TABC & Texas Food Handlers
Certificate Package

Certificate Details

Does Texas require a food handlers certificate?

Texas Administrative Code Rule 228.33 requires that all food employees complete an ANAB-accredited training course within 60 days of getting hired.

Food employees, 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. Feel free to visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website or go to the Food Handler Education or Training Program for more information.

Does Texas REquire the TABC alcohol Servers Certificate? 

While it is not an official requirement to serve alcohol in Texas, most employers will require you to complete a TABC course before you are allowed to work. TABC Certification training will better prepare you to do your job and serve customers appropriately and safely. Knowledge of alcohol laws can help protect you against legal repercussions.

Anyone who works in a place that serves alcohol (restaurant, bar, food truck, or convenience store) should hold a TABC Certificate to show they understand the laws regarding alcohol sales. 

How Does this Course Bundle Work?

When you start your course bundle, you will need to select a course from the dropdown menu at the top of the page.

You may take the courses in any order desired. You will be awarded a certificate for each course that you successfully complete. 

how Does the Texas TABC Certification Course
Work?

At the beginning of the course, you must submit your Social Security Number (SNN) and Date of Birth (DOB). Alternatively, you may submit a Machine-Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) or Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN) instead of the SSN. These are necessary for the TABC to record your certification and make it available to employers. 

When you start the course, you will be asked to provide answers for a series of validation questions. Periodically, during the course, you will be asked to provide your answers to confirm that you are the person taking the course. You must remember these answers, or you will be blocked from proceeding.

For How Long are the Certificates Valid?

The ANAB Food Handler Certificate is valid for three years.

The Texas TABC Certificate is valid for two years.

Does Responsible Training Register my Certificate with the TABC after I complete the requirements?

Upon completion of the TABC training course and passing the final exam, your information is passed directly to the Texas TABC for inclusion in the Seller/Server - TABC Certificate Inquiry System. The TABC maintains the records of all TABC Certificates and status. 

You can access your TABC Certificate at TABC Online, where you will need to submit your SSN (or MRIV or ITIN) and DOB. Your certificate should be in the database within 15 days after you completed the course.

Learn more about the Texas Food Handlers and TABC courses from the Frequently Asked Questions.