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Get a food worker card

Learn how to get a food worker card in King County by taking a food safety training class and exam.

Steps to getting your food worker card

  • Complete the "Do it Right, Serve it Safe!" food safety training class and test

    All Washington counties offer the same class and test, approved by the Washington State Dept. of Health. This is the only authorized online training program in Washington. You can either take this class and test online, or in-person.

    Take the class and test online at foodworkercard.wa.gov

    • Before you take the online class and test you will need:
      • To turn off your computer's pop-up blocker. If the pop-up blocker is on, you may not be able to sign on.
      • A credit or debit card to pay for your food worker card. You can't make arrangements to pay later.
      • Access to a printer
      • If you have trouble with the online class or test, contact FoodWorkerCard@tpchd.org or 1-800-204-4418.

    Take an in-person class.

    Downtown Seattle - Chinook Building

    401 5th Ave (corner of 5th and Jefferson)

    Seattle WA 98104

    Room 126 is on the ground floor. Please enter through the lobby and head to the back of the building behind the elevator banks.

    Classes are every other month on the last Wednesday from 9 am to 11 am. We will not allow anyone to enter the class after 9:10. Reservations for seats are not necessary.

    • November 20, 2024 (Due to severe weather, the food worker card class scheduled for 11/20/2024 is canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience.)
    • January 29, 2025 (Room #124)
    • March 26, 2025 (Room #124)

    Parking: If you are planning to drive, metered street parking is available in the area as well as several parking lots south of the building along 5th Ave. A parking garage is located across the street (enter by heading halfway up Jefferson then turn south into the alleyway entrance.)

    Please note that we do not validate for parking.

    The Washington State Food Workers' Manual can help you get ready for the food safety training class and test.

  • Pay the fee and get your card

    The cost for the food worker card is $10. For in-person classes, bring exact cash (we cannot provide change for larger bills) or a credit card, as well as Photo ID and your old Food Worker Card (or a copy) if you have one.

    If you complete the class and test online, a PDF copy of your card will be sent to the email that you provided.

    • Save a digital copy of this card for your records.  
    • Print out at least 2 copies, one for you and one for your employer. 

    Learn more about group payments

How long will my food worker card be valid?

  • First card: Your first food worker card is usually valid for 2 years. However, you can get a card that’s valid for 5 years if you show that within the last 2 years, you’ve taken additional food safety training or received a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate. See below for more details.
  • Renewal card: If you renew your card within the 60 days before it expires, or within the 30 days after it expires, your new card is usually valid for 3 years. However, you can get a renewal card that’s valid for 5 years if you show that within the last 2 years, you’ve taken additional food safety training or received a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate. See below for more details.
  • Additional food safety training: You can get a food worker card that’s valid for 5 years if you show that within the last 2 years, you’ve taken 4 hours of additional food safety training approved by the state of Washington or received a Certified Food Protection Manager training. Learn more about this additional food safety training on the Washington State Department of Health’s website. Call 206-263-9566 for assistance.

Food worker cards are specific to each state 

If you have a food worker card from another state, it is not valid in Washington. Each state has different laws on food safety. 

Your Washington food worker card is valid anywhere in the state. It is not valid for work in other states. 

More information about Washington food worker cards is available on the state Department of Health's website. 

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