Food Worker Training

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Food Worker Card

All food workers in Washington State must complete food safety training and pass a state exam to receive a food worker card.

Take the test online: https://www.foodworkercard.wa.gov/

In-person testing:
Yakima Health District, 1210 Ahtanum Ridge Drive, Union Gap

Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

How Much Does it Cost?

A food worker card cost $10. Once you have a food worker card, we recommend that you keep the original and provide a copy to your employer.

What if My Card is Lost or Damaged?

If your card is lost or damaged, you can download a copy from your online account or purchase a replacement at the Health District. You do not need to retake the test if your card is still valid.

How Often Do I Need to Renew My Card?

Your first food worker card is valid for 2 years. If you retake the training and exam before the card expires, you can renew it for 3 years. If you renew after it has expired, the card is valid for 2 years.

You may be eligible for a five-year card if you have completed additional food safety training. Learn more in the section below.

Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certification

Beginning in March 2023, some food establishments are also required to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) to help train staff and manage food safety.

Does My Establishment Need a CFPM?

Certification is required for establishments that:

Use raw animal products
Wash raw produce
Cool cooked foods
Use specialized processes to prepare food
Serve vulnerable populations

Does a CFPM Need to Be On Site at All Times?

A CFPM does not need to be on site at all times. However, the CFPM certificate must be kept at the establishment and available during inspections. One certified manager may cover more than one location.

How Do I Get Certified?

The Yakima Health District offers on-site CFPM classes and exams for $40. Classes are available in English and Spanish are are scheduled based on demand. To join the waitlist for our next class, contact us at 509-249-6508 or YHD.Help.Desk@co.yakima.wa.us.

You may also obtain certification through another accredited provider. Most courses cost $100–$180, and online exams require a webcam. If you do not have access to a computer with a webcam, contact our office to use our testing center.

Where Can I Find Accredited Courses?

A list of currently accredited Food Protection Manager certification courses is available through the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB).

Additional Food Safety Training

Food workers who complete approved additional food safety training within the past 2 years may qualify to renew their food worker card for 5 years, including those with CFPM certification. A five-year card can only be obtained in person at the Health District office. Additional training does not replace the required food worker card training and exam.

Training Requirements

Trainings must:

Be at least 4 hours long
Be approved in advance by the Yakima Health District or the Washington State Department of Health
Cover key food safety topics such as cooking temperatures, hot and cold holding, cooling, cross-contamination prevention, HACCP, and handwashing

Approved Courses

A list of state-approved additional food safety training courses is available on the Washington State Department of Health website.

If a course is not on the approved list, approval must be requested from the appropriate agency, along with submission of the course outline.

For courses offered in Yakima County, contact the Yakima Health District:

Email: YHD.Help.Desk@co.yakima.wa.us
Address: 1210 Ahtanum Ridge Drive, Union Gap, WA 98903

For courses offered in multiple counties, contact the Washington State Department of Health:

Email: food.safety@doh.wa.gov
Address: P.O. Box 47824, Olympia, WA 98504-7824

Food Worker Training

En Español

Food Worker Card

Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certification

Additional Food Safety Training

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