How to get your food worker card

You can now get your King County Food Worker Card online! This Washington State required certification for food workers is now available in an online format where you can take the course and test when it is convenient for you. Before you start, get ready: Read full instructions and Frequently Asked Questions. You will be printing your card once you pass the test at the end of the online class, so make sure you have a working printer connected to your computer. The cost of the class and test is $10, payable with VISA, MasterCard or Discover card and debit cards with the VISA or MasterCard logo after you pass the test. Typical users take approximately 1 hour to take the course and test. Online training is available in English, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Closed Caption. Take the King County Food Worker Card online course and test now at: www.foodworkercard.wa.gov Announcement flyers available for distribution about this new online service are available in the following languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

ATTENTION: www.foodworkercard.wa.gov is the only online training program authorized to provide you with a valid food worker card in King and Pierce Counties. Other websites that appear to offer a similar card are not recognized as a valid government-issued permit to work in a food establishment. If you have any questions about online training to obtain a valid Food Worker Card, please contact us.

In-person class locations are still available. Follow the 3 steps below to get your food worker card in-person in downtown Seattle, Renton or Bothell:

Get ready! Study food safety concepts in advance

To help you understand the concepts taught in the class and later in the exam, download the following materials to study in advance so that you can easily pass the test:

• Food Worker Card Study Guide (available in English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese)
  
  
• "Food Safety: It's Up to You" (streaming video website)
  
  
• Attention Meat Cutters: If your job requires the cutting of fresh beef, veal, lamb and/or pork within a meat establishment you will need to pass an exam to obtain a personal occupational "Meat Cutter" license in addition to the food worker card exam. See testing dates and locations.

Get set! What to bring with you to the class

• BE ON TIME! Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the class time on the schedule to ensure that you have time to register, pay for the class and get a seat. Class starts promptly at the time given in the schedule. Late arriving individuals are not allowed in class once it starts and will have to either wait for the next time slot or choose a different day. Pre-registration is not required prior to arriving.
  
  
• How long does the class and test last?: The class and test together take about 1-1/2 hours to complete (not including arriving 30 minutes in advance of the class start time.)
  
  
• Photo ID required: such as a driver's license, passport, school ID, etc.
  
  
• Bring $10.00 cash (checks and credit/debit cards not accepted) to pay for your Food Worker's Permit.
  
  
• Bring your old card (or a copy): If you are renewing for a 3 or 5 year card, bring your old card or a copy of it that expired less than 30 days ago, or will expire within the next 60 days.
  
  
• Bring proof of training completion: For a 5-year card, bring in proof (certificate or card) that you have completed an approved food safety training class within the last 2 years.
  
  
• Bring a friend or relative to help you: There is no minimum age one needs to be to take the class and test however, you must be able to read the book and test, and to write out your registration form. If you need help, it is good to bring a friend or relative that you can trust to help you during the class.
  
  
• Alternative language formats:
  • Training materials and tests are available at the food worker card classes in English, Spanish, Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, and Vietnamese. The test is also available in Japanese but sorry no training materials available for this language.
  • If you need help to understand the class or the test, bring someone you trust, or call us for an interpreter (please allow at least two weeks' advance notice) at 206-205-4394.

Go! Click here for current schedule of class locations and times

1. I lost my food worker card, how do I get a replacement?
   
   
2. I got my food worker card from another Washington State county but is it valid in King County?
   
   Yes! food worker cards obtained anywhere in Washington state are valid throughout the state. For example, if you got your permit in Skagit County, it is valid in King County and so on. Your food worker card is NOT valid for work in other states and likewise, food worker cards obtained in other states are not valid for work in Washington State due to varying differences in state laws on food safety.
   
   
3. How long are food worker cards valid?

• 2 YEARS: If this is the first time you have gotten a food worker card;
  
  
• 3 YEARS: If your current permit has not been expired for more than 30 days and you bring it or a copy with you;
  
  
• 5 YEARS: If you have a current permit and can show that you have had 4 hours of food safety training that has been approved by the State of Washington. Click here for more information.

4. Are there other places besides Public Health where I can get my food worker card?

• See links to Washington State county health departments in the right side of the page for information on how to get a permit in that county.

5. I studied the "Food Safety is Everybody's Business" guidelines on your website. Can I just take the test and get my permit without attending your classes?
   
   No, sorry, the in-person class is required prior to taking the test.
   
   
6. I have other questions. Who do I contact?

• Call the Food Protection program at 206-263-8543.
• You can also email us a message using our online form.
• If you use a TTY Relay service, dial 711.