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Food-safety certification

Washington Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Washington requires — the employee food handler card and the manager (CFPM) certification — who needs each, accepted programs, cost and renewal.
Educational summary, not legal advice — requirements change and localities can add their own; confirm with your health authority.

Food handler card

Required?
Required — Anyone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment/utensils, or food-contact surfaces must obtain a Washington Food Worker Card within 14 days of starting work.
State card
Yes — Washington State Food Worker Card, obtained via the state/local health department training and exam (not private ANAB courses).
Accepted programs
Washington State Food Worker Card program (foodworkercard.wa.gov)local health department classes
Typical cost
$10 (set by WAC 246-217-025)
Valid for
2 years · First card valid 2 years; renew before expiration for a 3-year card (and 5-year for subsequent renewals in some cases) by retaking the class/exam
When to get it
Within 14 days of hire
Local exceptions
Administered by local health jurisdictions statewide; some (e.g., King, Snohomish) run their own portals but the state card is uniform.
Governed by
Washington State Department of Health (DOH) + local health jurisdictions

Source: official page

Distinct state card via the state's own training; shortest onboarding window (14 days). First card 2 yr, renewals longer.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager per the Washington Food Code (WAC 246-215, adopting FDA Food Code 2-102.12).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one CFPM employed per establishment
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam before the 5-year expiration
Local registration
Enforced by local health jurisdictions; Washington also requires a separate mandatory employee food worker card.
Governed by
Washington State Department of Health / local health jurisdictions

Source: official page

Manager certificate is distinct from Washington's mandatory Food Worker Card for employees. Low-risk establishments may be exempt.

Opening in Washington? See Washington food-business requirements, the inspection self-audit, and Washington cottage food law if you're starting from home.

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Washington?
Yes — Washington requires a food handler card. Anyone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment/utensils, or food-contact surfaces must obtain a Washington Food Worker Card within 14 days of starting work. A card usually costs $10 (set by WAC 246-217-025) and is valid for 2 years.
Does Washington require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Washington requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Person in charge must be a Certified Food Protection Manager per the Washington Food Code (WAC 246-215, adopting FDA Food Code 2-102.12). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Washington?
A food handler card is an entry-level credential for employees who handle food — a short course and quiz. A manager (CFPM) certification is a more rigorous, proctored exam (like ServSafe Manager) held by a person responsible for food safety at the establishment. Many states require the manager credential even where they don't require handler cards for every employee.
Which food safety courses are accepted in Washington?
Accepted programs are ANSI-accredited providers such as ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, National Registry, Prometric, and 360training/Learn2Serve, plus any state-specific card where one exists. Confirm the current accepted list with your health authority before paying.
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