Food Classes & Permits

All local food service employees must have an original, valid Foodhandler Permit from THD in their possession while at work. To receive a permit, you must successfully complete a THD Food Safety Class or pass the THD Waiver Test.

Volunteer Classes

Volunteers need food safety training too, if they are serving food or beverages. We now offer free on-site training for members of non-profit organizations.

Schedule

View the current Food Safety Training Class schedule.

Manager's Certification

Many area food service establishments are required to have at least one certified food service manager in order to adequately train and supervise employees.

FAQs

View commonly asked questions about food safety.

Applying

All area food service employees must have an original, valid Foodhandler Permit from THD in their possession while at work. To receive a permit, you must successfully complete a THD Food Safety Class.

Study Guides

Food Handler Study Guide in English (rev. April 2012)

Food Handler Study Guide in Spanish (rev. April 2012)

Food Handler Study Guide in Chinese

Renewals

Foodhandler Permits expire three years from the date you attend class and pass a test. There are two ways to obtain a renewal:

Attend another Food Safety Class and pass the examination.
Pass a comprehensive Waiver Test. If you fail the Waiver Test, you must attend another food handler class in order to receive a new permit.

Food Safety Waiver Test Information

Waiver Test offered every Thursday
Test begins at 3:00 p.m.; arrive 30 minutes prior to testing for processing.
Size is limited to the first 50 participants; no pre-registration is necessary.
The fee is $15 and may be paid with cash or credit card. Fee is nonrefundable.
The Waiver Test is only offered at the Eastgate Metroplex Training Center, 14002 E. 21st Street, Suite 550.
Waiver tests are available only in English.

Food Employee Waiver Test

The Waiver Test is offered every Thursday at 3:00 p.m.

The Waiver Test is comprehensive and intended for individuals that have knowledge in proper food safety practices. Please note that this testing process is performed without instruction or technical assistance. After passing the test, a Foodhandler Permit will be issued that will be valid for three years from the date of the test.

If you do not pass the Waiver Test, you must attend a regular class for instruction. You will be given a retest card and will not have to pay the fee again if you attend before the retest card expires.

Test begins at 3:00 p.m.
Arrive 30 minutes prior to testing for processing.
Size is limited to the first 50 participants; no pre-registration is necessary.
The fee is $15 cash or credit card only and is nonrefundable.
The Waiver Test is only offered at the Eastgate Metroplex Training Center, 14002 E. 21st Street, Suite 550.
Waiver tests are available only in English.