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Texas Food Handler Practice Test 2026

In Texas, food employees must complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of starting work. Courses are approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or accredited by ANSI, and the provider gives the final test. Practice test 1 covers the Texas rules; the other sets cover food safety basics.

  • Food safety
  • Texas
  • 131 questions
  • Checked October 10, 2026

Quick answer

Pass mark: Set by the accredited course provider. It is run by Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS); accredited course providers. Practise here for free with 131 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.

Read before you practiseStart with the Food Handler Study Guide (US): plain-language notes, diagrams and the numbers to remember.

  1. Question 1 of 11

    Under the Texas Food Establishment Rules, how soon after starting work must a food employee finish an accredited food handler course?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Within 30 days of employment

    TFER §228.31 requires all food employees to complete accredited food handler training within 30 days of employment.

  2. Question 2 of 11

    In Texas, who counts as a food employee who needs food handler training?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. Someone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces

    The Texas definition covers anyone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or surfaces that touch food.

  3. Question 3 of 11

    If a Texas food handler card has no expiration date printed on it, how long is it valid?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. 2 years from the date it was issued

    Under 25 TAC §229.178, a certificate with no listed expiration date is valid for two years from the date of issue.

  4. Question 4 of 11

    Which programs count as accredited food handler programs in Texas?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Programs approved by Texas DSHS or accredited by ANSI

    Texas accepts food handler programs approved by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or accredited by ANSI.

  5. Question 5 of 11

    Where in Texas is a certificate from an accredited food handler program accepted?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Statewide

    Texas Health and Safety Code §438.046 says accredited certificates are recognized statewide as proof of training.

  6. Question 6 of 11

    Can a Texas city or county make you buy a separate local food handler card if you already have an accredited certificate?
    Show answer

    Answer: A. No, it may not charge a fee or require a local card for an accredited certificate

    Under Texas law, a local health jurisdiction may not require or issue a local food handler card, or charge a fee, for an accredited certificate.

  7. Question 7 of 11

    Who is exempt from the Texas food handler training rule?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. A Certified Food Manager

    Certified Food Managers do not also need a food handler certificate.

  8. Question 8 of 11

    Which kind of business is exempt from the Texas food handler training rule?
    Show answer

    Answer: B. An establishment that serves only prepackaged items

    Establishments that serve only prepackaged foods are exempt, along with temporary food establishments under DSHS jurisdiction.

  9. Question 9 of 11

    A Texas employer trains its own workers with a course that is not accredited. What is true about that training?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. It is valid only for that employer's workers and is not accepted statewide

    A single business may train its own staff with a non-accredited course, but that training only counts for that business.

  10. Question 10 of 11

    Is a food handler card from another state accepted in Texas?
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Yes, if the program was ANSI-accredited

    Texas recognizes out-of-state food handler cards if the program was accredited by ANSI.

  11. Question 11 of 11

    Which Texas agency runs the food handler program accreditation and answers questions about it?
    Show answer

    Answer: D. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

    DSHS approves food handler education programs and publishes the rules and FAQ.

What to know before the test

  • All food employees must complete an accredited food handler course within 30 days of employment (TFER §228.31).
  • A certificate with no expiration date is valid for 2 years from the date of issue.
  • Accredited programs are approved by Texas DSHS or accredited by ANSI.
  • Accredited certificates are recognized statewide, and local health departments may not require a separate local card.
  • Certified Food Managers are exempt, as are establishments that serve only prepackaged food.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to get a Texas food handler certificate?

You must finish an accredited food handler course within 30 days of starting work.

How long is a Texas food handler card valid?

Until the expiration date on the card. If no date is listed, it is valid for 2 years from the date it was issued.

Will my Texas food handler card work in any city?

Yes. Certificates from accredited programs are recognized statewide.

Is a food handler card from another state accepted in Texas?

Yes, if it came from an ANSI-accredited program.

Sources

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