Food Worker Card Trainer Program FAQs
Q. Do I have to be a member to use the WRA Food Worker Card (FWC) program?
A. No. However, the initial cost of the FWC kit will be substantially higher than what our members pay. The member price is $55, while the non-member price is $150. The processing fee for the cards is $10 for members and non-members.
Q. How do I qualify to be a FWC program trainer?
A. A minimum of two years foodservice experience, a valid FWC, completion of the three hour Train the Trainer course and four hours of an approved advanced food safety course, such as ServSafe®, are required. Trainers must also be in a supervisory/ training position. Upon receipt of the certifications, the trainer must then complete a trainer application and send it to the WRA for approval. Once the approval notice and trainer number have been received by the trainer, then they may begin to test others.
Q. What do I do as a potential trainer if my own FWC has expired or has been lost?
A. If you have a valid FWC and it has been lost or stolen, you can contact the issuing health department for a replacement card. If your card has expired or you need a new one, you must contact your local health department for their class times and locations. The number for King County Public Health is 206.296.4791.
Q. How many trainers can we have per establishment?
A. We prefer there be only one.
Q. How long can an employee legally wait after being hired, to obtain a card?
A. A food card must be attained within 14 days of the date of hire. And, if an employee does not have a food card, the employer is required to brief the employee about the basics of safe food handling and document that training before allowing that employee to handle food. When you give new employees the exam, make a copy of the answer sheet for proof before sending the exam to the WRA. This will tell the health inspector that the employee has gone through the training and is simply waiting for their card to arrive.
Q. How long does the training take?
A. The video is 30 minutes. Trainers are also required to provide 30 minutes of additional instruction beyond the video. This allows the trainer to inform or demonstrate procedures and regulations set by the individual establishment. As much time as needed should be given for the employee to take the test and the trainer to verify applicant information.
Q. If an employee fails the test the first time, when can a re-test occur?
A. As soon as possible. The purpose of the test is not to weed employees out, but allow them to learn from their initial mistakes and build on their knowledge. There is no additional fee for re-tests. On the processing form, simply check the box that says re-test.
Q. How do we pay for the processing fee for the tests?
A. We will not invoice you. Pre-payment in full is required before your tests are processed. There is no tax on FWC processing. If sending a check, please consolidate into one check rather than several checks. We also accept Visa, MasterCard, AMX and Discover. Please do not send cash.
Q. How long will my FWC be valid?
A. The first card is valid for two years. The renewal card is only valid for three years unless an advanced food safety certification course (like ServSafe) has been taken. If the advanced course has been taken, then the card is good for five years. For a three-year renewal card to be issued, a photocopy of the old card that is either going to expire within 60 days or has not been expired for more than 30 days must be attached and mailed in with the test. For a five-year renewal, a photocopy of the advanced food-safety course that has been issued within the last two years must be sent in with the test. If photocopy proof is not provided, a two-year card will be issued.
Q. Do I have a grace period to renew my FWC after it expires?
A. Yes, but not a very long one. Cards must be renewed within 30 days of expiration. You may, however, renew your expiring card up to 60 days before it actually expires.
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