How to get a Responsible Training Food Handlers Certification in Texas
When you’re in need of a Texas food handler card, it’s best to do things by the book.
Responsible Training has an approved Texas food handler training program that meets all ANSI standards. Whether you want to be a food manager or cook delicious dishes in the kitchen, food certificates are a must!
With our training programs, we’ve made it easy to receive your food handler card, meet state and company standards, and begin to work as quickly as possible.
You'll get an overview of food safety issues, rules, and practices so you'll know how to keep your workplace safe. The training also teaches you how to handle food safely to limit the danger of foodborne illness.
You will receive your certificate of completion once you have completed the course and passed the final exam with a score of at least 70%. Your certificate can be used to demonstrate that you've finished a food safety training course.
We highly suggest individuals take advantage of our food handler and TABC seller-server training bundle to get their food handler permit. We offer alternative course languages including:
Spanish Chinese Vietnamese
How Long Does a Texas Food Handlers Certificate Last?
The validity of your food handler's certificate is three years. Your certificate will expire after three years, at which point, you will have to take the course over. Even if you change jobs, your certificate will be valid statewide because this is an ANSI-accredited program, even if you start working for a food service company in a different city or county.
Why Should I Take a Food Handler Training Course?
First and foremost, if you intend to work in the food industry, you must complete a training course. You should also be able to recognize the symptoms and prevent the spread of foodborne illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 27 foodborne disease outbreaks in Texas in 2017. This is an increase from the 23 reported in 2016 and a decrease from the 34 reported in 2015.
A thorough food safety training program will teach you the best techniques for keeping yourself and your clients safe from foodborne illnesses.
What Jobs Can I Get In Texas With a Certificate?
As previously stated, you can work in a variety of establishments with your food handlers certificate. And there are multiple positions within each establishment. Texas' food and beverage business is one of the largest in the nation and is rapidly expanding.
According to the Texas Restaurant Association, 1,344,200 restaurant and food service jobs were available in 2019, accounting for 10% of total employment. More importantly, by 2029, that number is expected to increase by 15.2 percent.
What Will I Learn?
After completing this training program successfully, you will learn:
- How sickness is spread through contaminated food and how food becomes contaminated through unsafe practices are among the fundamentals of preventing foodborne illness.
- Why hygiene important, and how may excellent personal grooming, handwashing, and the use of protective clothing help you avoid illness
- How to spot the signs and symptoms of communicable diseases and food-borne illnesses that will keep you from working, and when you'll need a doctor's permission before working with foods.
- How to accept and store food securely, including when to refuse food and how to keep food safe from contamination.
- How to prevent foodborne illness by controlling food temperature, including how to measure and keep foods in safe temperature zones, as well as how to safely cook, cool, and reheat food.
- The proper cleaning and sanitizing procedures to ensure a safe environment.
Where Can I Find More Information About Food Safety in Texas?
Here are some additional resources:
- Secretary of State of Texas: The Texas Administrative Code, as well as other published versions of rules and regulations, can be found online.
- Food safety, permits, and licensing are all controlled by the Texas Department of State Health Services, which focuses on public health.
- Feel free to visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website or click here for more information on the Food Handler Education or Training Program.
How Does the Course Work?
Each lesson includes thorough information on the subject as well as enjoyable tasks. The lessons offer a voice-over option that reads the lesson aloud. After examining the class materials, you'll take a short quiz to see how much you've retained. You can take the final test once you've completed all six lessons. To get your Food Handler Certificate, you must achieve a 70% passing grade.
The Food Handler Certificate Program is self-paced. You must complete every lesson before moving on to the next. Within six months of registration, all training must be completed. Each lesson can be studied in less than 15 minutes. Each quiz should last 5 minutes.
Does the State of Texas Require a Food Handlers Certificate?
Texas Administrative Code Rule 228.33 does require that all food employees complete an ANSI-accredited training course within 60 days of getting hired.
Food personnel, according to the TXDSHS, are those who deal with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces. This can include fast-food joints, coffee shops, food trucks, bakeries, as well as brick-and-mortar restaurants and bars.
Give your employer a copy of your card once you've received it so they can keep it on hand. According to state law, your employer must keep a paper copy or electronic copy of your certificate of completion on the premises at all times.
Can I Get My Certificate Online?
As of June 2nd, 2015 Senate Bill 582 allowed ANSI Food Handler Providers to allow a statewide Food Handler Certificate. Responsible Training has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute since 2011 (ANSI ID #1042), which means the class you take represents the best in quality education and training.