Food Protection Program
How to get your Food Worker Permit
Follow the 3 major steps below to get your Food Worker Permit:
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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:
| 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 Permit exam. » Testing dates and locations. |
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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.
- 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 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, Japanese, Spanish, Korean, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, and Vietnamese.
- If you need help to understand the class or the test, bring someone you trust, or call us for an interpreter.
- Call the Food Worker Hotline at 206-296-4791. If you need an interpreter, stay on the line until the message is through and leave a message with your name and phone number.
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Go!
Class schedule of locations in King County |
Common questions about food worker permits
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1.
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I lost my food worker permit, how can I get a replacement?
If you got your last food worker permit through us, use our online replacement permit form to issue a request for a replacement permit.
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I got my foodworker permit from another Washington State county but is it valid in King County?
Yes! Food worker permits 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.
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How long are food worker permits valid?
- 2 YEARS: If this is the first time you have gotten a food worker permit
- 3 YEARS: You may only obtain a 3 year permit if this is a renewal of an existing food worker permit that has not been expired for more than 30 days and you bring the original or a copy with you. You may not obtain a 3 year permit if this is your first ever food worker permit.
- 5 YEARS: You may only obtain a 5 year permit if this is a renewal of an existing food worker permit. You may not obtain a 5 year permit if this is your first ever food worker permit. Additionally, you must provide proof that you have had 4 hours of food safety training that has been approved by the State of Washington. See list of approved training sources.
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How do I renew a permit? Do I have to take the class and test again?
- Yes, it's required to retake the class and test every time you need to renew a food worker permit. Please follow the instructions at the top of the and see additional information in Question #3 above.
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I've completed ServSafe training. Do I need to get a separate food worker permit?
- We commend you on completing the extended food safety knowledge acquired from ServSafe training however the Washington State Dept. of Health still requires that you obtain a Washington State food worker permit to assure that all food workers have the same basic training.
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Are there other places besides Public Health where I can get my food worker permit?
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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.
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Is there an online version of the class and test so I can get it done from home instead of going to your class sites?
No, sorry, since picture identification must be shown to our staff to prove that you are indeed the person who needs the permit and that you must pay in cash, we need you to show up for class in person. An online version does not allow us proof of your true identity and we also do not accept credit cards for payment of the class.
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I have other questions. Who do I contact?
- Call the Food Protection program at 206-296-4632.
- You can also email us a message by clicking here.
- If you use a TTY Relay service, dial 711.
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Make at least two copies of your permit after you receive it! Keep the original in your wallet or purse, keep a photocopy in your personal files at home or somewhere safe and give a photocopy to your employer. If you lose your original, you can use a photocopy as your backup permit until you need to renew it when it expires.
