www.houstontx.gov > Health
Dept. > Food Managers Certification Course
FOOD MANAGERS CERTIFICATION COURSE
The purpose of the course is to train food service personnel in safe food handling practices including knowledge of the City of Houston Food Ordinance. The ordinance requires the presence of a food service manager(s) in food establishments during all stages of operation. The person must complete the course and pass the examination with a score of 70 points or above in order to receive a certificate. Certificates are valid for five years. The City of Houston provides an initial two-day course and a renewal one-day course. The option of a test only is available for persons not wanting to take the two-day or renewal course. Persons renewing their City of Houston Food Service Manager’s Certificate must complete the course or the optional exam no later than 60 days after the expiration date of the current certificate.
Reservations are required for all classes, including the test only session. Class size is limited.
FOOD CERTIFICATION CLASS RESERVATIONS ARE TAKEN MONDAY- FRIDAY FROM 8AM-5PM @ 713.794.9200
Student reservations received 10 days or more prior to class, are mailed confirmations letters with map location.
LOCATIONS & PARKING
Houston Department of Health & Human Services, 8000 North Stadium Drive.
Parking for the Health Department is accessible for students by using the south garage entrance on North Stadium Drive. A two-day parking permit is $8.00, and a one-day parking permit is $4.00
Environmental Pollution Control Services, 7411 Park Place
Parking for the Environmental Control building is located in front of the facility. Parking is free. Both facilities, including parking are wheelchair accessible.
Payment: cash, money order, business check, cashier’s check, credit/debit cards (credit/debit cards are not accepted at the Park Place)
PERSONAL CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED
REGISTRATION
Students attending classes at Stadium Drive must check in with the security desk in the lobby on the first floor. Photo identification is required to enter the building. You will be issued a “Student” pass, which must be worn at all times. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. in the auditorium on the second floor.
Students attending classes at Park Place will enter the auditorium on the first floor to the left of the main entrance. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m.
Photographic identification is required for class attendance: a current driver’s license, state identification card, student id card, passport, etc. Students attending the renewal classes must also present the current City of Houston FSMC wall or wallet certificate in order to register for class. NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER 8:00.M.
Class dates and locations are subject to change.
CLASSES IN ENGLISH: Call 713.247.5245
Initial 2 - Day classes are conducted every Monday/Tuesday and Wednesday/Thursday of each month.
Renewal classes are conducted the second, third, and fourth Friday of each month.
CLASSES IN SPANISH: Call 713.247.5246
Initial 2 - Day classes are conducted every Monday/Tuesday of each month.
Renewal classes are conducted the first Friday of each month.
CLASSES IN VIETNAMESE: Call 713.247.5247
Initial 2 - Day classes are conducted the second Wednesday/Thursday in January, March, May, July, September, & November.
Renewal classes are conducted the second Friday in January, March, May, July, September, & November.
CLASSES IN CHINESE: Call 713.247.5248
Initial 2 - Day classes are conducted the third Wednesday/Thursday in February, June, and October.
Renewal classes are conducted the third Friday in February, June, and October.
CLASSES IN KOREAN: Call 713.247.5883
Initial 2 – Day classes will be conducted on March 5-6, 2008 at the Tracy Gee Community Center- 3599 Westcenter Drive.
Renewal class will be conducted on March 7, 2008 at the Tracy Gee Community Center – 3599 Westcenter Drive.
CLASSES IN ASIAN (Urdu, Hindi, Bengali): Call 713.794.9200
Initial 2- Day classes are conducted the fourth Wednesday/Thursday in January, May, & September.
Renewal classes are conducted the fourth Friday in March & October.
Some food establishments are exempt from the FSMC requirement: This is based on the type of operation and, must be confirmed by an inspection from the City of Houston Food Inspection sanitarian.
RECIPROCITY: Food personnel in possession of a current accredited national or State of Texas food safety card/certificate must obtain the City of Houston Food Service Manager’s Certification. Complete an application at the DHHS office; submit the certificate for confirmation of reciprocity and photo identification. If approved, pay the $35.00 fee.
