South Carolina Food Handler Card: A Comprehensive Guide

A food handler card — also known as a food handler certificate, license, or permit — proves that you have completed a food safety course.

Because unsafe food handling is a common cause of foodborne illness, many food establishments require food handler training before or shortly after employment.

However, you may wonder whether South Carolina or any of its counties require a food handler card.

This article explains everything you need to know about a South Carolina food handler card, including whether you need one, how to earn one, and more.

Do you need a food handler card in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires that the person in charge at each food establishment earn a food handler card or a certified food protection manager (CFPM) (1).

A food establishment includes places like restaurants, markets, food trucks, school cafeterias, and convenience stores that serve cooked food like pizza or chicken.

Because food handler training costs less and can be completed faster than becoming a CFPM, many food establishments prefer the former.

The person in charge is the one who is responsible for a foodservice operation at the time of a health inspection.

They play an important role in monitoring other employee activities and ensuring that everyone follows established policies to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

The person in charge must be present at all times during the operation, so food establishments often require multiple or all employees to earn a food handler card to ensure adequate employee coverage.

Beyond traditional food establishments, South Carolina nursing homes and other healthcare facilities rely on food handler training to train their dietary staff.

How to get a South Carolina food handler card?

You can easily earn a South Carolina food handler card online in under two hours.

To get started, enroll with a valid online training provider, such as FoodSafePal.

Then, complete the course content, and pass the exam.

The course covers essential food safety topics, including:

• how food becomes unsafe
• good personal hygiene and reportable symptoms
• time and temperature controls for food safety
• cleaning and sanitizing
• food allergens and cross-contact prevention

The test asks questions about these topics so pay close attention as you progress through the course, and take notes as necessary.

The test usually consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you will need at least a 70% to pass and earn your food handler card.

If you don’t pass the first time, most providers — including FoodSafePal — allow one free retake.

Once you earn your South Carolina food handler card, it belongs to you and not your employer.

This means it follows you when you change jobs so you don’t need to retake the course.

How long does a South Carolina food handler card last?

A South Carolina food handler card is generally good for three years from the date you earn it.

However, some employer require that you renew it more frequently.

To renew your South Carolina food handler card, you must take and pass another valid food handler training program.

Regularly renewing your food handler card keeps food safety at the top of mind while ensuring you’re current in any changes to the Food Code.

It’s best practice to keep your food handler card while working or saved on your phone.

You should also provide your manager with a copy to keep on file.

If you lose your food handler card, you can reprint or download a replacement from the training provider’s website.

The bottom line

South Carolina requires that the person-in-charge earn a food handler card or be a CFPM.

Multiple people can serve as the person in charge, but there must be at least one person in charge on duty during all hours of foodservice operations.

To earn your South Carolina food handler card, enroll with a valid online training provider — such as FoodSafePal — complete the course content, and pass the exam.

A South Carolina food handler card is generally good for three years from the date of issuance.