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Food Worker Card - Frequently Asked Questions

Where to get the Card | Study for the Card | Renew the Card 

Washington State requires that all food workers have food safety training before handling food served to the public. Food workers who attend a food safety training class and pass the State of Washington exam on food safety basics are issued a Food Worker Card (also called a Food Worker Permit or Food Handler Card).

Am I a food worker?

You are a food worker if you work with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or with any surface where people put unwrapped food.

Do I need to get a food worker card?

Yes. All food workers are required to have a valid food worker card to work in Washington. It's important that your card or a copy is with you at work and available for the health department to check during a food inspection. For more on the rules, read Food Worker Card Regulations, Chapter 246-217 WAC.

Can I start work before I get my card?

Yes, you can work for up to 14 days before you get your card – if you get food safety training from your employer.

Where can I get a food worker card?

Local health departments offer the food worker training and will issue the card. Your card is valid throughout the state.

What must I do to get a card?

You must attend a food safety training class and successfully pass an exam to get your card.

What does a card cost?

A food worker card cost $10. Once you have a food worker card, we recommend that you keep the original and provide a copy to your employer.

Can I use a card I got in another state?

No. You must have a Washington State food worker card to be employed as a food worker in our state.

Is there a study guide for the food safety exam?

Yes. The Washington State Food and Beverage Workers' Manual is a study guide to help prepare you for the food safety training class and exam. The manual is available in seven languages, including Braille upon request.

How often must I renew my card?

Your first food worker card is valid for 2 years. Before the card expires, you must take the food safety training class and pass the exam again. Renewal cards after that are valid for 3 or 5 years.

Can I get a renewal card if I have a current valid card?

Yes, you may apply for a renewal card if your current card is less then 2 years old (a current card that will not expire until 1 to 60 days after you get your renewal card.) You must show your current valid card when you apply for a renewal.

Are renewal cards good for longer than my first card?

Yes, renewal cards are valid for 3 years from the issue date.  You can get a renewal card if you take a food worker training class and pass the Washington State exam.

Is there a renewal card for people who have extra training?

Yes. You can receive a 5-year renewal food worker card, if you have a current card and can show that you have had "Additional Food Safety Training" within the past 2 years.

What do I need to qualify for a 5-year card?

You must:

• Successfully complete the requirements for a food worker card renewal (attend the food safety training and pass the exam); and

• Have proof of successfully completing "Additional Food Safety Training" within 2 years prior to the food worker card renewal.  (For example, if the renewal card is issued on 3/1/2008, then the "Additional Food Safety Training" must have been completed on or after 3/1/2006.)

Have more questions?

Call your local health department, food safety program with other questions about food worker cards and food safety training classes.