Overview
Texas is one of the most stringent states when it comes to food safety certification. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) enforces food safety rules under the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER), which align closely with the FDA Food Code. Both food manager certification and food handler cards are required by state law.
Who Must Be Certified?
Food Protection Managers (CFPM) — Required
Texas law requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) to be on duty during all hours of operation at any food establishment. This includes restaurants, food trucks, cafeterias, grocery stores, catering services, convenience stores with food service, and any other establishment that handles food for public consumption.
The manager must hold a current, valid CFPM from an ANSI-accredited program.
Food Handlers — Required
All food handlers in Texas must obtain a Food Handler Certificate within 60 days of hire. Food handlers are any employees who work with unpackaged food, food equipment, utensils, or food-contact surfaces. The certificate is valid for 2 years and must come from an ANSI-accredited provider.
Workers must be at least 16 years old. Some municipalities may have additional age requirements.
Accepted Certification Programs
Texas requires that Food Manager Certifications come from ANSI-accredited programs. Texas also requires food handler training from ANSI-accredited providers.
| Provider | Certification | Format | Approximate Cost | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ServSafe (NRA) | ServSafe Manager Certification | Online or In-Person | $36 exam only; ~$175 with course | servsafe.com |
| StateFoodSafety | Food Protection Manager Certification | Online | ~$99 exam only; ~$149 with course | statefoodsafety.com |
| National Registry (NRFSP) | Food Safety Manager Certification | Online or In-Person | ~$99–$125 | nrfsp.com |
| 360training | Food Manager Certification (ANSI) | Online | ~$99 | 360training.com |
| eFoodHandlers | Texas Food Handler Certificate | Online | ~$8–$10 | efoodhandlers.com |
All listed providers are ANSI-accredited. Costs are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current pricing with the provider directly.
How to Get Certified in Texas
Food Manager Certification (CFPM)
There is no mandatory pre-exam training course in Texas — you can sit for the CFPM exam directly. However, most candidates study for 8–16 hours before attempting the exam, as the pass rate is approximately 65% without preparation.
- Choose an ANSI-accredited provider (ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, NRFSP, or 360training)
- Register for the exam through the provider's website
- Take the exam online (with remote proctoring) or at an authorized test center
- Pass with a score of 75% or higher (approximately 60/80 questions)
- Receive your certificate — keep it on-site at your establishment
Food Handler Card (All Employees)
- Choose an ANSI-accredited food handler provider
- Complete the online course (typically 1–2 hours)
- Pass the exam (typically 40 questions)
- Download or print your card — it must be available for inspection
- Complete within 60 days of starting employment
Renewal Requirements
Food Manager (CFPM): Valid for 5 years. Renew by retaking an approved CFPM exam before the expiration date.
Food Handler Card: Valid for 2 years. Renew by retaking the food handler training and exam through an ANSI-accredited provider.
Texas Cottage Food Rules
Texas has one of the most permissive cottage food laws in the country under the Texas Cottage Food Law (Health & Safety Code, Chapter 437). Home-based food producers may sell a wide variety of non-potentially-hazardous foods directly to consumers without a food handler or manager certification.
What is Permitted (Non-Potentially Hazardous Foods)
- Baked goods (breads, cookies, cakes, pies, pastries)
- Candy, chocolate-covered foods, brittles
- Dried herbs and herb blends
- Jams, jellies, and preserves
- Nut mixes and roasted nuts
- Popcorn and snack mixes
- Dry pasta and dry baking mixes
Key Requirements
- Products must be labeled with: producer's name and address, product name, ingredients, allergen disclosure, and the statement "This food was produced in a home kitchen that is not inspected by the Department of State Health Services or a local health department."
- Direct consumer sales only (farmers markets, roadside stands, internet with in-person delivery)
- Annual gross sales limit: $50,000
- No certification required — but food handler training is recommended
For full details, see the Texas DSHS Cottage Food page.
City & County Variations
Texas local health departments may add requirements on top of state law. Notable jurisdictions include: