Which Businesses Require TABC and Food Handler Certifications?

Applying for jobs in the food and alcohol service industry for the first time may cause you to encounter many unfamiliar terms and requirements. For example, you might see businesses requesting that their employees have TABC certification and a food handlers certificate. 

Being new to the job market may mean you don’t know what these certificates are, whether they’re legally required, and why you should get them. You can find the answers to some of your most burning questions below.

Is TABC Certification Required By Law? 

To understand whether TABC certification is required by law, you may want to first learn a little about TABC certification and what it is. 

It’s a course created by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to ensure alcohol-selling employees have the necessary knowledge and skills to avoid alcohol service violations and keep consumers safe. 

While TABC seller/server certification is valuable for employers and employees, it’s not required under state law. However, it is strongly encouraged. Many employers require their employees to enroll in a TABC certification course within 30 days of being hired. 

Who Should Get TABC Certification?

While not legally required, a broad group of people should consider enrolling in seller-server training programs and receiving their certificates. When you’re in an alcohol-serving role, the knowledge you learn from the certificate program can serve you well to provide safe customer service.

Many people could benefit from TABC certification, including:

• Restaurant and bar employees
• Hospitality workers
• Employees selling alcohol for on-site and off-site consumption

What Is a Food Handlers Card? 

Before learning who needs a food handlers permit in Texas, you can learn what a food handlers card is. A food handlers card, also known as a certification, certificate, and permit, is proof that you can prepare food safely for yourself and your customers.

You can receive a food handlers card after completing an approved training course and passing with at least 70%. In the course, you can learn about safe food handling practices, personal hygiene, foodborne illnesses, and more. 

Who Needs a Food Handlers Card? 

Many people ask the question: ‘Who needs a food handlers certificate? Because they’re unsure whether they require it for their line of work. Who needs a food handlers license can depend on where you work and your role within the business.

Unlike TABC certification, which isn’t required under state law, food handlers cards are under Texas Food Establishment Rules. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, all food employees must complete an accredited food handler training course within 30 days of being employed in a food-related role.

A food employee is anyone who works with food equipment, food utensils, unpackaged food, and/or food-contact services.  

However, if you are a certified food manager, work in a temporary food establishment, or only serve pre-packaged items, you may not need a food handlers permit in Texas. 

You may also not need one if you meet the following criteria and are supervised by someone who is a certified food manager or has a food handlers card: 

• Someone with an intellectual disability 
• Someone working with food or food-related items as part of rehabilitation in a rehabilitation or correctional facility
• Nurses, certified nurse assistants, and similar who help with daily living activities 
• People who distribute pre-portioned food items in places like classrooms and daycare facilities
• Volunteers working with food and food-related items who aren’t employed by food establishments 

Do You Need Both Food Handlers and TABC Certifications? 

Whether you need both a food handlers card and TABC certification can depend on the roles you hold within your employer’s business. If you regularly work with food and alcohol, your employer may recommend working towards both. Fortunately, you can purchase both courses online and work through them at your own pace. 

Claim Your TABC/Food Handlers Bundle Deal with TABC Pronto 

Are you ready to provide safe alcohol and food service? You’re in the right place. Claim your TABC/food handlers bundle deal with a trusted course provider – TABC Pronto. Just follow the steps below: 

1. Visit the TABC Pronto website
2. Click ‘TABC/Food Handlers Bundle’ on the menu
3. Purchase the bundle deal
4. Read the course content and answer the questions at your own pace
5. Pass and download your certificates