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Food-safety certification

South Carolina Food Handler & Manager Certification

What food-safety certification South Carolina 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 food handler card. Every establishment must have at least one employee with a food manager certification.
State card
No statewide food handler card. Manager-only 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
No major local handler-card mandates identified.
Governed by
South Carolina Dept. of Health & Environmental Control (DHEC) / SC Dept. of Agriculture

Source: official page

Handler training voluntary; statewide mandate is manager-level certification.

Manager certification (CFPM)

Required?
Required — Every retail food establishment must have at least one supervisory/management employee designated as a Certified Food Protection Manager (SC Regulation 61-25, sections 2-102.12 and 2-102.20).
Accepted exams
ServSafe ManagerNational Registry (NRFSP)Prometric (PFM)360training/Learn2ServeStateFoodSafety
How many
At least one CFPM in a supervisory/management role per establishment
On-site during hours?
No
Valid for
5 years · Retake an ANSI-CFP accredited exam before the 5-year expiration
Local registration
A Person-in-Charge (holding at least a food handler certificate or CFPM) must be present during all hours of operation.
Governed by
South Carolina Department of Agriculture, Retail Food Safety (regulatory authority transferred from SC DHEC in 2024)

Source: official page

The 2024 update to Regulation 61-25 clarified the CFPM requirement; retail food oversight moved from DHEC to the SC Dept of Agriculture in 2024.

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

Frequently asked

Do I need a food handler card in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not have a statewide requirement for a food handler card, though your local jurisdiction or employer may. No statewide food handler card. Every establishment must have at least one employee with a food manager certification..
Does South Carolina require a certified food protection manager?
Yes — South Carolina requires a certified food protection manager (CFPM). Every retail food establishment must have at least one supervisory/management employee designated as a Certified Food Protection Manager (SC Regulation 61-25, sections 2-102.12 and 2-102.20). Certification is typically valid for 5 years.
What's the difference between a food handler card and a manager certification in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina?
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.
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