South Carolina Food Safety Certification Requirements

Overview

South Carolina does not have a statewide mandate requiring Certified Food Protection Managers. SCDHEC regulates food safety under S.C. Code Ann. §44-1-140 and Regulation 61-25, but CFPM requirements are set locally. Charleston — one of the South's premier culinary destinations — and Horry County (Myrtle Beach) have the most active food safety programs given their heavy tourism and food service industries. Operators must verify requirements with their specific county health department.

Who Must Be Certified in South Carolina?

Food Protection Managers (CFPM)

South Carolina state law does not require a CFPM at all food establishments. Requirements vary by county:

Food Handlers

Statewide requirement: Varies by county

South Carolina does not have a statewide food handler card requirement. Local requirements vary by county. Contact your county health department for food handler training requirements specific to your area.

Accepted Certification Programs in South Carolina

South Carolina accepts certifications from ANAB-CFP accredited providers. All of the following nationally recognized programs meet South Carolina's legal requirements:

Costs approximate as of 2026. All listed providers are ANAB-CFP accredited.

How to Get Your Food Manager Certification in South Carolina

Step 1: Prepare (8–16 Hours Recommended)

No mandatory pre-exam course is required in South Carolina — you can register for the CFPM exam directly. However the exam has roughly a 65% pass rate without studying. Provider courses take 8–16 hours and significantly improve pass rates.

Step 2: Register for the Exam

Register through any ANAB-CFP accredited provider above. Online exams with remote proctoring are available from ServSafe, StateFoodSafety, 360training, NRFSP, and FoodSafePal. In-person testing is available through ServSafe-authorized proctors and Prometric test centers in South Carolina.

Step 3: Pass the Exam

The CFPM exam has approximately 80 questions; a passing score is typically 75% or higher. Results are immediate for computer-based exams. Retakes are available after 24–72 hours with an additional fee.

Step 4: Keep Your Certificate On-Site

Your CFPM certificate must be kept at your establishment and made available for health inspectors upon request. Some jurisdictions require it to be posted visibly — verify with your local health department.

Step 5: Renew Before 5 Years

CFPM certifications are valid for 5 years. Renew by retaking an approved exam before expiration. Begin the renewal process at least 30 days before your expiration date.

Cottage Food & Home Kitchen Businesses in South Carolina

South Carolina Cottage Food Law (Updated 2022)

Annual Sales Limit

$15,000 per year in gross cottage food sales for at-home producers under S.C. Code Ann. §44-1-143. Farmers market sales may have a separate higher limit — verify with SCDHEC.

Permitted Products & Sales

Non-potentially-hazardous foods including baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried goods, and shelf-stable items. Direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, roadside stands, from your home, and community events. Online sales with in-person delivery within South Carolina are generally permitted. Standard labeling requirements apply.

City & County Variations in South Carolina

South Carolina state law sets baseline food safety requirements, but local jurisdictions may enforce stricter rules. Always verify with your specific county or municipal health department in addition to state requirements.