When you apply for a job in Texas involving food or alcohol service – or both – you might be asked by a prospective employer whether you have your Food Handlers Certification or TABC Certification.
If you’re new to Texas or the job market, you might be unsure what these certifications are, whether you need them, or which businesses require both of them. Knowledge is power, and if you can enter into a job interview knowing the requirements of landing the job, you might stand a better chance of success.
Which Workers Benefit From TABC Certification?
Whether it is called a TABC certification, TABC permit, or TABC license, it is not required by law, but it is often requested by employers who want to ensure safe alcohol service. An online TABC permit course is a short and affordable training program educating prospective employees in alcohol-serving roles on minors and alcohol sales, intoxicated persons and alcohol sales, and how to keep yourself and your patrons safe.
Many people benefit from TABC certification, especially:
- Restaurant and bar employees, such as hosts, waitpersons, servers, sommeliers, bartenders, and cocktail servers
- Hospitality workers, such as front desk staff selling sealed and bottled beverages, event organizers, and catering staff
- Other employees, such as those selling alcohol for consumption on-site or off-site
Which Workers Benefit from a Food Handlers Certification?
Unlike TABC certification, which isn’t a legal requirement, a Food Handlers Certificate is. To abide by Texas Food Establishment Rules, you must have your certification within 60 days of working in a business in which you’re required to handle unpackaged food, food equipment, food utensils, or make contact with food surfaces.
However, you might be exempt if you’re a certified food manager, are in a temporary food establishment in DSHS jurisdiction, or your business only sells pre-packaged items.
Will I Need Both Food Handlers and TABC Certifications?
You might already have one of the certifications you need to work in a bar, restaurant, or another institution, but a prospective new employer might require you to have both. It might seem absurd, but plenty of jobs can require both based on how their business operates.
For example, if you might be working in a restaurant that sells alcohol, you could be required to have both TABC and Food Handlers certifications due to the likelihood of you being involved in both food and alcohol service.
While TABC is not a legal requirement, employers benefit from having an educated employee who knows how to spot the signs of a fake ID, a minor, or an intoxicated patron. If they also serve food, it’s a legal requirement for their staff to also have Food Handler Certificates.
The same can be said for any food establishment, like a café, diner, or bar serving bar snacks. Working with unpackaged foods makes a Food Handlers Certificate a requirement in Texas.
How to Get Certified
Knowing you need two qualifications to work in some food and alcohol-serving businesses in Texas, you might be wary about applying for such jobs. However, obtaining the necessary certifications is fast, easy, and straightforward through reputable program providers like TABC Pronto.
You just have to follow these steps below:
- Visit www.tabcpronto.com
- Click on ‘TABC/Food Handlers Bundle’
- Add the certification bundle to your shopping cart and pay just $16.98
- Work your way through the modules on the 100% online course at your own pace with no timers
- Pass and receive your certification!
It’s genuinely that easy.
Get Your TABC Certification and Texas Food Handlers Card Today
Standing out from the crowd when you’re applying for jobs can be tough, but it’s not impossible. Obtain your Food Handlers Card and TABC Certification, and you might be at the top of many prospective employers lists.
If you’re new to food and alcohol service, now might be the right time to consider your certification options. Getting your certifications is fast, easy, affordable, and 100% online through TABC Pronto. Enroll today!