COLORADO
FOOD HANDLERS CARD​

The Food Handler Certificate Course is designed to educate employees working in food service about the best practices for food safety. It covers essential topics like preventing foodborne illnesses, proper food handling, sanitization procedures, temperature control, etc. This course is required for all food workers handling unpackaged or potentially hazardous food in Colorado.

After completing and passing the final exam, you will receive your Colorado Food Handler Card. This Food handler card improves the completion of the food safety course and can be presented to employers as required.

Once you purchase the course, you will have access to all course materials—three months from the date of purchase. This allows you to revisit the course and refresh your knowledge anytime during your access period.

There is no difference—both terms refer to the document you receive after completing a recognized food safety course. Some counties or employers may refer to it as a “card,” but the certificate serves the same purpose: it proves you’ve completed an approved food safety course. In many cases, the card is simply a printed or wallet-sized version of the certificate.

For more information on food safety, Contact:
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, Colorado – 80246

Yes, the Colorado Food Handler Course is available in both English and Spanish to accommodate a broader range of food workers and ensure better understanding of food safety practices.

We offer bulk rate discounts for employers who need to train multiple employees. Our group purchase system allows you to buy courses at a discounted rate, assign courses to your employees, and track their progress from one central location.

The course typically takes about 1.5 hours to complete. It is designed to be interactive and informative, allowing food workers to complete the course at their own pace.

To obtain your Colorado Food Handlers Card, you must complete the online food safety course and pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. After completing the course, your food handler card will be issued immediately, and you can print it out for use.

You can retake the exam if you don’t pass the first time. You will have two chances to pass the final exam, which consists of 40 questions. If you don’t pass on the first attempt, you can review the materials and retake the exam without any additional charge.

Check on the website if they display the official ANAB logo or mention accreditation clearly on their website and course information page.

A Food Handler Card boosts your credibility, helps your resume stand out, and can lead to leadership roles or advanced certifications in food safety.

A personal and portable Food Handler Card allows you to carry it to new employers. However, verify that it’s accepted in your new location, as requirements may vary.

Under Colorado’s Cottage Food Law, you can sell certain non-potentially hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration. These include:

• Baked goods (excluding those with cream, custard, or meringue fillings)
• Candies and confections
• Jams, jellies, and preserves
• Fruit butters
• Dehydrated fruits and vegetables

The AAA Food Handler Card meets the food safety training requirement under Colorado’s Cottage Food Law if the course is accredited by the ANAB. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) accepts ANAB-accredited training as valid for cottage food producers. Always confirm that the AAA course includes ANAB accreditation to ensure it meets Colorado’s legal requirements.

To comply with Colorado’s Cottage Foods Act, you must complete an ANSI / ANAB Accredited Food Handler Course or state-approved food safety training course. One way to meet this requirement is by earning a Food Handler certificate through an ANSI accredited provider like AAA Food Handler. Their online course is ANSI-accredited, meets Colorado’s standards, and typically takes about 1.5 hours to finish.