Food Worker Card Class

What is the Class?

The Food Worker Card (FWC) class consists of reading a booklet, watching a video, a short lecture or question/answer period and a multiple choice written exam.

FWCs are required for all food establishment workers in Washington State.

The test is offered in:

English
Spanish
Korean
Chinese
Vietnamese
Russian
Large Print
Picture Test Option

How Long Does it Last?
Approximately 1 1/2 hours

When is the Class?
Monday and Friday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m.
No classes offered on Wednesdays, holidays or department furlough days.
Call the number below to verify class dates.

Please note: Class size is limited and entrance is on a first come-first served basis. The Tuesday and Thursday evening classes fill up quickly. We recommend arriving at 5:30pm or earlier.

How Much Does it Cost?
Food Worker Cards cost $10 cash (personal checks cannot be accepted).

Do I Need to Pre-Register?
No pre-registration is required. Class size is limited to first come, first served basis. Only persons needing a FWC will be allowed in the classroom. Do not bring children, as there is no place for them to be left unattended.

What do I Need to Bring to the Class?
Photo ID (any photo ID is accepted) and your unexpired Food Worker Card (if applicable).
All other materials will be provided.

Where is the Class?
Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, 3629 South D Street in Tacoma. (corner of 37th and Pacific)
Classes are held in the auditorium.
Parking is accessible off D Street.
Use double doors by flagpole.

When Will I Get my Card?
Cards are issued at the end of the class after successful completion of the test.

When Will My Card Expire?
If this is your first time receiving a health card or if your last card is expired, your card will expire 2 years from the issue date. You may receive a 3 year card if your current card is not expired and only if it is to expire within 60 days.

Is There Another Option for me Instead of the Class?
We have five computer kiosks in our lobby to take the Food Worker Card interactive tutorial and test.

It is offered in English, Spanish and Korean.

The cost is $10 cash only, and lasts approximately 45 minutes.

The kiosks are available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., by appointment only.

Please call 253 798-6460 to schedule today.

What Else Do I Need To Know?
Parking is limited. Please arrive half an hour before the class to line up. There is no place for drivers/children to wait inside the building during evening classes.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is a tobacco free campus.

Please call 253 798-6475 for current class information.

Prepare For The Test
Learn food safety concepts ahead of time by clicking on the video and/or class manual below. By watching the video and reading the manual you will be better prepared to pass the test.

Food Worker Card Class Video-English

Food Worker Card Class Video-Spanish
Food Worker Card Class Video-Korean
(download time approximately 5 minutes)

Food and Beverage Worker's Manual
English
Chinese
Korean
Russian
Spanish
Vietnamese

Other Resources:
MAST - Mandatory Alcohol Server Training (Washington State Liquor Control Board Server Training)

Last Updated: Jan 13, 2010 9:44 AM