Food Handler Test Texas — DSHS Requirements & Practice

Texas Food Handler Requirements

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) oversees food handler training requirements for the entire state. Under the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER), all food employees must complete an accredited food handler training program. Texas has straightforward requirements that apply uniformly across all counties and cities.

Who Needs a Texas Food Handler Card?

In Texas, a food handler card is required for any person who works in a food establishment and is involved in food preparation, food service, or management. This includes:

• All kitchen staff (cooks, prep workers, dishwashers)
• Servers and bartenders who handle food
• Grocery store deli and bakery employees
• Food truck operators and staff
• Catering company employees
• School cafeteria workers
• Hospital and nursing home kitchen staff

Texas-Specific Requirements

Here are the essential details for the Texas food handler card:

• Timeline: Must be completed within 60 days of starting employment (more generous than many states).
• Provider: Must be a DSHS-approved food handler training provider. Check the DSHS website for the current list of approved providers.
• Exam: 40 multiple-choice questions. Texas requires a 70% passing score (28/40 correct) — slightly lower than the 75% required in most other states.
• Cost: $7–$15 depending on the provider. Texas has some of the lowest certification costs in the country.
• Validity: 2 years from the date of completion.
• Online option: Texas fully accepts online food handler training and testing.
• Languages: DSHS-approved providers offer training in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and other languages.

Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER)

The TFER sets specific standards that Texas food handlers must follow:

• Person in Charge (PIC): Every food establishment must have a designated Person in Charge during all hours of operation. The PIC must be a certified food manager or have completed food handler training.
• Certified Food Manager: Each establishment must have at least one Certified Food Manager (CFM). This is different from the basic food handler card — it requires passing the ServSafe Manager exam or equivalent.
• Employee Health: Food handlers with symptoms of foodborne illness (vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, sore throat with fever) must be excluded from food handling duties and report their condition to the PIC.

Texas Cooking Temperature Requirements

Texas follows the FDA Food Code for minimum internal cooking temperatures:

• 165°F for 15 seconds — Poultry, stuffing, reheated TCS foods
• 155°F for 15 seconds — Ground meats, injected meats, eggs for hot holding
• 145°F for 15 seconds — Whole cuts of meat, fish, eggs for immediate service
• 145°F for 4 minutes — Roasts (as an alternative to higher instant temperatures)

Enforcement and Penalties in Texas

Texas takes food handler compliance seriously. Health inspectors check for valid food handler cards during routine inspections. Violations can result in:

• Citations on the inspection report
• Fines for the establishment
• Required corrective action plans
• Follow-up inspections at the establishment’s expense
• In severe cases, temporary closure of the establishment

Prepare for the Texas Food Handler Exam

Our free practice test is aligned with the topics covered on DSHS-approved food handler exams. The 40-question format mirrors the actual test, and our explanations help you understand the reasoning behind each correct answer.

Remember: Texas only requires 70% to pass (28/40), so if you can consistently score above 75% on our practice test, you are well prepared for the real exam.