Enroll - $8.00

Discount Code FOOD ENROLL NOW

About the Course

Available in Spanish!

Our online food handler certification course focuses on safe food preparation and handling techniques and is intended for anyone that works in food preparation, storage, or service. Upon completion of the course, you are immediately food handler certified and you can print or save your food handler certificate.

The TDSHS (Texas Department of State Health Services) requires that all employees are properly trained in food safety as it relates to their assigned duties.

Texas Food Handler - Course Features

Our online food handler safety course satisfies the requirements for food service and retail food industry workers to get their Texas food handler certification.

  • 2-Year Food Handler Certification
  • Self-Paced Training available 24/7
  • No Final Exam
  • Works on Computers, Tablets, and Phones
  • Print Your Food Handler Certificate Immediately

NOTE: Some local jurisdictions require additional registration and fees along with the food handler certificate you receive at the end of this course. Please contact your local health department to see if this is a requirement in your area.

Food Handler Certification - Course Outline

Our food handler training consists of an introduction and six lessons of instruction. There is not a test at the end of the course. Click on each lesson below to review the topics in that lesson.


Unit 1 - Introduction to Food Handling Safety

Topics in this Lesson:

  • Importance of Proper Food Safety
  • Risk Factors of Foodborne Illness due to Food Preparation
  • Hazards Associated with Foodborne Illness
  • Key Definitions and Terms
  • Unit 1: Test Your Knowledge

Unit 2 - Personal Health and Hygiene

Topics in this Lesson:

  • Importance of Hygiene and Proper Handwashing
  • Techniques for Effective Handwashing
  • Proper Clothing and Attire
  • Symptoms and Steps to Take When Employees may be Ill
  • Unit 2: Test Your Knowledge

Unit 3 - Time and Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) Foods

Topics in this Lesson:

  • Definition of TCS Foods
  • Temperature Danger Zones
  • Proper Food Receiving and Storage Techniques
  • Unit 3: Test Your Knowledge

Unit 4 - Food Preparation

Topics in this Lesson:

  • Proper Food Thawing and Safe Preparation Methods
  • Correct Cooking Temperatures and Times for Different Foods
  • Proper Food Holding Procedures
  • Proper Food Cooling Techniques
  • Correct Reheating Methods
  • Unit 4: Test Your Knowledge

Unit 5 - Cross Contamination

Topics in this Lesson:

  • Importance of Cross Contamination
  • Appropriate Controls to Prevent Cross Contamination
  • Symptoms of a Food Allergy Reaction and Steps to Take
  • Common Foods that Cause Allergic Reactions
  • Unit 5: Test Your Knowledge

Unit 6 - Cleaning and Sanitizing

Topics in this Lesson:

  • Proper Techniques for Cleaning and Sanitizing
  • Where and When to Clean and Sanitize
  • Proper Use of a 3-Compartment Sink
  • Unit 6: Test Your Knowledge

Unit 7 - Pest Control

Topics in this Lesson:

  • Primary Pests that are a Source of Food Contamination
  • Indications of Pests and Actions to Take
  • How to Prevent Pests at your Establishment
  • Unit 7: Test Your Knowledge

Food Handler Certificate Delivery

Your food handler certificate is available to print or save immediately after you complete the course and it will be emailed to you. You can also login to your account at anytime to print or download your certificate.

If a printer is not available for you, there will be an option during checkout to receive a mailed certificate for an additional $5.

Renewing Your Food Handler Certificate

To renew your food handler Certification, you must complete the Texas food handler certification course again. The entire course must be taken every two years to renew your certificate.

TDSHS-Approved Training

Our online Texas Food Handler Safety course is provided by TrainingNow.com (license #66) and has been reviewed and approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services.