Food Worker Cards
The primary goal of the Food Worker’s Certification Program, first adopted in 1978,
is to prevent foodborne illness through education. The program applies to anyone whose job
includes the handling of food, beverages or utensils.
All employees must have a current Food Worker Certificate within TWO WEEKS of beginning
employment at a food facility.
To receive a Food Worker’s Certificate, an employee must:
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Read the Food Worker’s Certification Manual – the manual can be obtained at any Area Office or we also have the manual available in a downloadable form in the following languages:
ENGLISH - SPANISH - KOREAN - SIMPLIFIED CHINESE - TRADITIONAL CHINESE - VIETNAMESE -
Provide valid identification
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Pay the $20.00 examination fee, either in cash or money order
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Take and pass the 50 question multiple choice examination. (A passing score is 35 or more correct answers)
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If the applicant has difficulty reading or understanding the exam, they may make arrangements to bring someone with them to assist with translation.
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A person who fails the exam may retake it a maximum of two additional times within seven (7) days of the initial testing date at no additional charge.
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Certificates are valid for TWO years.
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Post an original copy at your place of employment – Photocopies are not accepted
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If an original certificate is lost or a second certificate is needed for an additional job site, duplicate certificates can be issued for a fee of $5.00 each. For lost certificates, simply visit the office where the test was originally passed, provide valid identification and the approximate month the exam was taken.
FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING EXAM TIMES AND DATES, OR FOR ARRANGING GROUP TESTING OF 10 OR MORE EMPLOYEES, CONTACT THE AREA OFFICE NEAREST YOU.