Colorado Food Handler Card & Certificate

Colorado food handler training is a food safety education program designed to teach best practices for handling and preparing food safely. Topics often include proper cooking temperatures, cleaning and sanitizing procedures, allergen awareness, and preventing cross-contamination. These courses are typically ANSI/ANAB-accredited and include an exam at the end.

Colorado does not require food handler training at the state level for all food workers. However, many employers and local jurisdictions require or recommend it. Anyone who handles, prepares, or serves unpackaged or potentially hazardous food, such as cooks, servers, baristas, or caterers, can benefit from completing a food handler course.

Colorado does not have a universal, statewide requirement for food handler training. However, state law does require at least one certified food protection manager in every food establishment, and many counties, cities, and employers have their own food handler training requirements.

Colorado recommends food safety training.

The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment requires food employees to abide by certain food safety protocols.  By getting good handler certificate, you can get an edge over other job applicants by coming in with the knowledge to obey the law.

Food handler courses accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) meet a high standard and cover everything you need to know for compliance in Colorado. That includes:

• Effective handwashing techniques and protocols
• Safe acquisition and storage of food
• Time and temperature controls that prevent pathogen growth
• Proper sanitization of equipment and food-contact surfaces
• Measures to prevent cross-contamination

Some cities or counties have stricter requirements than the state.  It's always a good idea to double check with your city/county or employer to ensure you get required training.

The cost of Colorado food handler safety training varies by provider and course format. At 360training, our pricing is designed to offer value for both individuals and businesses, with discounts available for bulk purchases.

Yes. While there is no single, government-issued “Food Handler Certification” in the U.S., the term is commonly used to mean a certificate of completion from an approved training provider. 360training’s food handler training is ANAB-accredited, which meets widely accepted industry standards and is recognized by employers and local health departments across the state.

Yes—in fact, online food handler courses are quick and convenient!

Our food handler training at Learn2Serve, by 360training, is ANSI-accredited. That means it follows the highest standards for food handler training.

Getting your food handler card in Colorado is simple.  First, complete a brief training program and take the exam.  Once you pass, many programs will give you immediate access to a certificate of completion, which you can print for your employer as proof of training.  Be sure to check if any extra steps are required by local authorities.  Enroll now to get your food handler certificate in Colorado!

The length of Colorado food handler safety training will depend on the course and your learning pace, but many learners finish in just a few hours. At 360training, you can train online at your own speed, take the exam when ready, and download your digital certificate immediately after passing.

It's important to take regular refresher courses. Colorado food handler certificate is generally valid for 2-3 years.  Check with your employer or local health authority for their specific requirements.

Knowing how to keep yourself and your customers safe from foodborne illness is one of the many skills required for food service work in Colorado.

Food employees play an enormous role in public health.  For example, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that contagious food service workers are the source for 70% of reported outbreaks of norovirus (a common source of food poisoning).

And Colorado has its share of foodborne illnesses. In 2017, the CDC reported a total of 44 foodborne disease outbreaks in Colorado. This is up a little from the 37 outbreaks reported in 2016 and the 38 reported in 2015.

If you complete food handler training, you'll play an important role in bringing the number of outbreaks back down.

In Colorado, a food handler permit qualifies you for many types of jobs. The training's designed for anyone who works with unpackaged food and/or food-contact surfaces, equipment, or utensils.

That includes positions like:

• Chefs, cooks, and other kitchen/prep workers
• Dishwashers and bussers
• Food servers, food runners
• Bartenders
• Any job that involves contact with food or food-contact surfaces

You can work in a variety of establishments like:

• Restaurants with table service
• Fast food and other counter service restaurants
• Coffee shops
• Delis
• Bakeries
• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Food trucks
• And many more…

And job demand is high because the food and beverage industry in Colorado is growing extremely fast.

According to the Colorado Restaurant Association (CRA), in 2019 there were 285,900 restaurant and food service jobs—that's 10% of total employment. More importantly, that number is projected to grow 11.9% by the year 2029; compare that to 5% for all occupations nation-wide.

If you’re looking to get a job in the food and beverage industry in Colorado, here are some good options, along with how much money you can expect to make based on wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

If you get your food handler card before you apply for any of these jobs, you’ll be way ahead of the competition!

Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE): The CDPHE regulates food safety in the state. You'll find resources on food safety regulations, infectious diseases, and the Colorado Food Code.

Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules & Regulations:  Find the latest Colorado restaurant regulations here, including the food safety knowledge a manager must require of their workers.