Food Worker Card

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Source: Washington State Department of Health - www.doh.wa.gov

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 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.

Where can I get a food worker card?
Local health departments offer the food working training, test and card.  Your card is valid throughout the state.

What does a card cost?

A food worker card costs $10.

Is there a study guide for the food safety exam?

Yes.  The Food and Beverage Workers' Manual is a study guide to help prepare you for the food safety training class and exam.  

How often must I renew my card?

Your first food worker 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 than 2 years old.  You must show your current valid card when you apply for a renewal.

Follow the directions below to obtain your Food Worker Card.

1) Review the Food Worker Study Guide. Memorize all temperatures and answers to study for the exam. 

2) Click on the link Online Food Worker Training.  You can also find this link on the Blog Link List along with a link to the Food Worker Manual.

3) Choose the appropriate language.

4) Click on Links to Manual and read the manual on-line or read the copy provided by Community Transitions.

5) Click on New User and follow the instructions.

6) View the video and learn information about the following topics:

• Food Borne Illness
• Handwashing
• Hand Contact with Foods
• Potentially Hazardous Foods
• Temperature Danger Zones
• Cooking
• Hot Holding and Reheating
• Cold Holding and Thawing
• Cooking
• Cross Contamination
• Dishwashing, Cleaning and General Sanitation Practices

7) If you need to stop the video, you can log-in again as a Returning User. You have 30 days to complete the test.

8) After passing the test, bring $10 to the Health Department and pick up your card.

9) Make 3 copies at Community Transitions.

• one for job coach
• one for employer
• one for you
• original in a safe place at home

Congratulations on obtaining your Food Worker Card!