The Texas Food Handlers Certification
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If you live in Texas and work with food, then you may have heard about the Texas Food Handler's Certification. This certification is a requirement for most restaurant and food service employees in Texas. It is designed to ensure that those who handle food have the knowledge they need to do their job safely and move food equipment correctly.
Steps to Getting a Texas Food Handlers Certification
The Texas Food Handler's Certification program helps a food establishment and its food service employees stay safe, keep up with the latest regulations, and maintain a high standard of quality for their customers. If you work with food in Texas, it is highly recommended that you obtain your Texas Food Handlers Certification. Doing so will help ensure that you can do your job safely.
The Texas Food Handlers Certification is a relatively quick and easy process to complete. It consists of four sections: an introduction, food safety rules, Texas Food Safety Practices, and Texas Food Handler Certification Exam. Each section contains information that helps the employee understand how to safely handle food and, eventually, become an accredited food handler.
Find an Approved Food Handler Training Program
Texas requires that all training for handler certification be provided through an accredited, approved provider. Look for Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)-accredited food handler training programs. This is because the Texas DSHS regulates Food Handler education and certification in the state. Food handler training programs are available to teach Food Handlers the basics of safe food handling, preparation, and storage.
Food Handler courses can be taken online or in person. Online Food Handler Certifications tend to be shorter and more cost-effective than live, classroom instruction. However, it’s important to note that Food Handler Certifications taken online must be accepted by the local health department to count as valid certification.
Take the Course
Food handler training programs are available to teach Food Handlers the basics of safe food handling, preparation, and storage. Texas requires all food handlers to receive at least two hours of instruction in food safety practices, including topics like personal hygiene, cross-contamination prevention, and temperature control procedures. The training must also provide an overview of Texas’ food laws.
You can take your preferred food handler training course in several different places in Texas. The courses are mainly either online courses or classroom-based courses.
Online courses are a convenient option for those who don’t have the time or ability to attend a traditional class. The online courses provide an interactive learning experience with videos, quizzes, and other materials that help reinforce the topics covered in the course.
Classroom-based courses are also available, and these typically cover the same information as an online course but in a more traditional setting. This is often a good option for those who need to learn more about food safety or prefer a hands-on learning experience. In addition, classroom-based courses may provide additional support from instructors, which can be beneficial for those who have questions or would like additional help understanding the material.
After the successful completion of the entire course, applicants must pass an exam to receive their Food Handlers Certificate from food regulatory authorities. The certificate is valid for two years and must be renewed by taking an approved refresher course.
Pass the Exam
Texas requires all food handlers to pass a written or online examination with a score of 70% or higher to qualify for a Texas food handler certificate. This may sound daunting for some but you can always find means and ways to stock up with the necessary knowledge that you'll need to pass the food handlers certification final exam.
First off, it’s important to understand the basics of food safety and handling. You should research relevant topics such as cross-contamination, temperatures for proper storage and cooking, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, safe food sources, and more. The Texas Department of State Health Services provides an online training course you can use to refresh your knowledge and remind you of key points.
Next, it’s helpful to brush up on the specific topics that will be covered in the exam. You can find a list of these topics on the Texas Department of State Health Services website. Knowing what to expect ahead of time will help build confidence for test day.
Once you’re adequately prepared, it’s time to take the Texas food handlers certification exam. It consists of a multiple-choice test with 25 questions and four answer options for each. You can find practice exams online that will help gauge your level of understanding and provide feedback on any weak spots.
Finally, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are certified proctoring centers throughout the state. These locations provide a quiet space and testing environment to complete the exam.
Obtain Your Certification
Once you’ve completed the steps above, you will be issued a Texas Food Handler’s Certification that is valid for two years. Once you have successfully completed the Texas Food Handler's Certification course, you will receive your Texas Food Handler's Certification card.
The food handler card is your proof that you have completed the Texas Food Handler's Certification course and are qualified to handle food in Texas. It is important to keep your food handler certificate card with you at all times when you are working with food, as it is required by Texas law.
Conclusion
The Texas Food Handler Certification is easy to get, and it’s an important part of keeping Texas food service workers safe. Acquiring the Texas Food Handlers Card will give you the knowledge and skills you need to follow Texas safety rules and regulations. It also helps protect your customers from food-borne illnesses – making Texas a safer place for everyone!
