Food Worker Training Program

Training/Certification

A food worker certificate is required for any person who handles, prepares, serves, sells or gives away food for human consumption, including those whose duties are restricted to busing or washing dishes. New food workers must obtain their certificates within 30 days of hire.

The certificate may be obtained by doing one of the following:

• Attending a Food Worker Training Schedule.
• Reviewing and completing the required questions in a study workbook of food safety information and then passing a “Beginner” test.
• Passing an “Intermediate” test.

Those who wish to study and complete the required questions of the workbook in advance of coming in to take the “Beginner” test, may download the study workbook.

As of 10/1/2008, proof of legal residency is required to obtain a food worker certificate. The following forms of eligibility identification are accepted:

1. An Arizona driver license issued after 1996, OR an Arizona nonoperating identification license
2. A driver license issued by a state that verifies lawful presence in the United States (This does not currently include Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and Washington.  The enhanced driver license from Washington is acceptable.)
3. A birth certificate or delayed birth certificate issued in any state, territory or possession of the United States
4. A United States Certificate of Birth Abroad
5. A United States passport
6. A foreign passport with a United States visa
7. An I-94 Form with a photograph
8. A United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment authorization document or refugee travel document.  Acceptable forms of documentation:
• Permanent Residency Card/Resident Alien
• Alien Registration Receipt Card
• Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766, I-688A, I-688B)
9. A United States Certificate of Naturalization
10. A United States Certificate of Citizenship
11. A tribal Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB)
12. A tribal or Bureau of Indian Affairs Affidavit of Birth

Why is it needed?

To give people who work in food establishments basic knowledge of food safety principles, encouraging safe food handling practices.

Who is required to obtain a Food Worker Certificate?

All persons who may handle, prepare or serve food or persons involved in the handling of food contact surfaces and/or equipment.

Is there a cost?

(Effective January 1, 2010)

• $15.00 1-year Term
• $25.00 2-year Term
• There is no charge for volunteers.

Either the original or second copy of the certificate must be kept at the workplace.

Cash and local business/personal checks are accepted. Returned checks are subject to a NSF check charge (See Fee Schedule).

See our Food Worker Training Schedule for more information on weekly scheduled classes, outlying area classes, classes held in Spanish, or workbook training.

What are the goals of the program?

To improve food safety.

What has the program achieved?

Widespread food safety training of food workers in Yavapai County.

Where are the services for the Food Worker Training Program available?

In Prescott, Prescott Valley and Cottonwood, as well as several outlying communities. See See Foodworker Training Schedule.

Who do I contact for more information?

Contact the Yavapai County Environmental Health Unit.

Manager Certification

In 2001, Yavapai County adopted a change to its health code requiring all food establishments handling open, potentially hazardous foods to have at least one person available during all hours of operation who has undergone extensive food service training and has obtained manager certification.

The deadline for meeting this requirement was January 1, 2002. New establishments must meet the requirement within 90 days of opening.

To obtain manager certification, you must attend training conducted by an approved agency recognized by the county for this purpose. See below for approved agencies.

The certificate or a copy must be displayed in the workplace.

Approved Agencies