Coconino County Food Handlers Card: Arizona County Requirements (2026)

Quick answer

Required?
Yes
Cost
Cost of an ANAB online course
Valid for
3 years (food handler and Backcountry Specialist)

Requirements verified July 17, 2026 against Coconino County Health and Human Services

How Coconino County differs from the rest of Arizona

Coconino County (Flagstaff, Grand Canyon) accepts ANAB-accredited certificates directly and dropped its old fee for transferring them to a county card. It also offers a unique Backcountry Specialist certification for river and backcountry guides.

For the statewide picture, see the full Arizona food handlers card guide.

What Coconino County requires

Food service workers must complete an approved food safety course; ANAB/ANSI-accredited certificates are recognized as-is, with no county transfer fee. Establishments serving open perishable (TCS) food must have at least one Certified Food Protection Manager physically present during operating hours — the county no longer offers CFPM training itself, so ANSI-accredited programs are the route. The county's Backcountry Specialist certification (3 years) covers food, water, sanitation, and vector safety and is approved by Grand Canyon National Park for river and backcountry operations.

Where to get your card in Coconino County

Coconino County certifications page

Cost and validity

Cost of an ANAB online course (~$7–$10); the former $8 county transfer fee no longer applies. The card is valid for 3 years (food handler and backcountry specialist).

Coconino County FAQ

Do I have to convert my online certificate into a Coconino County card?

No. The county no longer requires (or charges for) transferring your certificate — an ANAB-accredited food handler certificate is recognized as-is.

What is the Backcountry Specialist certification?

A Coconino-specific 3-year credential for backcountry and river operations (such as Grand Canyon guides) covering food, water, sanitation, and vector safety — broader than standard food handler training.

Official sources

Every requirement on this page traces to one of these official sources.