Food Worker Training

Training/Certification

Food worker classes at all of our office locations (Prescott- 1090 Commerce Drive; Prescott Valley- 3212 N. Windsong Drive; and Cottonwood- 10 S. 6th Street) have been canceled until further notice. On-site food worker classes can be offered for a minimum of ten (10) paying trainees, as long as the establishment can provide adequate space for physical distancing. If fewer than (10) individuals attend a scheduled class, the facility requesting the food worker training will be responsible to cover the cost. ANSI approved on-line training certificates continues to be valid for employment compliance per YCHO.

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:

  • Reviewing and completing the required questions in a study workbook(PDF, 1MB) of food safety information and then passing a “Beginner” test. (en Español(PDF, 977KB))
  • Obtaining a Food Worker Training Certificate from an ANSI-approved online training agency.

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(PDF, 1MB). (en Español(PDF, 977KB))

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 February 1, 2015)

  • $15.00 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(PDF, 135KB) ).

Food worker classes at all of our office locations (Prescott- 1090 Commerce Drive; Prescott Valley- 3212 N. Windsong Drive; and Cottonwood- 10 S. 6th Street) have been canceled until further notice. On-site food worker classes can be offered for a minimum of eight (8) paying trainees, as long as the establishment can provide adequate space for physical distancing. If fewer than (8) individuals attend a scheduled class, the facility requesting the food worker training will be responsible to cover the cost. ANSI approved on-line training certificates continues to be valid for employment compliance per YCHO.

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?

Food worker classes at all of our office locations (Prescott- 1090 Commerce Drive; Prescott Valley- 3212 N. Windsong Drive; and Cottonwood- 10 S. 6th Street) have been canceled until further notice. On-site food worker classes can be offered for a minimum of ten (10) paying trainees, as long as the establishment can provide adequate space for physical distancing. If fewer than (10) individuals attend a scheduled class, the facility requesting the food worker training will be responsible to cover the cost. ANSI approved on-line training certificates continues to be valid for employment compliance per YCHO.

Who do I contact for more information?

Contact the Yavapai County Environmental Health Unit

Manager Certification

On September 05, 2018 Yavapai County adopted a change to its health code pertaining to Food Manager Certification which went into effect January 01, 2019. All food establishments that store, prepare, package, serve, vend, or otherwise provide time/temperature control for safety food or food for human consumption must employ at least one (1) certified manager who is present and available during operational hours.

Food Manager Certification must be by a food protection manager certification program. This is evaluated and listed by a Conference for Food Protection-recognized accrediting agency and conforming to the Conference of food Protection Standards for Accreditation of Food Manager Certification Program.

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

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