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Colorado does not require food handler cards statewide but does require a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) per establishment.
Food Handler / Food Safety Manager
Total cost: $78-$198
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
No
Handler Card Required
Yes
Manager Cert Required
N/A
Training Hours
N/A
Card Validity
N/A
Handler Fee
$78-$198
Manager Exam Fee
Certification Type Required
Manager Certification Only
CFPM required per establishment
Cost
$78-$198
Where to Get Certified
ServSafe Manager Certification, National Registry of Food Safety Professionals (NRFSP), Prometric — Certified Professional Food Manager
Online and in-person options available
Valid For
Manager: 5 years
Renewal Requirements
Every N/A
Retake ANSI-CFP accredited exam
Handler Card / Training
Needs verificationColorado does not require a food handler card statewide. Not required statewide. Tri-County Health Department and some counties require training.
Food handler cards certify that food service workers understand basic food safety principles including proper handwashing, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and foodborne illness awareness. Training is typically completed online and takes 2-4 hours.
Not sure if you need a food handler license? Check whether your state requires one.
Certified Food Protection Manager
Mostly verifiedRequired
CFPM Status
5 yrs
Valid For
$78-$198
Exam Fee
Managers Per Establishment
At least one CFPM per establishment
Accepted ANSI-CFP Accredited Exams
The Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) credential demonstrates advanced knowledge of food safety principles, HACCP, temperature monitoring, sanitation, and regulatory compliance. The exam is proctored and typically takes 2 hours. Most states require at least one CFPM per food establishment.
Regulatory Framework
Mostly verifiedFDA Food Code Version
2017
Based on the FDA Model Food Code
Food Handler Card
Not required statewide
Manager Certification (CFPM)
Required per establishment
Local Jurisdiction Notes
Not required statewide. Tri-County Health Department and some counties require training.
The FDA Food Code is a model code published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that provides a scientifically sound framework for food safety regulation. States adopt and adapt this code for their own food safety programs. The most recent version is the 2022 FDA Food Code.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Manager Certification Exam (CFPM) CFPM exam fee (ServSafe, NRFSP, or Prometric) | $78-$198 |
Total Initial Fees Combined handler card + manager certification costs where applicable | $78-$198 |
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Renewal & Recertification
Mostly verifiedRegulatory Board
Food handler cards and manager certifications must be renewed before expiration. Handler card renewal typically requires retaking the training course and exam. Manager certification (CFPM) renewal requires passing the accredited exam again. Always verify current renewal requirements with your state or local health department.
Colorado's county-by-county approach means food handlers may face different requirements depending on which county they work in.
Food handler card is not required statewide, but local jurisdictions may impose their own requirements.
At least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required per food establishment.
Tri-County Health Department (Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas counties) requires its own food handler card.
There is no interstate compact for food handlers.
Food Handler requirements in nearby states
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Food Handler Schools in Colorado
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Study guides for food handler cards and ServSafe Manager certification exams.
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Food Handler requirements in Colorado verified against Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, March 2026.
Accessed 2026-03-16
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Colorado does not require a food handler card statewide. A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) is required per food establishment. All food safety regulation is managed through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state or county health department.