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Washington food worker card: how the state program works

Ten dollars and the state's own program. Online, foodworkercard.wa.gov is the only authorized way to a Washington food worker card, per the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) as of October 2026. Out-of-state cards don't replace it, and neither does a national course such as the Professional Food Handler (PFH) certificate from NEHA, the National Environmental Health Association.

  • ExamPFH
  • UpdatedOct 14, 2026
On this page 6 sections
  1. Why PFH doesn't work in Washington
  2. Washington card or PFH certificate
  3. Getting the card
  4. The temperature numbers to have cold
  5. What Washington food workers ask
  6. Sources

Why PFH doesn't work in Washington

Washington runs its own system. Food workers take a training class, pass the State of Washington exam on food safety basics, and get the card from the local health department, online or in person (Washington DOH, as of October 2026). DOH asks, in its own FAQ, whether a card from another state works. The answer is no. That covers NEHA's PFH, ServSafe Food Handler and every other national course.

Work in Washington, then, and skip the PFH. Your $10 goes to the state card.

What carries over is the knowledge. The state exam is on food safety basics: temperatures, handwashing, sick-worker rules. Those are what our free practice test drills, using U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Food Code numbers. Washington also publishes its own study guide for the exam, the Washington State Food Worker Manual, in thirteen languages.

Every other state's rule is on food handler card requirements by state.

Washington card or PFH certificate

As of October 2026. Sources: Washington DOH; NEHA
PointWashington food worker cardNEHA PFH certificate
Issued byLocal health department, through the state programNEHA
Online atfoodworkercard.wa.gov onlyNEHA's online store
Price$10$15
Good for2 years first card, then 3 or 53 years from the pass date
ExamState of Washington food safety examNEHA assessment, 2022 FDA Food Code
Valid for a Washington food jobYesNo

Getting the card

  1. Go straight to the state site

    Use foodworkercard.wa.gov. DOH warns that other websites offering a similar card online aren't valid in Washington.

  2. Train and pass the exam

    Read the Food Worker Manual, then take the class and the state exam.

  3. Pay and print

    $10. DOH suggests you keep the original and give your employer a copy.

  4. Keep it at work

    Your card, or a copy, has to be with you at work and available when the health department inspects.

The temperature numbers to have cold

DANGER ZONE020406080100120140160180200°F165°F · 74°CPoultry; reheat to hot-hold155°F · 68°CGround meat, 17 seconds145°F · 63°CSteak and fish, 15 seconds135°F · 57°CHot holding, at or above70°F · 21°CCooling: hit this in 2 hours41°F · 5°CCold holding, at or below
FDA Food Code 2022; the 2026 edition left these numbers unchanged. State codes can word things differently, and Washington's manual is the study guide for its own exam.

What Washington food workers ask

Washington searches say food handlers permit. Is that the food worker card?

Yes. DOH says the Food Worker Card is also called a Food Handler Permit (as of October 2026).

What's on the food worker card test?

Food safety basics. DOH points to the Washington State Food Worker Manual as the study guide for the class and exam. Our food handler study guide covers the same kind of ground with FDA Food Code numbers; treat it as extra reps next to the manual.

How do I renew my Washington card?

Before it expires, take the class and pass the exam again. Renewal cards last 3 years, or 5 if you can show additional food safety training within the past 2 years (DOH). The general picture: renewing a food handler card.

I lost my card. Now what?

Got it online? Sign back in at foodworkercard.wa.gov as a returning user and replace your valid card; a payment may be required. Cards from an in-person class go through your local health department.

Does my card work in Clark County, or any other county?

Yes. A valid Washington card works anywhere in the state and goes with you if you move counties (DOH).

Will my Washington card work in Oregon?

No. Oregon takes only cards from its own approved providers and says cards issued in other states aren't valid there (Oregon Health Authority). See the Oregon food handlers card.

Sources