional setting.
• How long do I have to complete the food handler training course? You must complete the course within 30 days of getting a job.
• Do I need to register my course completion with the City of Austin? No, food handlers are no longer required to register their course completion with the City of Austin.
• Who is responsible for ensuring employees undergo training at the proper intervals? The responsibility of ensuring employees undergo training at the proper intervals lies with the establishments. They are required to maintain a record of the training for each employee at the establishment.
• Where can I find a list of accredited food handler training programs? You can find a list of accredited online and classroom training programs on the Texas Department of State Health Services website.

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