Working in the Texas food service industry requires a Texas Food Handler Certification. This certification ensures that individuals handling food are knowledgeable in safe food preparation and handling practices, protecting public health and maintaining food safety standards. If you’re looking to obtain this essential certification, understanding your options, especially regarding online and potentially free programs, is crucial.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Texas Food Handler Certification, focusing on accredited online programs. While the term “free online” might be appealing, it’s important to navigate the landscape of available courses to find legitimate, accredited, and cost-effective solutions to meet your certification needs.
Understanding Texas Food Handler Certification
The Texas Department of State Health Services (TXDSHS) mandates food handler training for individuals working in the food industry. This training is designed to equip food employees with the necessary knowledge to prevent foodborne illnesses. Key areas covered in a food handler course typically include:
- Basic Food Safety: Principles of safe food handling, storage, preparation, and service.
- Personal Hygiene: Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene to prevent food contamination.
- Time and Temperature Control: Understanding the importance of temperature control to prevent bacterial growth.
- Cross-Contamination Prevention: Avoiding the transfer of harmful microorganisms from one surface to another.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing: Proper procedures for cleaning and sanitizing food contact surfaces.
Obtaining a food handler card demonstrates your commitment to food safety and is often a requirement for employment in restaurants, cafes, bars, food trucks, and various other food service establishments throughout Texas.
The Reality of “Free Online” Texas Food Handler Certification
When searching online, you might encounter the term “Texas Food Handlers Certification Free Online”. While some providers may advertise “free” courses, it’s essential to be discerning. Accredited Texas Food Handler Certification programs typically involve a fee. Truly “free” options might not be officially accredited by the TXDSHS or ANSI (American National Standards Institute), which is a leading accreditation body for these programs.
Accreditation is vital because it ensures the course content meets specific quality standards and is recognized by health authorities and employers. Courses listed as ANSI accredited are rigorously reviewed and meet high standards for food safety education.
Therefore, while the idea of a free online certification is attractive, focusing on affordable and accredited online programs is a more practical and reliable approach to getting your Texas Food Handler Certification.
Accredited Online Providers for Texas Food Handler Certification
The following is a list of ANSI accredited online Texas Food Handler training programs. These programs are recognized by the TXDSHS and provide a convenient way to earn your certification online.
| Program Name/ Website | License Number | Languages Offered | Contact Phone | Sample Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| @HOME PREP A Division of Stautzenberger College | TXDSHS 130 | Spanish | (800) 952-0910 | Sample PDF |
| !All Star Training, Inc. | TXDSHS 229 | Spanish, Portuguese | (817)385-1136 | Sample PDF |
| National Food Handlers Foundation | TXDSHS 220 | English | (877) 590-8588 | Sample PDF |
| 1 AAA Food Handler | TXDSHS 207 | Spanish | (714) 592-4100 | Sample PDF |
| 10DollarFoodCard.com | TXDSHS 112 | English | (800) 397-1898 | Sample PDF |
| 123FoodHandler.com | TXDSHS 158 | English | (562) 505-3893 | Sample PDF |
| 123 Premier Food Safety | TXDSHS 51 | Spanish, Mandarin, Korean | (800) 676-3121 | Sample PDF |
| 1stopfoodsafety.com | TXDSHS 173 | English | (888) 344-5554 | Sample PDF |
| 24/7 Food Safety | TXDSHS 184 | Spanish, Mandarin | (699) 999-0097 | Sample PDF |
| 360Training.com – Learn2Serve.com | TXDSHS 9 | Spanish | (877) 881-2235 | Sample PDF |
| 99Centfoodhandler.com | TXDSHS 182 | Spanish | (325)733-0880 | Sample PDF |
| A+ Food Industry Inspections, Inc | TXDSHS 48 | Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Chinese | (972) 743-5555 | Sample PDF |
| Ace Food Handler | TXDSHS 81 | English | (877) 952-8111 | Sample PDF |
| American Course Academy | TXDSHS 211 | Spanish | (972) 800-8758 | Sample PDF |
| Anytime Certification | TXDSHS 167 | English | 1-800-913-1517 | Sample PDF |
| City of Burleson | TXDSHS 222 | English | (817)426-9832 | Sample PDF |
| City of Carrollton | TXDSHS 209 | Spanish, Korean | (972) 466-5727 | Sample PDF |
| C Store Training | TXDSHS 201 | English | 1-833-699-5800 | Sample PDF |
| Certified 2 Serve | TXDSHS 224 | English | (281)804-1641 | Sample PDF |
| Certified On The Fly | TXDSHS 153 | Spanish | (214) 584-6210 | Sample PDF |
| Certify Fast GP | TXDSHS 215 | English | (210) 392-5886 | Sample PDF |
| Courses for Servers | TXDSHS 218 | English | 1-800-597-4235 | Sample PDF |
| Culturingua | TXDSHS 223 | Arabic, Pashto, Dari | (407) 873-9959 | Sample PDF |
| eFoodHandlers Basic Food Handler’s Course | TXDSHS 40 | Spanish | (541) 337-0436 | Sample PDF |
| El Paso Health Department | TXDSHS 96 | Spanish | (915) 212-0200 | Sample PDF |
| EZCertifyOnline.com | TXDSHS 235 | English | (281) 239-5592 | Sample PDF |
| FMI-Retail Food Safety & Sanitation | TXDSHS 23 | Spanish | (877) 399-4925 | Sample PDF |
| Food Certified License | TXDSHS 170 | English | (214) 474-0017 | Sample PDF |
| Food Handler Classes | TXDSHS 80 | Spanish | (903) 813-4188 ext.800 | Sample PDF |
| Food Handler Classes | TXDSHS 191 | Spanish | (903) 893-3717 | Sample PDF |
| Food Handlers of Texas | TXDSHS 16 | Spanish, Mandarin | (915) 204-4047 | Sample PDF |
| Food Safety Direct | TXDSHS 77 | English | (210) 785-9441 | Sample PDF |
| Food Service Prep LLC | TXDSHS 205 | Spanish | (800) 712-1707 | Sample PDF |
| Foodservice Training Portal | TXDSHS 59 | English | (817) 639-3761 | Sample PDF |
| InstantFoodHandler.com | TXDSHS 190 | Spanish | (469) 209-9055 | Sample PDF |
| Medcom, Inc. | TXDSHS 87 | Spanish | (800) 541-0253 | Sample PDF |
| Ms Ree’s Food Safety | TXDSHS 36 | English | (936) 294-0897 | Sample PDF |
| MyFoodAndBevTraining.com | TXDSHS 162 | Spanish | (888) 898-9456 | Sample PDF |
| City of North Richland Hills | TXDSHS 89 | English | (817) 427-6650 | Sample PDF |
| The National Registry of Food Safety Professionals | TXDSHS 17 | Spanish, Chinese | (800) 446-0257 | Sample PDF |
| Provecho Food Service Solution | TXDSHS 166 | English, Spanish | (512) 573-1185 | Sample PDF |
| REX Food Safety Standards | TXDSHS 108 | Spanish | (214) 954-7564 | Sample PDF |
| Rserving.com | TXDSHS 45 | Spanish | (800) 432-4192 | Sample PDF |
| SA Food Card | TXDSHS 193 | Spanish | (210) 744-2967 | Sample PDF |
| Safefoodtest.com | TXDSHS 62 | English | (855) 838-3022 | Sample PDF |
| Serv Food Safe | TXDSHS 179 | Spanish | (972) 214-8702 | Sample PDF |
| Servsafe Foodhandler | TXDSHS 84 | Spanish | (312) 261-5348 | Sample PDF |
| Sparkle Access Global Services (SAGS) | TXDSHS 232 | Spanish | (945) 233-8903 | Sample PDF |
| Statefoodsafety.com (Texas Safe Food Handling Course) | TXDSHS 3 | Spanish, Simplified Mandarin, Vietnamese | (801) 805-6785 | Sample PDF |
| Statefoodsafety.com (Food Safety Essentials Course) | TXDSHS 106 | Spanish | (801) 494-1416 | Sample PDF |
| SURE Food Safety Employee | TXDSHS 117 | English | (267) 202-4800 | Sample PDF |
| TABC Pronto | TXDSHS 203 | English | (214) 888-6512 | Sample PDF |
| TCS Food Safety Solutions | TXDSHS 99 | English | (281) 690-2749 | Sample PDF |
| Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service | TXDSHS 6 | Spanish | (979) 458-2025 | Sample PDF |
| Texas Best Food Services Training | TXDSHS 68 | Spanish | (682) 234-8967 | Sample PDF |
| Texas Online Food Handler Program | TXDSHS 64 | English | (800) 292-5080 | Sample PDF |
| www.TrainingNow.com | TXDSHS 66 | Spanish | (512) 343-2600 | Sample PDF |
| World Credential Diagnostics | TXDSHS 50 | Spanish | (972) 232-9114 | Sample PDF |
| XL Pro Consulting Group | TXDSHS 198 | Spanish | (972) 851-7248 | Sample PDF |
Note: Program details and contact information are subject to change. Always verify the latest information on the provider’s website.
Choosing the Right Food Handler Certification Program
Selecting a Texas Food Handler Certification program involves considering several factors:
- Accreditation: Ensure the program is ANSI accredited and recognized by TXDSHS. All providers listed above are accredited.
- Cost: Compare the fees for different programs. While “free” might be misleading, prices can vary. Look for programs that offer good value for money.
- Convenience: Online programs offer flexibility to complete the training at your own pace and schedule.
- Language Options: If you or your employees require training in languages other than English, check for providers offering courses in Spanish or other languages.
- Customer Support: Consider providers that offer readily available customer support if you have questions or need assistance during the course.
By carefully evaluating these factors and exploring the accredited providers listed, you can confidently choose a Texas Food Handler Certification program that meets your needs and helps you maintain the highest standards of food safety.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Texas Food Handler Certification is a necessary step for anyone working in the food service industry in Texas. While the prospect of “texas food handlers certification free online” might be tempting, focusing on accredited and affordable programs is the most effective way to gain this essential qualification. Use this guide and the list of accredited providers to make an informed decision and embark on your path to becoming a certified Texas food handler, ensuring food safety and enhancing your career prospects in the food industry.
