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United States · Food safety certification

Texas food manager certification: does ServSafe count?

Texas wants a certified food protection manager at the food establishment during all hours of operation, under the Texas Food Establishment Rules. ServSafe certification is accepted in Texas, like other ANSI-CFP accredited exams, and so are exams DSHS accredits itself. DSHS doesn't give the exam or issue certificates: the provider does, and the certification is valid for five years.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

Texas rules in short

Who needs a CFPMOne present during all hours of operation
ExemptPrepackaged-only, no exposed TCS food, temporary establishments
Exams acceptedANSI-CFP (national) or DSHS-accredited (Texas only)
Extra stepPost the original certificate where customers can see it
Valid for5 years
Other staffAccredited food handler course within 30 days

When does a Texas business need ServSafe certification?

Rule 228.31 of the Texas Food Establishment Rules (August 2021) says a certified food protection manager shall be present during all hours of operation. You also have to post the original certificate where customers can see it.

The rule exempts places the regulatory authority decides are minimal risk, such as businesses that only handle prepackaged food, those that don't prepare or handle exposed TCS food, and temporary food establishments.

Texas food manager exam: national or Texas-only

DSHS accepts certificates from programs accredited by ANSI-CFP or by DSHS. The difference is where the certificate travels: an ANSI-CFP certificate such as ServSafe Manager has national reciprocity, while a DSHS-approved one has state reciprocity only.

Texas-only exams are sold by some of the national providers. As of October 2026, 360training's Learn2Serve sells a Texas-approved exam for $35, and StateFoodSafety says its Texas exam needs 70% and isn't ANAB-accredited. If you might work in another state later, only the ANSI-CFP certificate carries national reciprocity.

DSHS says not to send it money to register for a training program or exam. You pay the provider.

Texas DSHS: Certified Food Manager programs ↗What each exam costs →

Food handler training for everyone else

All other food employees must finish an accredited food handler course within 30 days of starting, and the business keeps a certificate for each one on site. Temporary food establishments are left out.

A food handler card is valid until the expiry date printed on it, or two years if there isn't one. DSHS says a local health jurisdiction can't charge a fee for, or ask for a local card instead of, an accredited certificate.

City and county rules

If a city or county health department permits your business, check its rules too. DSHS says a city can adopt stricter rules, and a county of at least four million people can require a certified or trained food manager on duty. Arlington, for example, says each food establishment must have at least one Certified Food Manager.

Texas adopted the 2017 FDA Food Code, with its supplement, so a few 2026 Food Code changes may not apply here yet.

Sources: Texas DSHS · City of Arlington · 360training and 4 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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