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Planning to work in a restaurant, food truck, café, or catering business in Texas? Texas requires food service employees to complete an accredited food handler training course within 30 days of starting their job. You’ll need a valid Texas food handling permit (otherwise known as a food handlers card license or certificate) before you can get started. Thankfully, the process is quick, affordable, and can be completed entirely online with SmartServerUSA. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to get certified, how much it costs, and why online training is the easiest option.
A food handling permit is official proof that you’ve completed a state-approved food safety course. This certification ensures that workers across Texas are trained to protect customers from foodborne illnesses by adhering to established guidelines.
The training program covers essential skills related to food safety, such as:
- Proper handwashing and hygiene
- Preventing cross-contamination
- Understanding the temperature danger zone
- Safe cooking, storage, and cleaning practices
Who Needs a Texas Food Handling Permit?
Anyone who works with food—including servers, cooks, bartenders, baristas, and even dishwashers—is required to have a valid Texas Food Handler License.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Food Handling Permit Online
- Pick a State-Approved Course. Only choose a provider accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), such as SmartServerUSA.
- Register and Pay SmartServerUSA only costs $9.99—a small investment for legal compliance and job eligibility.
- Complete the Training. This course can typically be done on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Download and Print Your Certificate. Once you finish, your certificate is available immediately. Many employers require you to provide a printed copy on your first day.
As a bonus, since many food handlers also serve alcohol in Texas, we offer the TABC Seller Server Training. You can bundle the courses at a discount. The TABC Seller Server course is one of the fastest in the industry, with no timers and fully approved by TABC.
In Texas, your food handler's card is valid for 2 years. After it expires, you’ll need to retake the course to renew your certification. We will send you a reminder to do so.
If you also need your TABC Seller-Server Certificate to serve alcohol, we offer this course as well.
Why Choose Online Food Handling Training with SmartServerUSA?
- Convenience: Complete the course anytime, anywhere.
- Speed: The fastest on the market; most people finish in under two hours.
- Affordability: One of the lowest prices in the industry at $9.99. We also offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
- Instant Certification: No exams, no waiting—download your certificate right after passing. No exam.
Conclusion
Getting your Texas Food Handling Permit is one of the simplest steps you can take to start your career as a food handler in the industry, ensuring food safety at all times. With affordable, state-approved courses available at your fingertips, you’ll meet the legal requirements while gaining valuable skills that make you a safer, more knowledgeable employee.
FAQs
How much is a food handler's permit in Texas?
A Texas food handler permit (otherwise called a card, license or certificate) costs $9.99 with SmartServerUSA.
How long does a Texas food handler certificate take?
Under 2 hours with SmartServerUSA.
How to get a food handler permit in Texas?
- Pick a State-Approved Course. Only choose a provider accredited by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), such as SmartServerUSA
- Register and pay for a course. SmartServerUSA only costs $9.99—a small investment for legal compliance and job eligibility.
- Complete the Training. SmartServerUSA can be done on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Download and Print Your Certificate. Once you finish, your certificate is available immediately. Many employers require you to provide a printed copy on your first day.
In Texas, your food handler license is valid for 2 years. After it expires, you’ll need to retake the course to renew your certification. We will send you a reminder to do so.
What is the fastest food handlers' license in Texas?
SmartServerUSA: Most students complete the Texas food handlers course in under 2 hours.
Who needs a food handler license in Texas?
Anyone who works with food, including servers, cooks, bartenders, baristas, and even dishwashers, is required to have a valid Texas Food Handler's License.
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