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Food Worker Cards

Show All Answers

1. Can I take the class and test online?

Yes. In addition to classes being available at the Snohomish County Health Department Everett location, the food worker card class and test can both be taken online.

2. Who can help me if I am having problems with the online site?

If you are having problems with the online class and test, you can call our customer service desk at 425-339-5250. You can also contact the Tacoma-Pierce Health Department. They oversee the actual site and will be able to help you with site issues.

3. Do I have to register ahead of time to take the class?

Pre-registration is not required. 

4. When are the classes offered at Snohomish County Health Department?

Classes are scheduled:

• 2 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month in English
• 11 a.m. el primer martes de cada mes en Espanol (This class is in Spanish only)

5. Can I schedule a special class for a group or event that needs food worker cards?

Health Department staff can provide group training off-site if desired. For a class to be offered at your location, you must have a minimum of 10 people. We generally schedule classes about a month in advance. Contact our office to request a class: 425-339-5250 or email Food Safety.

6. How much is the food worker card?

The fee for a food worker card is $10. We accept cash, credit or debit (Visa and MasterCard) for instructor-led classes at the Everett location. Only credit and debit (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted for online classes. 

Note: The charges for the food worker cards obtained online will be listed under Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department on your bank statement.

7. How long is the food worker class?

The in-person class lasts approximately 60-90 minutes, including the instruction and test. Please arrive early to find parking and get signed in. There is no admittance after the class begins. Allow about 60 minutes for the online food worker class.

8. Is there an age requirement for the class?

There are no age requirements for obtaining a food worker card. The only requirement is taking the class and passing the test.

9. How long is my food worker card valid?

Food worker cards are valid throughout Washington State for 2 years.

10. Do I have to retake the class and test to renew my food worker card?

Yes. To receive a 3-year card, you may renew your old card up to 60 days prior to the expiration date. Expired cards are not eligible to renew for a 3-year card.

11. How do I renew my food worker card?

You can renew your card for 3 years if you re-take the class before your current card expires - bring your old card with you when you take the class in person. If your old card has expired, you will only be able to receive a 2-year card.

12. I took the test online. I received a 2-year card, but I qualify for a 3-year card?

This does happen. If you contact the Snohomish County Health Department at 425-339-5250 or email Food Safety, we can upgrade your card to a 3-year card if we see that you qualify for a 3-year card.

13. How do I get a 5-year food worker card?

You may be eligible for a five-year card if you have completed approved advanced training. You must show proof of the advanced training to receive the 5-year card. You must do this within 2 years of receiving the advanced training.

14. How can I get a replacement card if I lost mine?

You can get a replacement card (with the original test date) at the Snohomish County Health Department Environmental Health office in Everett. You can come into the office or you can call the customer service desk at 425-339-5250 to pay for the card over the phone and have the card mailed to you. If you originally received your card online, you can print a duplicate. The fee for a replacement card is $10. We accept cash, credit and debit (Visa and MasterCard) at the Everett location and credit and debit only online.

15. Can I read the test to a child or student with special needs?

Yes. We are happy to meet the needs of each person who needs a food worker card.

16. I am hearing impaired. What are my options for getting a food worker card?

• We provide study booklets
• You are allowed to bring an interpreter or friend to help guide you through the test
• You can email or call us ahead of time to request an American Sign Language interpreter to come to a class of your choosing
• You can take the test and class online

17. Am I required to have a food worker card?

Cashiers, bussers, stockers, and dishwashers are all required to have a food worker card as a safety precaution. Many states are adopting “limited use” permits for these types of workers, but Snohomish County has yet to adopt these permits.

18. What options do I have if I speak a foreign language?

• You can bring someone to help translate the information and test
• We provide booklets and tests in 9 foreign languages that cover all the information needed to pass the test:  Cambodian, Chinese, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese
• You can take the class and test in various languages online

19. When are you too sick to work with food?

Even if you have a food worker card, you are not permitted to work with food if you have:

• Continual sneezing, coughing, or runny nose
• Diagnosed infections that can be spread through food, such as salmonella, shigella, E coli, or hepatitis A
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or jaundice
• Infected, uncovered wounds

Sick food workers should go home or be given duties that do not involve handling food, such as taking out the trash, cleaning restrooms, or busing tables.