How to get your food worker permit

Follow the 3 major steps below to get your food worker permit:

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:

• Food Worker's Permit Study Guide (available in English, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese)
• "Food Safety: It's Up to You" (streaming video website)

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.

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 proof of training completion: 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.
  
  
• 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.

Go! Click here for current schedule of class locations and times

Common questions and answers about food worker permits

1. I lost my food worker permit, how do 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.
   
   
2. 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. Your food worker permit is NOT valid for work in other states and likewise, food worker permits obtained in other states are not valid for work in Washington State due to varying differences in state laws on food safety.
   
   
3. How long are food worker permits valid?

• 2 YEARS: If this is the first time you have gotten a food worker permit;
  
  
• 3 YEARS: If your current permit has not been expired for more than 30 days and you bring it or a copy with you;
  
  
• 5 YEARS: If you have a current permit and can show that you have had 4 hours of food safety training that has been approved by the State of Washington. Click here for more information.

4. Are there other places besides Public Health where I can get my food worker permit?

• Yes! Some employers offer food worker training on site using the Washington Restaurant Association Education Foundation food worker training program (approved by Public Health - Seattle & King County.) Ask your manager if this program is available to you or call the Washington Restaurant Association at 1-877-695-9733, ext. 135.
  
  
• See links to Washington State county health departments in the right side of the page for information on how to get a permit in that county.

5. 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.
   
   
6. 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.
   
   
7. I have other questions. Who do I contact?

• Call the Food Protection program at 206-296-4632.
• You can also email us a message using our online form.
• If you use a TTY Relay service, dial 711.