The former Sanepid Book (KsiΔ ΕΌeczka Sanepidowska) is no longer an official medical document.
Today, employers require an Occupational Health Certificate for Sanitary and Epidemiological Purposes (Orzeczenie do celΓ³w sanitarno-epidemiologicznych).
This certificate confirms that you are medically fit to work in jobs involving contact with food, drinking water or certain groups of people.
π€ Who Needs It
The certificate is commonly required for jobs such as:
- Restaurant worker
- Waiter
- Cook
- Barista
- Baker
- Food factory worker
- Supermarket employee handling food
- Kindergarten employee
- Healthcare worker
The employer will inform you if the certificate is required for your position.
π’ Step-by-step Guide
- Receive a referral from your employer (or arrange the examination yourself if required)
- Complete laboratory testing for Salmonella and Shigella (private or on NFZ)
- Visit an occupational medicine doctor
- Obtain the sanitary-epidemiological certificate
Only this medical certificate allows you to work in positions where it is required.
π§ͺ What Tests Do You Need
The main test is:
- Stool testing for Salmonella and Shigella
You usually provide stool samples collected over 3 consecutive days.
π Where Can You Take the Tests
You can complete the laboratory tests at:
- Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations (Sanepid)
- Private laboratories
- Occupational medicine clinics that provide the service
The doctor issuing the certificate may recommend a specific laboratory.
π¨ββοΈ Medical Examination
After receiving your laboratory results, you must visit an occupational medicine doctor.
The doctor will:
- Review your laboratory results
- Ask about your medical history
- Assess whether there are any contraindications to work
If everything is normal, the doctor issues the certificate.
In most cases, the entire process takes 2β3 weeks.
π Required Documents
You will usually need:
- Passport
- Referral from your employer (If provided)
- Laboratory test results
- Previous sanitary certificate (If you have one)
π° Cost
| Service | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Laboratory tests | 100β250 PLN |
| Occupational medicine examination | 100β200 PLN |
| Total | 200β450 PLN |
Many employers pay the full cost of the examinations.
π³ Who Pays
If the examination is required for employment, the employer should provide the referral and cover the cost of the required examinations.
Some people choose to complete the process at their own expense before applying for jobs.
π How Long Is It Valid
The certificate does not have a fixed expiration date.
The occupational medicine doctor decides whether it is:
- Valid indefinitely
- Valid until a specified date
- Requires future re-examination
A new examination may also be required if you change jobs or if your employer requests an updated certificate.