Food Handler / Food Safety Certification / Washington
2026 data Washington board official source

Washington Food Handler / Food Safety Certification License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Prepares and handles food in commercial settings.

What the Washington data shows for Food Handler / Food Safety Certifications

To practice as a food handler / food safety certification in Washington, the state licensing board requires 13 documented education or training hours, a passing score on State Food Handler Certification Exam. Applicants must be at least 14 years old. The regulation sits under Washington's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Food Safety Training".

The initial price tag is $41, and renewal costs $32 every 3 years. There's no continuing-education mandate tied to this profession in Washington, which keeps the long-run cost of staying licensed lighter than in CE-heavy states.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: ServSafe and similar certifications recognized in many states.

Licensing Requirements in Washington

Education / Training Hours
Food Safety Training
13 hours
Exam Requirement
State Food Handler Certification Exam
Required
Initial License Fee
$41
Renewal Fee
$32
Renewal Cycle
Every 3 years
Continuing Education
Not required
Criminal History Check
Not Required
Minimum Age
14 years

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Compare all states for Food Handler / Food Safety Certification All Washington licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Washington licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Food Handler / Food Safety Certification in Washington? ▼
Washington requires 13 education/training hours, passing an exam (State Food Handler Certification Exam), and an initial fee of $41.
How do I get certified as a Food Handler / Food Safety Certification in Washington? ▼
Washington licenses food handler / food safety certifications who complete its requirements (13 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Washington licensing board.
Can I transfer my Food Handler / Food Safety Certification license to Washington from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for food handler / food safety certifications: ServSafe and similar certifications recognized in many states. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Washington licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Washington require a background check for Food Handler / Food Safety Certification licensing? ▼
No statewide background-check mandate applies to food handler / food safety certification licensing in Washington at this time - individual employers may still run their own screening.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.