South Carolina Food Handler Training Guide (2026)
Last updated July 2026
South Carolina does not issue a statewide food handler card. Instead, state rule requires every retail food establishment to have a person in charge who is either a Certified Food Protection Manager or a certified food handler at all times during operation. This guide covers the requirement, what changed with oversight moving to the Department of Agriculture, and how to get accredited training online today.
Quick answer
No — South Carolina does not issue a statewide food handler card. State rule (Regulation 61-25, Retail Food Establishments, based on the FDA Food Code) requires the person in charge at every retail food establishment to be either a Certified Food Protection Manager or a certified food handler at all times during operation, and to hold supervisory authority over food preparation and employee health policies. The manager credential is valid up to 5 years through an ANSI-CFP accredited exam (not required for mobile food pushcarts). Oversight of retail food establishments moved from DHEC to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture as of July 1, 2024. Training documentation must be maintained, and an accredited course typically costs $8–$20.
| Who needs it | The person in charge at each establishment must be a Certified Food Protection Manager or certified food handler; no card required for other staff statewide |
|---|---|
| Law | Regulation 61-25, Retail Food Establishments (based on the FDA Food Code) |
| Regulating agency | South Carolina Department of Agriculture (oversight moved from DHEC effective July 1, 2024) |
| Manager certification valid for | Up to 5 years |
| Online training | Accepted (ANAB/ANSI-CFP-accredited providers) |
| Typical cost | $8–$20 |
| Exemption | Not required for mobile food pushcarts |
How South Carolina regulates food handler training
South Carolina doesn't mandate an individual food handler card for every worker. Regulation 61-25 (Retail Food Establishments, based on the FDA Food Code) requires that the person in charge at each establishment — the one with supervisory authority over food preparation and employee health policies — be either a Certified Food Protection Manager or a certified food handler at all times during operation, having demonstrated proficiency through an accredited exam. Oversight of retail food establishments moved from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture effective July 1, 2024.
Because the rule is built around the person in charge rather than every individual worker, most food handlers in South Carolina aren't personally required to hold a card — though the establishment must keep training documentation on file, and many employers train their whole staff anyway. Mobile food pushcarts are specifically exempted from the certified-person requirement. Local health departments can layer on additional expectations, so it's worth a quick check with yours if you have questions specific to your workplace.
FenixFoodSafety's South Carolina Food Handler course is ANAB-accredited, takes about 75 minutes, and issues your certificate immediately on passing — a solid way to document food safety training whether you're the person in charge or a team member your employer wants trained.
Getting certified
How to get your South Carolina food handler certificate
Four steps, about 75 minutes, certificate in hand the same day.
Enroll
Start the South Carolina Food Handler course online — no account setup needed before checkout.
Learn
Work through the interactive modules at your own pace. Most people finish in about 75 minutes.
Pass the exam
Score 70% or higher on the online exam. Retakes are included if you need another shot.
Download your certificate
Print it the moment you pass and give a copy to your employer for their records.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a food handler card in South Carolina?
Not as an individual worker. South Carolina doesn't issue a statewide food handler card. State rule instead requires the person in charge at each establishment to be a Certified Food Protection Manager or certified food handler.
Who is the 'person in charge' in South Carolina food safety rules?
The employee with supervisory authority over food preparation, service, and employee health policies at a retail food establishment. Under Regulation 61-25, that person must be either a Certified Food Protection Manager or a certified food handler at all times during operation.
Which agency regulates food safety in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Agriculture, which took over retail food establishment oversight from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) effective July 1, 2024.
Does South Carolina require regular food handlers to complete training?
Not by individual statewide mandate — the requirement centers on the person in charge. That said, establishments must keep training documentation on file, and many employers train all staff regardless.
How long does South Carolina manager/food handler certification last?
Up to 5 years, renewed by passing another ANSI-CFP accredited exam before expiration.
How much does food handler training cost in South Carolina?
Typically $8–$20 depending on the provider. Fenix's ANAB-accredited online course is $8, including the exam and your printable certificate.
Can I take food handler or manager training online in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina accepts online training as long as the provider is accredited. Fenix's course is ANAB-accredited and works for general food handlers or those serving as the certified person in charge.