KING COUNTY, WA - Public Health - Seattle & King County now provides training and testing in seven languages for food handlers needing a Food Worker Card. The training -- provided in Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Russion, Spanish, Vietnamese, and English -- is available at three locations, three days each week, using professionally produced training videos.

Everyone who works in the food industry by preparing, cooking, and/or serving food to the public must have a Food Worker Card. Since January 1, 2000, food handlers are required to receive training in the basics of food safety before taking and passing the required test to get the Food Worker Card.

NOTE: The food worker class and test locations are subject to change every year. Visit the Food Worker Permit homepage for the most updated instructions and class schedule.

On Mondays, food worker classes are conducted in downtown Seattle in the Snoqualmie Room, 4th floor, King County Courthouse. On this day, a specific schedule by language is followed (see the attached schedule for details).

On Tuesdays, food worker classes are conducted in Burien at the Big Brothers Bingo Hall (225 S. 140th Street); and, on Wednesdays, classes are convened in Bothell at Youth Soccer Bingo (7806 NE Bothell Way). At these locations, class participants may request a training video in any language at any of the scheduled class times (see the attached schedule for details).

To take the training and test for the Food Worker Card, you must:

• Be able to read the book and test, and to write out your registration from. If you need help, you may bring a friend that you can trust to assist you during the training and the test.
  
• Bring ID. Photo ID is preferred.
• Bring $8.00 cash to pay for your Food Handler's Card.
• If you are renewing for a 3 or 5 year card, bring in your old card (or a copy) that expired less than 30 days ago, or will expire within the next 60 days.
• 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.
  
• For bus information, call METRO at 206-553-3000.

A restaurant or other food service operation may also purchase a food worker card training package from the Washington Restaurant Association Education Foundation (WRAEF) and administer it to staff on-site. Test answer sheets are sent back to WRAEF for grading. This training packet is available in the same seven languages as are offered in the classes. Call 1-800-225-7166 for more information.

FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER TRAINING AND TESTING LOCATIONS throughout King County, call 206-296-4791 or click here.