A food handler’s card, also known as a food worker card or food handler permit, is essential for anyone working in the food service industry. It demonstrates that you have received proper training in food safety and hygiene, protecting both the public and your employer. But How Long Is A Food Handlers Card Good For, and what do you need to know about renewals and requirements? This guide will provide a detailed overview, focusing on the regulations in Washington State, but with information applicable to other regions as well.
Who Needs a Food Handlers Card?
If you work with unpackaged food, food equipment, utensils, or any surface where people place unwrapped food, you are considered a food worker. This typically includes:
- Cooks
- Servers
- Dishwashers
- Bartenders
- Grocery store workers handling food
In Washington State, all food workers are required to have a valid food worker card as mandated by Chapter 246-217 WAC. It’s crucial to keep your card or a copy of it with you at work, readily available for health department inspections.
Alt: Sample food handler card showing information like name, issue date, and expiration date.
Initial Food Handler Card Validity
Your first food worker card in Washington State is valid for 2 years from the date of issue. Before it expires, you must retake the food safety training class and pass the exam again to renew your card. This ensures that your knowledge of food safety practices remains current.
Food Handler Card Renewal Validity
Renewal cards have extended validity periods compared to the initial card. Here’s what you need to know:
- Standard Renewal: After your initial 2-year card, subsequent renewal cards are valid for 3 years from the issue date. This applies when you retake the food safety training and pass the Washington State exam.
- 5-Year Renewal: You can obtain a 5-year renewal if you have a current, valid card and can provide proof that you’ve completed additional food safety training within the past 2 years.
Alt: People at a food safety training session, focusing on hygiene and safe food handling practices.
How to Qualify for a 5-Year Card
To qualify for the 5-year food handler card renewal, you must meet the following criteria:
- Successfully complete the requirements for a standard food worker card renewal, meaning you attend the food safety training and pass the exam.
- Provide proof of successfully completing additional food safety training within 2 years prior to the food worker card renewal. For example, if your renewal card is issued on March 1, 2024, the additional training must have been completed on or after March 1, 2022.
Getting Your Food Handlers Card
You can obtain your food worker card through:
- Local Health Departments: These departments offer the training, test, and card. Your card is valid statewide. Local health departments
- Online Training: All local health departments in Washington State offer online training and testing through www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. Be cautious of other websites offering similar cards, as they may not be valid.
Other Important Information
- Starting Work Before Getting a Card: You can start working for up to 14 days before obtaining your card if your employer provides you with food safety training.
- Cost: The cost of a food worker card is $10 in Washington State.
- Statewide Validity: Your Washington State food worker card is valid throughout the entire state, even if you move or change jobs to a different county.
- Out-of-State Cards: Cards from other states are not valid in Washington.
- Lost Cards: If you obtained your card online, you can log back into www.foodworkercard.wa.gov to request a replacement. If you took an in-person class, contact your local health department.
- Study Guide: Use the Food and Beverage Workers’ Manual as a study guide to prepare for the food safety training and exam. It is available in multiple languages.
Renewal Before Expiration
You can apply for a renewal card if your current card is less than 2 years old and will expire within 1 to 60 days after you get your renewal. You must present your current valid card when applying for a renewal.
Conclusion
Understanding how long is a food handlers card good for is crucial for maintaining compliance and ensuring food safety in your workplace. In Washington State, initial cards are valid for 2 years, standard renewals for 3 years, and renewals with additional training for 5 years. By staying informed and keeping your certification current, you contribute to a safer and healthier food service environment. For any additional questions or specific situations, contact your local health department, food safety program.
