foodservicenerd
Food-safety certification

Colorado Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification Colorado requires — the employee food handler card and the manager (CFPM) certification — who needs each, accepted programs, cost and renewal.
Educational summary, not legal advice — requirements change and localities can add their own; confirm with your health authority.

Food handler card

Required?
Not state-required — No statewide requirement for individual food handlers. Most licensed establishments must designate a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM); as of March 1, 2025, the person-in-charge on duty must personally hold a valid CFPM.
State card
No statewide food handler card. Manager-only (CFPM) state.
Accepted programs
ServSafe Food Handler (voluntary)StateFoodSafetyLearn2Serve/360trainingeFoodHandlers
Typical cost
Varies by provider
Valid for
See state · N/A at handler level
When to get it
N/A — no statewide handler requirement
Local exceptions
City and County of Denver does not require CFPM (own food code). Some counties/cities may require handler training.
Governed by
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment (CDPHE)

Source: official page

Handler card voluntary; statewide mandate is manager-level CFPM (with Denver exception).

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Retail food establishments must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules, 6 CCR 1010-2, adopting FDA Food Code 2-102.12).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one CFPM employed per establishment
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam before the 5-year expiration
Local registration
Requirement is enforced by local public health agencies; some (e.g., Denver, Tri-County) provide additional guidance.
Governed by
Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment / local public health agencies

Source: official page

CFPM requirement phased in for licensed establishments; low-risk operations may be exempt.

Opening in Colorado? See Colorado food-business requirements, the inspection self-audit, and Colorado cottage food law if you're starting from home.

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in Colorado?
Colorado does not have a statewide requirement for a food handler card, though your local jurisdiction or employer may. No statewide requirement for individual food handlers. Most licensed establishments must designate a Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM); as of March 1, 2025, the person-in-charge on duty must personally hold a valid CFPM..
Does Colorado require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — Colorado requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Retail food establishments must employ at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules, 6 CCR 1010-2, adopting FDA Food Code 2-102.12). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in Colorado?
A food handler card is an entry-level credential for employees who handle food — a short course and quiz. A manager (CFPM) certification is a more rigorous, proctored exam (like ServSafe Manager) held by a person responsible for food safety at the establishment. Many states require the manager credential even where they don't require handler cards for every employee.
Which food safety courses are accepted in Colorado?
Accepted programs are ANSI-accredited providers such as ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, National Registry, Prometric, and 360training/Learn2Serve, plus any state-specific card where one exists. Confirm the current accepted list with your health authority before paying.
← All states