How to Get Your Food Handlers Card

Step 1

Train

Step 2

Test

Step 3

Get Your Card Instantly

About the Course

Our Colorado Food Handler course provides the food safety training needed to help employees handle food safely and prevent foodborne illness.

While Colorado does not require a statewide food handler card, many counties and employers require or recommend related training. This course covers key topics, including personal hygiene, cross-contamination, time and temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing, and allergens. You’ll receive a Certificate of Completion after passing the final exam.
Food Handler Demo

Customers Also Bought

Colorado Food Handlers Card

Current Product

Food Allergens Essentials

When purchased together

Course Outline

By the end of this program, you will be able to:
  • Recognize how food can cause illness or allergic reactions. 
  • Prevent contamination of food and food-contact surfaces with the hands and body. 
  • Identify which symptoms or illnesses must be reported to a manager. 
  • Use time and temperature control throughout the flow of food. 
  • Maintain a clean environment for food preparation and service. 

Course Features

Format

Fully online and self-paced

Device Compatibility

Accessible on computers, tablets and smartphones

Learning Methods

Engaging interactive activities, audio narration, videos and full-text content

Available Languages

English, Español, 普通话, 한국어, Việt, American Sign Language, Tagalog, Serbo-Croatian. Language selection is available after purchase.

Program Length

Approximately 30 minutes

Quick Facts

Is food handler training required by the state?

No. Colorado does not require official cards for food employees at the state level.

What entity regulates and governs food safety and training for the state?

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) oversees food safety regulations for retail food establishments.

Who needs a food handler card?

Requirements vary by county. Some local health departments require training, and many employers require it as part of their food safety program.

How long is the card valid?

The renewal period depends on where you work:

  • Most Colorado counties: 3 years
  • Denver City and County: 3 years
  • Boulder, El Paso, Jefferson, Mesa and Routt counties: 2 years

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

4300 Cherry Creek Drive South Denver, CO 80246

303-692-3645 dphe.dehs.support@state.co.us

Why StateFoodSafety?

Get the training you need with an easy-to-use course designed to help you learn efficiently.

Meets Local Requirements

Our training meets the requirements of participating Colorado counties and is trusted by employers across the state.

Fast and Convenient

Complete the course online at your own pace, anytime and anywhere.

Interactive, Accessible Learning

Engaging lessons, narrated content and interactive activities make learning simple and effective.

Visuals That Match Your Job

Real-world photos and examples help you apply food safety practices in the workplace.

FAQs

What topics are covered in the course?

The course covers material such as personal hygiene, preventing cross-contamination, time and temperature control, cleaning and sanitizing, and preventing foodborne illness.

Do volunteers handling food need this credential?

Requirements vary by county and organization. Many employers and organizations require volunteers who prepare, serve or handle food to complete this training. Check with the organization or your local health department for specific requirements.

What is a food handler card?

This card is a certificate or wallet-sized proof that an individual has completed basic food safety training. Employers and some local jurisdictions may require it for certain food service positions.

Who needs this certification in Colorado?

Even though training is not required by law, it is highly recommended for all workers who prepare and serve food.

What are the testing requirements?

You must score at least 70% on the final exam to pass. You have two attempts to pass the exam.

Is the training self-paced?

Yes. You can complete the course at your own pace and study when it's most convenient for you.

Is there a bulk discount?

Yes! Our group purchase system makes it easy to manage employee training. When you purchase courses in bulk, you'll receive administrative tools to assign training, track progress and view certificates. Eligible businesses may also qualify for volume discounts of up to 15% on eligible courses.

How quickly will I receive my certificate?

You'll receive your Certificate of Completion immediately after passing the final exam.

What if I lose my certificate?

You can log in to your account at any time to view, download, print or email your Certificate of Completion.

Is there a certificate replacement fee?

No. You can access and reprint your certificate from your online account at no additional cost.

Can I get a physical copy of my certificate?

Your certificate is provided digitally. You can print or email it at any time by logging in to your account and selecting View Certificate from your dashboard.

Is there a grace period after my certificate expires?

Grace periods, if any, are determined by your local health department or employer. Check with your employer or local government for any applicable policy governing your training.

What happens if my certificate expires while I'm employed?

If your employer or local jurisdiction requires a current food handler card, you'll typically need to renew your training to remain compliant and continue working.

How can employers verify my certificate?

Employers can verify certificates through the StateFoodSafety certificate verification system using the information on your certificate.

Is my out-of-state training valid?

Possibly. Acceptance of out-of-state certificates depends on your local health department or employer. Check local requirements and consult your employer before relying on an out-of-state certificate.

Does Colorado have reciprocity with other states?

Colorado does not have a statewide reciprocity policy for food handler cards. Certificate acceptability is determined by local jurisdictions or employers.

Is proof of training required?

Not at the state level. However, some Colorado counties and employers require proof of completed training as a condition of employment. Verify any requirements that apply where you work.

Can I complete the course on my phone or tablet?

Yes. The course is compatible with most computers, tablets and smartphones with an internet connection.

Can I start the course and finish it later?

Yes. Your progress is automatically saved, allowing you to log back in at any time and continue where you left off.

Do I need any previous food service experience?

No. The training is designed for both first-time food workers and experienced employees.

Will my employer receive a copy of my certificate?

If your employer purchased your training through a group account, they may be able to view your completion status and certificate. Otherwise, you'll need to provide your certificate directly.

Does Denver require a food safety card?

Requirements vary by employer and local policies. Check with your employer or the local health department to determine whether training is expected for your position.

Can minors take this course?

Yes. If you're employed in food service, you may complete the training if your employer requires or recommends it.

Are there any training requirements for food managers?

While Colorado does not require all food employees to obtain an official card, most licensed retail food establishments must always have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on duty. A CFPM is responsible for overseeing food safety practices, helping ensure employees follow food handling procedures and reducing the risk of foodborne illness.  

Food protection manager certification is different from food handler training. The standard training provides basic education for employees who prepare, serve or handle food, while a CFPM certification is a more advanced credential intended for managers or supervisors responsible for food operations. Most food service employees only need the training required by their employer or local jurisdiction, while designated managers may be required to earn and maintain CFPM certification.

Trustpilot

Ready to Get Your Food Handlers Card?

Buy Now