Frequently Asked Questions - How to Become an Accredited Food Handler Program
What is required to become an Accredited Food Handler Program?
The Food Handler Initial/Renewal License Application which includes a Cover Document, a course curriculum, sample food handler certificate and fee must be submitted for program review and approval. ONE course curriculum is reviewed for each application. All language translations and delivery methods must be of the approved curriculum.
How can I obtain a Food Handler Initial/Renewal License Application?
A Food Handler Initial/Renewal License Application may be obtained online or by contacting the Food & Drug Licensing Group at (512) 834-6727.
Where can I obtain Food Handler Program information?
Food Handler Program information, applications and §229.178 Accreditation of Food Handler Education or Training Programs is available on the Food Handler Program webpage.
What topics are required in a Food Handler Program course curriculum?
The Food Handler Program Initial/Renewal Application contains a Cover Document (pp 4-9) which includes each of the major topic areas which must be included in an approved Food Handler Education or Training Program. These topic areas are taken from the Texas Food Establishment Rules regarding food employee information and knowledge.
Note: All program curriculums must meet the training requirement for bare hand contact of ready-to-eat foods.
How do I submit for approval and posting a Language Translation of the approved course curriculum?
Food Handler Program Initial/Renewal Application Food Handler Program Cover Document p 8 must be completed and submitted with documentation as to the specific language translation, the methodology used for the program language translation; the procedures used to determine the validity, reliability and equivalency of the language translation. (i.e. 3rd party edit, back translation etc.); and the qualifications of consultant(s) used in language translation who are competent in the languages of both the original and translated version.
Will a new application and fee be required for the approval and posting of the language translation of my approved course curriculum?
No. An additional license is not required if the translation is an exact translation of the approved course.
How do I submit for approval and posting of a media conversion (i.e. Internet, DVD, zip drive, email, etc.) of the approved course curriculum?
Food Handler Program Initial/Renewal Application Food Handler Program Cover Document p 13 must be completed and submitted with documentation as to the type of media conversion; the methodology used for the conversion; the procedures used to determine the validity reliability and equivalency of the conversion; and the qualifications of consultant(s) used in the conversion who are competent in internet and/or DVD training.(i.e. illustration/images/storyboards etc.).
Will a new application and fee be required for the approval and posting of a media conversion of my approved course curriculum?
No. An additional license is not required if the conversion is an exact conversion of the approved course.
What is required to offer customized training to companies and/or local health jurisdictions?
Each course curriculum is considered a new program and must be submitted with an Initial/Renewal Food Handler Program Application along with the appropriate fee. One course curriculum is approved for each TXDSHS License Number. All program language translations and methods offered under this license must be of the approved course curriculum.
My program would like to revise the approved course curriculum. What is required for the review and approval of the revised course curriculum?
All revisions must be approved prior to being released as an approved course curriculum. The revised curriculum must be submitted with the completed Food Handler Program Initial/Renewal Application Food Handler Program Cover Document pp 6-13 ONLY. There is no fee for the review.
Please Note: All language translations and delivery methods must be of the ONE approved course curriculum.
Why is a watermark or background required on the official Food Handler Certificate?
The watermark or background are the security measure to assure that a Food Handler Certificate may not be duplicated.