Texas Food Handler Practice Test

Texas gives new food employees 30 days to complete an accredited food handler course, and one certificate works in every city. This free practice test mixes questions on Texas rules (the deadline, which courses count, the two-year certificate, and who's exempt) with the food safety questions every accredited course asks.

Want to review away from the screen? "Food Handler Card Audio Cram," our own roughly 57-minute audio session from Kanti Press, walks through the same topics as this test, so you can study on the bus or the walk to work.

Texas questions and answers

Take the test first: this section gives the answers away. Here is every Texas-specific question in the test, with the rule behind it. The rest of the test comes from our core bank, and Food Handler Test Questions and Answers lists all of those.

1. 1How soon after starting work must a Texas food employee complete food handler training?

   1. Within 30 days
   2. Within 14 days
   3. Within 60 days
   4. Within 90 days

   Answer: A. Within 30 days

   Texas Food Establishment Rules §228.31 give food employees 30 days from employment. Some older sites still say 60 days; that was the rule before 2021. Review this in the Texas guide

2. 2How long is a Texas food handler certificate valid?

   1. 3 years
   2. 2 years
   3. 5 years
   4. 1 year

   Answer: B. 2 years

   Two years from the date it was issued, unless an earlier expiration date is printed on it. Review this in the Texas guide

3. 3Which courses produce a valid Texas food handler certificate?

   1. Any food safety video your employer shows
   2. Only in-person DSHS classes
   3. Courses accredited by DSHS or by ANSI (ANAB)
   4. Only courses run by your city health department

   Answer: C. Courses accredited by DSHS or by ANSI (ANAB)

   Health and Safety Code §438.046 accepts either an ANSI-accredited course or one accredited by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and listed on its registry. Review this in the Texas guide

4. 4You move from Houston to Dallas with a valid Texas food handler certificate. What do you need?

   1. A new certificate from a Dallas-approved provider
   2. Nothing; one certificate works statewide
   3. A $25 local registration
   4. A Dallas city card within 30 days

   Answer: B. Nothing; one certificate works statewide

   Since 2017 (SB 1089), §438.046 bars local health departments from requiring their own food handler card or charging a fee for one when you hold an accredited certificate. Review this in the Texas guide

5. 5Where must proof of your Texas food handler training be kept?

   1. With the county clerk
   2. Nowhere; the state keeps the only record
   3. At the food establishment, where an inspector can check it
   4. Only in your wallet

   Answer: C. At the food establishment, where an inspector can check it

   §228.31 requires the establishment to keep each food employee’s certificate on the premises. A paper or electronic copy is fine. Review this in the Texas guide

6. 6Which of these Texas workers does NOT need a food handler certificate?

   1. A part-time server
   2. A bartender who garnishes drinks
   3. A certified food protection manager
   4. A dishwasher

   Answer: C. A certified food protection manager

   Certified food managers are exempt from the handler requirement, and so are workers at temporary food establishments. Review this in the Texas guide

7. 7When are volunteers at a Texas food establishment exempt from food handler training?

   1. Only if they work fewer than 10 hours a week
   2. Always, with no conditions
   3. Never; volunteers need the same certificate as employees
   4. When someone with a food handler card or food manager certificate supervises them

   Answer: D. When someone with a food handler card or food manager certificate supervises them

   Volunteers are exempt only while someone holding a food handler or food manager certificate supervises them. Establishments that serve only prepackaged food are exempt outright. Review this in the Texas guide

8. 8Since September 1, 2024, what must every DSHS-accredited food handler course in Texas cover?

   1. Responsible alcohol service
   2. A cooking skills demonstration
   3. Food allergen awareness
   4. Kitchen fire safety

   Answer: C. Food allergen awareness

   The Sergio Lopez Food Allergy Awareness Act (SB 812, 2023) requires DSHS-accredited food handler and food manager courses to cover food allergen awareness for certificates issued or renewed on or after that date. Review this in the Texas guide

How the real Texas exam works

Take the real course from a provider accredited by the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or by ANSI (ANAB). Courses are short, capped at two hours, and must cover food allergen awareness. Your certificate lasts two years, and your employer keeps a copy on site for inspectors. Our Texas Food Handler Card: How to Get Certified Step by Step walks through each step, with sources.

Want more practice away from the screen? The Food Handler Practice Exam Pack has 100 questions on the core food safety rules every state tests, as four printable exams of 25 with an answer key at the back. It doesn't cover state-specific rules; this page's test does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the official Texas food handler test?

No. Your certificate comes from a DSHS- or ANSI-accredited course and its test. This practice test covers the Texas rules and the FDA Food Code topics those courses teach, so you can check you're ready first.

Does Texas still allow 60 days to get food handler training?

No. The Texas Food Establishment Rules changed in 2021, and the deadline is now 30 days from the start of employment. Sites that still say 60 days are out of date.