1. Who must obtain food handler training? Does Texas require a food handler's certificate?

The Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) requires that all food employees complete an accredited food handler training course within 60 days of employment.

2. Who is a food employee?

A food employee is an individual working with un-packaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces, such as kitchen staff, bussers, hostesses, servers, bartenders, bar-backs etc. All food employees will need to have a currently valid food handler certificate.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Bartenders
• Chefs and Head Cooks
• Cooks
• Food and Beverage Serving and Related Workers
• Food Preparation Workers
• Waiters and Waitresses

3. Is this course offered in Spanish?

Yes, the Food Service Prep Texas Food Handler course is offered in Spanish. Texas Food Handler course en español

4. Do I need a Food Handler Certificate if I sell baked goods from my home?

Yes, individuals operating from one's home are considered a cottage food production operation. An individual who operates a cottage food production operation must have successfully completed an accredited basic food safety education or training program for food handlers. Our Food Handler Program meets these requirements.

For more information on cottage food production operations, please visit the DSHS FAQs about Cottage Food Production Operations page.

5. What is an accredited food handler program?

A food handler education or training program approved by Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) or by the the ANSI National Accreditation Board..

6. Is Food Service Prep's Food Handler program an accredited program?

Yes, Food Service Prep has been accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board and TXDSHS to offer this course.

7. Where can I find my Food Handler Certificate?

If you got your Food Handler Certificate from Food Service Prep, you can login at anytime to view and email your certificate.

8. Where can I take your class?

You can register and complete our class from any cell phone, tablet or computer. Take it whenever and wherever it is convenient for you.

9. What will I receive to indicate that I've completed training through an accredited program?

We will email you a Texas Food Handler Certificate that is valid for 2 years after completion of our program. Additionally, you can log in to your account on FoodServicePrep.com to view and email your certificate at any time.

10. Where is my Texas Food Handler Card valid?

Food Service Prep's Food Handler is valid in all Texas counties.

11. If I have Food Manager Certification, do I also need to have a food handler certificate?

No, you do not need both a Food Manager Certification and a basic Food Handler. The department will recognize a food manager certification from an accredited program in lieu of a food handler certificate.

11. How long is my food handler card or certificate valid?

The food handler certificate is valid for 2 years after completing the program. The completion date will be listed on the certificate.

For more information about the food handler requirement in Texas, please visit the TXDSHS food handlers website.

Group Purchase FAQs

1. How does group purchase work?

If you purchase more than one Texas Food Handler course, you will be registered as a manager and be provided with voucher codes for each course you purchase. You will then be able to login and email a voucher code to each member of your team. You can also download the voucher codes and distribute them- we have made it easy to copy them or export to excel. Your team members will then create an account and use the voucher codes to immediately start the training. When you login as a manager, you will be able to see the progress of your entire team.

2. How do I use my Voucher code?

Make sure you are logged in, then click to redeem your voucher.

3. How does your group purchase program benefit me?

By using our group purchase program you will be able to track all of your team's progress in one place with our manager-only report. Each of your team member's certificates will also be easily viewable on our website. Also, enjoy up to 20% savings on the Texas Food Handler courses.

If you have additional questions, please give us a call at 1-800-712-1707 or send us an email at info@foodserviceprep.com