Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Food Handlers License in Seattle

A Food Handlers License certifies that employees handling food in restaurants have completed proper training on food safety and hygiene practices, ensuring compliance with local health regulations. Discover everything you need to know to get a license in Seattle!

Ready to grow your restaurant business in Seattle? Before getting started, it’s important to ensure that your restaurant is adhering to the local licenses and permits required. This first starts with a food handlers permit.

To obtain a food handlers permit in Seattle, you must complete a food safety training course and pass the State of Washington’s food safety exam. Upon successful completion, you will be issued a Food Worker Card, also known as a Food Handler Permit.

This card is valid throughout the state of Washington and is required to work in the food industry. The training and exam can be taken either online or in person, and the cost is $10.

Here are a few simple steps to get started with food handlers permit in Seattle:

1. Register for the Food Safety Training Course

Before securing your food handlers permit, you’ll want to ensure that you’re registered for related food protection courses and prepared for the costs associated:

• Purpose: This course provides the necessary training to understand food safety basics. It is a requirement for obtaining a Food Worker Card in Seattle.
• Estimated Cost: The cost of the course is included in the $10 fee for the Food Worker Card.
• Instructions: You can register for the ‘Do it Right, Serve it Safe!’ food safety training class online at foodworkercard.wa.gov. Ensure your computer’s pop-up blocker is off, have a credit or debit card ready for payment, and have access to a printer. If you prefer in-person classes, they are held at the Chinook Building, 401 5th Ave, Seattle WA 98104, every other month on the last Wednesday from 9 am to 11 am.

2. Pass the Food Safety Exam

• Purpose: The exam tests your knowledge of food safety basics. Passing the exam is a requirement for obtaining a Food Worker Card.
• Estimated Cost: The cost of the exam is included in the $10 fee for the Food Worker Card.
• Instructions: The exam is taken at the end of the food safety training course. If you pass the exam, a PDF copy of your Food Worker Card will be sent to the email you provided. Save a digital copy and print out at least 2 copies, one for you and one for your employer.

3. Apply for a Food Worker Card

• Purpose: The Food Worker Card, also known as a Food Handler Permit, is proof that you have completed the necessary food safety training and passed the exam. It is required to work in the food industry in Seattle.
• Estimated Cost: $10
• Instructions: You can apply for a Food Worker Card online at foodworkercard.wa.gov. If you encounter any issues, contact FoodWorkerCard@tpchd.org or 1-800-204-4418.

Once you’ve followed these steps, you’re well on your way to building a new food business in Seattle. Explore our additional sources to learn more about food permit and license requirements:

Useful Information Source Links:

• King County’s Department of Public Health
• State Department of Health’s website
• Washington State Food Worker Manual
• FAQs

FAQs

How Long is the Food Worker Card Valid For?

Your first food worker card is usually valid for 2 years. 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 and received a Certified Food Protection Manager certificate.

What if I Lose My Food Worker Card?

If you lose your card, you can get a replacement online if you got your card online, or contact your local health department if you got your card at an in-person class.

Can I Take the Food Safety Training Course and Exam Online?

Yes, the ‘Do it Right, Serve it Safe!’ food safety training class and test is the only authorized online training program in Washington. You can take it online at foodworkercard.wa.gov.

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DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. CloudKitchens does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the blog content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.

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Sources: 

• King County. Food Worker Cards. https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/certificates-permits-licenses/food-worker-cards
• King County. Food Worker Cards. https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/certificates-permits-licenses/food-business-permits/mobile-food-plan-review
• King County. Public Health. https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/certificates-permits-licenses/food-worker-cards/food-worker-card
• WA State Department of Health. Food Worker Card. https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/food/food-worker-and-industry/food-worker-card
• WA State Department of Health. Food Worker and Industry. https://doh.wa.gov/community-and-environment/food/food-worker-and-industry/food-worker-card