If you’re working in food service in Minnesota—whether in a restaurant, grocery store, food truck, or catering—proper training is essential. Our online course helps you meet Minnesota Food Safety standards with clear, easy-to-follow lessons designed to prevent foodborne illness and promote safe food handling.
This ANAB-accredited course is perfect for food handlers and entry-level staff. Learn on your schedule, from any device, and download your certificate instantly upon completion.
✅ 100% Online – Study at your own pace
✅ Meets Minnesota food safety training requirements
✅ Mobile-Friendly & Beginner-Friendly
✅ Ideal for Food Handlers & New Employees
✅ Instant Certificate Download After Completion



















Education is the best tool to prevent, minimize, or eliminate foodborne illnesses and food hazards.
Training helps reduce or eliminate food safety hazards before they become major issues.
Reducing food safety complaints will create a happier workplace and in turn increase productivity.
Minnesota does not mandate food handler training statewide, but AAA Food Handler recommends it to meet Minnesota food safety goals and to make yourself a stronger job candidate. Getting your card is simple—complete our training, pass the exam, and receive your certificate immediately. Always confirm if your city, county, or employer requires additional steps.
Yes, AAA Food Handler offers an online, self-paced option that’s convenient and affordable. You’ll learn about safe time and temperature controls, preventing cross-contamination, proper handwashing, food storage, and sanitizing equipment—all designed to improve Minnesota food safety compliance.
Food handler permits in Minnesota are generally valid for 2–3 years, though requirements may vary by employer or local authority. Training is vital because Minnesota has seen frequent foodborne outbreaks—knowledge from our course helps reduce risks and supports stronger statewide food safety practices.
A food handler card opens doors to jobs like cook, waiter, bartender, prep worker, or dishwasher across restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, average wages include $12.28/hour for waitstaff and $14.00/hour for cooks. With Minnesota’s food service industry projected to grow 8.6% by 2029, AAA Food Handler training helps you stand out while supporting Minnesota food safety.
In Minnesota, most food establishments are required to have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) on-site. Exceptions include low-risk operations such as special event food stands, food trucks, portable structures, and carts.
New CFPMs must complete a state-approved food safety manager course, such as the one provided by AAA Food Handler, and pass an ANSI-accredited exam. After passing, candidates submit their application and fee to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Local jurisdictions may have additional training or certification requirements, so it’s important to verify rules with your city or county health department to ensure full compliance.
Food Handler Reviews
4.9
Great
very through and informative
Clearly explained modules that virtually guarantee a passing grade if you pay attention.
I have had my food handlers card in the past and went through a different website to obtain it. I got this website from my current supervisor and honestly this website was very informative. Considering that this is women owned, things are explained in a good detail. 1.5 hours of this does seem long but it is not. I learned some new information from the last time I took it and also the final exam was 40 questions. Final exam questions were fairly simple and reflected everything that was talked about.
easy and concise to follow
It was informative and good learning material.
Well worth it & Very Recommended
Very Easy & Recommended
Me gusto lo bien explicados que estan los modulos y la informacion tan importante
The information was clear and concise.
Modules was short and to the point. Very informative on food handling.
Accessed through mobile phone and found the course to be a bit slow
Definitely interesting. I’ve had to take this course several times over my life and this one kept my attention well. The narrator used had a good voice and having to interact at times kept me on my toes. I liked it overall and will be back if available when it is time to do it again.
The information makes one aware of how to protect yourself and your loved ones from needless illnesses by using preventive measures, common sense and paying attention to the potetntial hazards and cross contamination when it comes to handing food. This info also keeps me alert when I am being served in a restaurant. Just recently, I was at a restaurant, and was served my meal with white bread instead of pita bread. I brought it to the server’s attention, he apologized and he grabbed the two pieces of bread off my plate. We thought that was kind of weird, but at least he was nice about it, and wearing gloves. However, he touched other things with his gloves, since he was busy serving other people. If I knew then, that that would’ve been a violation, I think I would’ve told the manager, instead of letting it go. Even though some of this info is common sense, it is helpful to bring the topic up with an explanation to back up the standards. Otherwise, it is very easy to let things slide. Also, there are specific info that I wasn’t aware of, like how many degrees should you receive food when hot or when cold. Overall, this course was very insightful. I kept thinking my whole family should take this course, so we can all be on the same page. I also feel the need to practice these guidelines regularly in my own home kitchen.
simple and informative.
This course goes into great depth and provides an in depth understanding of food safety.
Great program
Easy and straight to the point
This course was sufficient in preparing me for the food handlers test