Washington Food Worker Card Practice Test 2026
Washington food workers need a state food worker card. You take a food safety class and pass the Washington State exam online at foodworkercard.wa.gov or at a local health department. Practice test 1 covers Washington rules and the Food Worker Manual; the other sets cover food safety basics.
Quick answer
Pass mark: Pass the Washington State food safety exam (score not published on the DOH page). It is run by Washington State Department of Health and local health departments (Chapter 246-217 WAC). Practise here for free with 134 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.
-
Question 1 of 14
Show answer
Answer: C. Anyone who works with unpackaged food, food equipment or utensils, or food-contact surfaces
Chapter 246-217 WAC requires a valid food worker card for anyone who works with unpackaged food, equipment, utensils or surfaces that touch unwrapped food.
-
Question 2 of 14
Show answer
Answer: A. Up to 14 days
You may work up to 14 days before getting your card, but only if your employer provides food safety training.
-
Question 3 of 14
Show answer
Answer: D. 2 years
The first food worker card is valid for 2 years.
-
Question 4 of 14
Show answer
Answer: D. 3 years
Renewal cards are valid for 3 years from the date they are issued.
-
Question 5 of 14
Show answer
Answer: C. Show proof of additional food safety training completed in the past 2 years
A 5-year renewal card is available if you hold a current card and finished additional food safety training within the past 2 years.
-
Question 6 of 14
Show answer
Answer: D. foodworkercard.wa.gov
Washington warns that other sites offering similar cards are not valid. The official online program is foodworkercard.wa.gov.
-
Question 7 of 14
Show answer
Answer: B. No, you must have a Washington food worker card
Washington does not accept out-of-state cards. You must have a Washington card.
-
Question 8 of 14
Show answer
Answer: D. At a local health department
Local health departments offer the training, test and card in person. The card is valid statewide.
-
Question 9 of 14
Show answer
Answer: D. 2 inches
Use shallow pans no more than 2 inches deep, uncovered, and put them in the refrigerator right away.
-
Question 10 of 14
Show answer
Answer: B. 4 inches
Cutting whole meats into pieces no thicker than 4 inches helps them cool fast enough.
-
Question 11 of 14
Show answer
Answer: B. Within 25 feet
Clean and sanitize equipment and utensils within 25 feet of the spill, following your written cleanup procedure.
-
Question 12 of 14
Show answer
Answer: A. 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water, checked with test strips
The manual gives 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water as a common mix. Always check the strength with test strips.
-
Question 13 of 14
Show answer
Answer: A. When diagnosed with a foodborne illness or jaundice
The manual tells food workers to call the health department if they are diagnosed with an illness that spreads through food or have jaundice.
-
Question 14 of 14
Show answer
Answer: B. 0°F to 220°F, with a thin metal probe
A food thermometer must measure from 0°F to 220°F and have a thin metal probe.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: Pass the Washington State food safety exam (score not published on the DOH page)
What to know before the test
- All food workers in Washington must have a valid food worker card (Chapter 246-217 WAC).
- You may work up to 14 days before getting a card only if your employer provides food safety training.
- The first card is valid for 2 years; renewal cards for 3 years, or 5 years with extra training in the past 2 years.
- The only authorized online program is foodworkercard.wa.gov.
- Cards from other states are not accepted in Washington.
- The Food Worker Manual is available in 13 languages.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Washington food worker card valid?
Your first card is valid for 2 years. Renewal cards are valid for 3 years, or 5 years if you completed additional food safety training in the past 2 years.
Can I start work before I have my card?
Yes, for up to 14 days, but only if your employer gives you food safety training.
Where do I take the test?
Online at foodworkercard.wa.gov or in person at a local health department.
Does my food handler card from another state work in Washington?
No. You must get a Washington food worker card.
What should I study?
The Washington State Food Worker Manual, which covers temperatures, handwashing, illness rules, cleaning and more.