Working in the food industry in Washington State? If you handle food, you’ll need a food handler card, also known as a food worker card or permit. This essential certification demonstrates your understanding of basic food safety principles and is legally required for anyone working with unpackaged food, food equipment, or surfaces that come into contact with food. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining your Washington State food handler card, ensuring you’re compliant and ready to work in the food service industry.
Understanding the Food Handler Card Requirement
Who Needs a Food Handler Card?
In Washington State, if your job involves working with unpackaged food, food equipment, utensils, or any surfaces where people place unwrapped food, you are considered a food worker. This means you are required to obtain a food handler card. This regulation ensures that everyone handling food in a commercial setting has a foundational understanding of food safety, protecting public health.
Is a Food Handler Card Mandatory?
Yes, absolutely. Washington State law, specifically Chapter 246-217 WAC, mandates that all food workers possess a valid food handler card to work legally in the state. It’s crucial to have your card, or a copy of it, readily available at your workplace for health department inspections. Failure to have a valid card can result in violations for both the food worker and the establishment.
Starting Work Before Getting Your Card
You can begin working in a food establishment even before you have your food handler card. Washington State allows a grace period of up to 14 days from your start date to obtain your card. However, this is contingent on receiving food safety training from your employer within this initial period. It’s important to prioritize getting your official card as soon as possible to remain compliant with state regulations.
Obtaining Your Food Handler Card
Where to Get Your Food Handler Card
The food handler card in Washington State is obtained through local health departments. These departments administer the required food safety training, the examination, and issue the card upon successful completion. The card you receive is valid throughout the entire state of Washington, regardless of which local health department issued it.
Can I Get a Food Handler Card Online?
Yes, obtaining your food handler card online is a convenient option offered by all local health departments in Washington. The officially recognized online training program is available at www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. Be cautious of other websites claiming to offer online food handler cards, as they are not valid in Washington State. Using the official website ensures you receive a legitimate and accepted certification.
Alt text: Official website logo for Washington State online food worker card training and certification.
If you encounter any issues with the online training, test, or printing your card, the online food worker course frequently asked questions or contacting the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at [email protected] or 1-800-204-4418 are valuable resources for troubleshooting and support.
The Cost of a Food Handler Card
The standard cost for a food handler card in Washington State is $10. This fee covers the training, exam, and issuance of your card. Once you receive your card, it is recommended to keep the original in a safe place and provide a copy to your employer for their records.
Card Validity, Renewal, and Replacement
Statewide Validity of Your Card
Your Washington State food handler card is valid throughout the entire state. If you change jobs or move to a different county within Washington, your card remains valid and moves with you. You do not need to obtain a new card if you relocate within the state.
Out-of-State Food Handler Cards
A food handler card obtained from another state is not valid in Washington. To work as a food worker in Washington, you must possess a Washington State-issued food handler card. Even if you have a valid food safety certification from another state, you will still need to complete the Washington State requirements.
Preparing for the Food Safety Exam
To help you prepare for the food safety training class and exam, the Food and Beverage Workers’ Manual serves as an excellent study guide. This manual covers all the essential information you need to know and is available in seven languages, including Braille upon request, ensuring accessibility for everyone.
Alt text: Cover page of the Washington State Food and Beverage Workers’ Manual, a study guide for the food safety exam.
Replacing a Lost Food Handler Card
If you have lost your food handler card, you can obtain a replacement. If you originally got your card online, you can log back into your account at www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. By selecting “Returning User” and entering your registration details and security question, you can choose the “Replace My Valid Food Worker Card” option. A replacement fee might apply.
For those who obtained their card through an in-person class, you should contact your local health department directly to inquire about their specific process for issuing replacement cards.
Renewal Requirements and Card Lifespan
Your initial food handler card in Washington State is valid for two years from the date of issue. Before your card expires, you are required to retake the food safety training class and pass the exam again to renew it. Subsequent renewal cards, after your first one, are valid for a longer period, either three or five years, depending on your training and qualifications.
Renewing Your Card Early
You can apply for a renewal food handler card even if your current card is still valid, provided it’s within 2 years of issuance and expiring no sooner than 1 day and no later than 60 days after the renewal card is issued. You will need to present your current valid card when applying for renewal.
Longer Validity Renewal Cards: 3-Year and 5-Year Options
Renewal cards typically have a longer validity than the initial 2-year card. Standard renewal cards are valid for 3 years from the issue date. To obtain a 3-year renewal, you simply need to retake the food worker training and pass the Washington State exam.
For an even longer 5-year renewal food handler card, you must meet additional criteria. In addition to renewing your card by taking the training and exam, you need to provide proof of completing “additional food safety training” within the two years prior to your renewal. This advanced training demonstrates a deeper commitment to food safety and allows for a longer certification period.
To apply for a 5-year card online, send proof of your additional food safety training completion to [email protected]. For any questions regarding the 5-year card, you can call 1-800-204-4418 for assistance.
Conclusion
Obtaining a food handler card in Washington State is a straightforward process designed to ensure food safety and protect public health. By understanding the requirements, process, and renewal procedures, you can easily maintain compliance and advance your career in the food service industry. For any further questions or specific situations, it’s always best to contact your local health department’s food safety program for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
