6 Common Questions People Have About Food Handlers Courses

Posted - January 24, 2023
6 Common Questions People Have About Food Handlers Courses

We all have food questions. Should you fold a slice of pizza in half before you eat it? Does pineapple belong on pizza? Should you dip fries in a shake? We don’t know the right answers to these, but we do know a thing or two about food handler certifications and exams.

How do you become food handler certified? What does the certification process look like? What happens if you don’t pass the certification exam? We answer the top six questions food handlers have about food handlers tests.

  1. How do you get a food handlers certificate? 

You no longer have to attend an in-person class to get your food handlers card or certificate. It’s as simple as enrolling in a DSHS state-approved online training course, completing two hours of training and then printing out your card or certificate. 

  1. Is there a test required to get your food handlers card?

No, the food handlers card does not have or require you to take any test. You earn the certification card after completing the course and printing out your certificate. That being said, you’ll be sure to have enough information to know how to handle food properly and what food safety best practices you should follow. 

  1. What happens if you don’t pass your food handlers exam?

Since there is no exam or test required for the certification course, you don’t have to worry about it! A test is only required if you’re interested in a TABC Certification Course in addition to your food handlers course.

  1. What do you actually learn in a food handlers course?

Subject material may vary depending on the academic institution you choose for your food handlers course, but at American Course Academy, you can count on us covering the following topics:

  • How Food Become Unsafe
  • Good Personal Hygiene
  • Controlling Time and Temperature/Requirements
  • Preventing Cross Contamination
  • Cleaning and Sanitizing
  1. When do I need to take the course?

If you’re in a role where you handle food, it’s required that you take the course within 60 days from the date you were hired. Fortunately, the test only takes a couple of hours, so you shouldn’t have a problem doing that.

  1. How long is the food handler card valid?

Once you complete the course, your food handlers card is valid for two years. After it expires, all you have to do is take the course again to receive a new card and an additional two years of using it.

Have any other questions about food handler tests? Ready to get started? Contact us today.