Working in the food industry often requires specific certifications and permits. If you’re aiming to work with food in Washington State, understanding How To Get A Food Card, also known as a Food Handler Permit, is crucial. This guide provides a detailed overview of the process, requirements, and everything you need to know to obtain your food worker card.
Who Needs a Food Worker Card?
If your job involves handling unpackaged food, working with food equipment or utensils, or dealing with surfaces where unwrapped food is placed, you are considered a food worker. This definition is quite broad, so if you are unsure, it’s best to confirm with your employer or local health department.
Is a Food Worker Card Mandatory?
Yes, in Washington State, all food workers are required by Chapter 246-217 WAC to possess a valid food worker card. It’s essential to keep your card, or a copy, with you at work for health department inspections.
Can I Start Working Before Obtaining My Card?
In Washington, you have a grace period. You can begin working for up to 14 days before securing your card, provided your employer offers you food safety training within that timeframe.
Where Can I Obtain a Food Worker Card?
Alt text: A food worker carefully prepares a fresh salad in a commercial kitchen, emphasizing the importance of food safety practices.
Local health departments across Washington State offer food worker training, testing, and card issuance. Importantly, a food worker card obtained in one county is valid throughout the entire state. You can find contact information for your local health department here.
Can I Obtain My Food Worker Card Online?
Yes, all local health departments provide the option to complete food worker training, testing, and card issuance online. The only authorized online training program is www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. Be cautious of other websites claiming to offer valid cards, as they may not be recognized in Washington.
If you encounter any issues with the online training, test, or printing of your card, consult the online food worker course frequently asked questions or contact the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at [email protected] or 1-800-204-4418.
What is the Cost of a Food Worker Card?
The cost of a food worker card is $10. After receiving your card, it is recommended to retain the original and provide a copy to your employer.
Is My Food Worker Card Valid Across Washington State?
Yes, a valid Washington State food worker card is recognized and accepted anywhere within the state. If you relocate or change jobs to a different county, your card remains valid.
Are Food Worker Cards from Other States Accepted?
No, to work as a food worker in Washington State, you must hold a Washington State food worker card. Cards obtained from other states are not valid.
Is There a Study Guide for the Food Safety Exam?
Yes, the Food and Beverage Workers’ Manual serves as a study guide to help you prepare for the food safety training class and exam. This manual is available in seven languages, including Braille upon request.
What If I Lose My Food Worker Card?
Yes, you can get a replacement. If you obtained your card online, log back into www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. After selecting your language and following the prompts, choose “Returning User.” You will need to enter your registration information and answer your security question exactly as you entered it when you were a new user. Choose “Replace My Valid Food Worker Card.” A payment may be required.
If you got your card at an in-person class, contact your local health department to see how to get a replacement.
How Often Do I Need to Renew My Food Worker Card?
Alt text: A group of individuals participates in a food safety training class, highlighting the educational aspect of obtaining a food handler card.
Your initial food worker card is valid for 2 years. Before it expires, you must retake the food safety training class and pass the exam. Subsequent renewal cards are valid for either 3 or 5 years, depending on additional training.
Can I Renew My Card Before It Expires?
Yes, you can apply for a renewal card if your current card is less than 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.
Do Renewal Cards Have a Longer Validity Period?
Yes, standard renewal cards are valid for 3 years from the issue date. You can obtain a renewal card by attending a food worker training class and passing the Washington State exam.
Is There a Renewal Card Option for Individuals with Extra Training?
Yes, you can obtain a 5-year renewal food worker card if you possess a current card and can demonstrate that you have completed “additional food safety training” within the past 2 years.
Can I Obtain a 5-Year Card Online?
Yes. Send proof you successfully completed “additional food safety training” within 2 years prior to renewing your food worker card to [email protected]. For questions, call 1-800-204-4418.
What Are the Qualifications for a 5-Year Card?
- Successfully complete the requirements for a food worker card renewal (attend the food safety training and pass the exam).
- 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 3/1/2020, then the “additional food safety training” must have been completed on or after 3/1/2018.)
Still Have Questions?
For any remaining inquiries regarding food worker cards and food safety training classes, please contact your local health department, food safety program.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get a food card in Washington State is essential for anyone working in the food service industry. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure you meet the requirements, obtain your card efficiently, and maintain a safe food handling environment. Remember to keep your card valid and updated to continue working legally and responsibly.
