doh.wa.gov How to get Food Worker Card United States of America : Washington State Department of Health

Name of the Organization : Washington State Department of Health
Type of Facility : How to get Food Worker Card
Country : United States of America

Website : http://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Food/FoodWorkerandIndustry/FoodWorkerCard

Food Worker Card :

** Washington State requires that all food workers have food safety training before handling food served to the public.

Related : Washington State Department of Health Check Application Status USA : www.statusin.org/23940.html

** Food workers who take 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 Handler Permit).

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 (Chapter 246-217 WAC) to have a valid food worker card to work in Washington.
It’s important that your card, or a copy of it, is with you at work and available for the health department to check during a food inspection.

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, test, and card. Your card is valid throughout the state.

Can I get my food worker card online?
** Yes, all local health departments offer the food worker training, test, and card online.
** The only authorized online training program is foodworkercard.wa.gov.

** Other websites that appear to offer a similar card online are not valid in Washington.
** Trouble with the online training, test, or printing of the card? See the online food worker card frequently asked questions or contact the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department at FoodWorkerCard AT tpchd.org or 253-798-6145.

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 work anywhere in Washington with my card?
** Yes. You can use your valid Washington State food worker card anywhere in Washington.
** If you move or get another job in a different county, your food worker card goes with you.

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. 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.

I lost my card. Can I get a replacement?
** Yes. If you got your card online, sign back in to foodworkercard.wa.gov.
** After you select your language and follow the prompts, select “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 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.

Do renewal cards last 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?
** 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 3/1/2014, then the “additional food safety training” must have been completed on or after 3/1/2012.)