Mastering Food Safety: Becoming a Texas Certified Food Handler
In the fast-moving, high-touch culinary industry, ensuring food safety is paramount. Aspiring Texas chefs and food service professionals can take a significant step towards a successful career by becoming a certified food handler. This certification enhances your knowledge of food safety practices and opens doors to exciting opportunities.
Let’s go over becoming a certified food handler in Texas and how it will help ensure your culinary journey is safe and rewarding.
Step 1: Understanding the Importance of Certification
Food safety isn’t just a requirement — it’s a responsibility. As a food handler, you play a crucial role in safeguarding public health.
Certification ensures you have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle food safely, preventing foodborne illnesses and maintaining your establishment’s reputation.
Step 2: Researching State-Specific Requirements
Before diving into the certification process, knowing your state-specific regulations and requirements is important. For example, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) oversees food handler certification in that state. Research the exact requirements, whether it’s an online course or in-person class.
Step 3: Choosing a Certification Method
Texas offers different options for certification, including online courses and in-person classes. Choose the method that aligns with your learning style and schedule. For instance, an online course might be a convenient option if you’re a busy professional, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
Step 4: Completing the Training
Enroll in the chosen food handler certification program and start your training. The courses cover essential topics like personal hygiene, cross-contamination, time/temperature control and foodborne pathogens. Practical examples and case studies will usually accompany your training, turning the learning experience into engaging and informative.
Step 5: Taking the Exam
A test isn’t required by the Texas Department of State Health Services for Texas Food Handler certification, so Certified On The Fly doesn’t have one! Your official Texas Food Handler certificate will be issued immediately upon completing your review of the course material. This certification is a badge of honor that showcases your commitment to food safety.
Keep a copy of your certificate handy, as you might need to present it to potential employers. Your certificate will be automatically emailed to you when you complete the course and you can download a PDF of your certificate yourself at any time by logging in to your Certified On The Fly account.
Step 6: Continuing Education
Food safety practices evolve over time, so staying updated by attending workshops, webinars and training sessions is essential. This commitment to lifelong learning benefits you and the patrons you serve.
Trust Certified On The Fly for Your Food Service Certification Needs
Becoming a state-certified food handler is an investment in your career and your customers’ well-being. Mastering food safety principles means you’re complying with regulations and contributing to a safer culinary landscape. The journey toward certification is a process that can lead to a rewarding and successful culinary career.
Ready to take the leap toward mastering food safety? Join us on the journey today at Certified On The Fly! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary enthusiast, becoming a certified food handler opens doors to a world of culinary possibilities. Start your online certification journey now with Certified On The Fly and pave the way for a better future in the food industry.
Back to Blog