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Food-safety certification

Texas Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Texas requires — the employee food handler card and the manager (CFPM) certification — who needs each, accepted programs, cost and renewal.
Educational summary, not legal advice — requirements change and localities can add their own; confirm with your health authority.

Food handler card

Required?
Required — All food employees must complete an accredited food handler training course and hold a certificate within 60 days of hire (Texas Admin. Code §228.33).
State card
No distinct state card — TX DSHS-accredited / ANAB-accredited course completion (state maintains a list of accredited programs).
Accepted programs
ServSafe Food HandlerStateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlersany Texas DSHS-accredited or ANAB-accredited provider
Typical cost
$7-15
Valid for
2 years · Retake an accredited course (most certificates are 2-year; some exam-based courses issue 3-year)
When to get it
Within 60 days of hire
Local exceptions
Applies statewide; some cities historically ran their own (e.g., legacy municipal cards) but DSHS accreditation governs.
Governed by
Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

Source: official page

Employee-level statewide requirement; most certificates valid 2 years (no exam), up to 3 years for exam-based courses.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — At least one Certified Food Manager must be employed per establishment (Texas Food Establishment Rules, 25 TAC 228.33).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one Certified Food Manager per establishment
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam before the 5-year expiration
Local registration
Local health jurisdictions may add requirements; Houston requires holders of ANAB-CFP certificates to file a reciprocity application with the Houston Health Department. Various cities/counties require local registration of the certificate.
Governed by
Texas Department of State Health Services / local health authorities

Source: official page

Texas DSHS retired its own accreditation in favor of nationally (ANAB-CFP) accredited exams. Certification is issued to the individual, not the business.

Opening in Texas? See Texas food-business requirements, the inspection self-audit, and Texas cottage food law if you're starting from home.

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Texas?
Yes — Texas requires a food handler card. All food employees must complete an accredited food handler training course and hold a certificate within 60 days of hire (Texas Admin. Code §228.33). A card usually costs $7-15 and is valid for 2 years.
Does Texas require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Texas requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). At least one Certified Food Manager must be employed per establishment (Texas Food Establishment Rules, 25 TAC 228.33). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Texas?
A food handler card is an entry-level credential for employees who handle food — a short course and quiz. A manager (CFPM) certification is a more rigorous, proctored exam (like ServSafe Manager) held by a person responsible for food safety at the establishment. Many states require the manager credential even where they don't require handler cards for every employee.
Which food safety courses are accepted in Texas?
Accepted programs are ANSI-accredited providers such as ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, National Registry, Prometric, and 360training/Learn2Serve, plus any state-specific card where one exists. Confirm the current accepted list with your health authority before paying.
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