Are you a food worker in Washington State looking to obtain your Food Handler’s Card (also known as a Food Worker Permit)? This guide provides you with all the essential information on Where To Get Food Handlers Card, ensuring you comply with state regulations and serve the public safely.
Who Needs a Food Handler’s Card?
If your job involves working with unpackaged food, food equipment, utensils, or any surfaces where people place unwrapped food, you’re considered a food worker and require a Food Handler’s Card in Washington State.
Is a Food Handler’s Card Required?
Yes. Washington State law (Chapter 246-217 WAC) mandates that all food workers possess a valid Food Handler’s Card. You must have your card, or a copy of it, readily available at your workplace for health department inspections.
Can You Start Working Before Getting the Card?
In Washington, you can begin working for a maximum of 14 days before obtaining your Food Handler’s Card, provided you receive food safety training from your employer.
Where Can You Get a Food Handler’s Card?
Alt: A sample Washington State Food Worker Card showing the cardholder’s name, issue date, and expiration date.
Local health departments throughout Washington State offer food worker training, testing, and card issuance. Your card will be valid statewide, regardless of where you obtained it. You can find contact information for your local health department on the Washington State Department of Health website. This is your primary resource for learning where to get food handlers card locally.
Can You Get a Food Handler’s Card Online?
Yes! All local health departments offer online food worker training, tests, and card issuance. The only authorized online training program is www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. Be wary of other websites claiming to offer similar cards online, as they are not valid in Washington.
If you encounter issues with the online training, test, or printing 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 Handler’s Card?
A Food Handler’s Card costs $10. It’s advisable to keep the original card and provide a copy to your employer.
Is the Card Valid Throughout Washington State?
Absolutely. Your valid Washington State Food Worker Card is accepted anywhere within the state. If you relocate or change jobs to a different county, your card remains valid.
Are Food Handler’s Cards From Other States Accepted?
No. To work as a food worker in Washington State, you must possess a Washington State Food Handler’s Card.
Is There a Study Guide Available?
Alt: Cover of the Food and Beverage Workers’ Manual, a study guide for the Washington State food safety exam.
Yes, the Food and Beverage Workers’ Manual is a valuable study guide to prepare you for the food safety training class and exam. The manual is available in seven languages, including Braille upon request.
What if You Lose Your Card?
If you obtained your card online, log back into www.foodworkercard.wa.gov. Select your language, follow the prompts, and choose “Returning User.” Enter your registration information and security question exactly as you initially entered them. Then, select “Replace My Valid Food Worker Card.” A payment may be required.
If you obtained your card in person, contact your local health department for instructions on obtaining a replacement.
How Often Do You Need to Renew Your 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 3 or 5 years.
Can You Renew Your Card Before it Expires?
Yes, you can apply for a renewal card if your current card is less than 2 years old (meaning it will not expire until 1 to 60 days after you get your renewal card). You must present your current valid card when applying for renewal.
How Long Are Renewal Cards Valid?
Renewal cards are valid for 3 years from the issue date, provided you retake the food worker training class and pass the Washington State exam.
Is There a Longer Renewal Option for Those With Extra Training?
Alt: A sample certificate of completion for additional food safety training, required for a 5-year food worker card renewal in Washington State.
Yes. If you have a current card and proof of “additional food safety training” completed within the past 2 years, you can receive a 5-year renewal Food Handler’s Card.
Can You Get a 5-Year Card Online?
Yes. Submit proof of successfully completing “additional food safety training” within 2 years prior to renewing your food worker card to [email protected]. For inquiries, call 1-800-204-4418.
What Are the Requirements for a 5-Year Card?
- Successfully complete the requirements for a food worker card renewal (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 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?
Contact your local health department, food safety program with other questions about food worker cards and food safety training classes. Obtaining your Food Handler’s Card is crucial for ensuring food safety and compliance with Washington State regulations. Knowing where to get food handlers card is the first step in protecting public health.
