Arlington vs Fort Worth
How do food handler certification rules compare between Arlington, TX and Fort Worth, TX?
Fort Worth has fewer restrictions than Arlington.
Arlington, TX
Tarrant County
All Arlington food-service workers must hold a Texas Department of State Health Services accredited food-handler card within 60 days of hire under Texas Health and Safety Code §438.
View full Arlington rules →Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County
Texas Food Handler Education Act requires anyone who handles unpackaged food to complete an accredited food handler training course within sixty days of hire. Fort Worth restaurants must keep certificates on file for inspection by Consumer Health.
View full Fort Worth rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Arlington | Fort Worth |
|---|---|---|
| State law | Tex. HSC Chapter 438 | - |
| Card validity | Two years | - |
| Deadline | Within 60 days of hire | - |
| Manager credential | Separate CFPM required | - |
| State authority | - | TX H&S Code Ch. 438 |
| Compliance window | - | 60 days after hire |
| Cert validity | - | Two years |
| Manager rule | - | One CFM per establishment |
| Inspector | - | FW Consumer Health |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Arlington FAQ
Does my Dallas food handler card work in Arlington?
Yes. Texas DSHS accredited food-handler cards are recognized statewide, so a card issued for work in Dallas is valid at Arlington establishments without retraining.
Are volunteers exempt from the food handler card?
Generally yes for nonprofit, occasional events under DSHS rules, but paid employees of a permitted food establishment must be certified within 60 days.
Fort Worth FAQ
Who needs a Texas Food Handler certificate in Fort Worth?
Anyone who handles unpackaged food, food equipment, or food-contact surfaces in a permitted food establishment. Cooks, servers, bartenders, and prep workers all qualify. Certificates must be obtained within sixty days of hire under state law.
How much does the Texas Food Handler course cost?
State-accredited online courses typically cost between seven and fifteen dollars and take roughly ninety minutes. Certificates are valid for two years statewide and accepted by Fort Worth Consumer Health and other Texas jurisdictions.
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