It depends on where you work.

South Carolina does not require all food workers to be certified at the state level, but many employers, cities, and counties do—especially in high-tourism areas like Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville.

Bottom line: Even if it’s not a legal mandate, most food establishments require food handler training within 30 days of hire.

Training is widely required or expected in:

• Charleston

• Columbia

• Greenville

• Myrtle Beach

• Hilton Head Island

• Florence

• Spartanburg

• Rock Hill

Tourist-heavy and high-volume food service areas almost always require staff to be trained in safe food handling practices.

Here’s a quick rundown of where food handler training is useful—and often required:

• Restaurants, cafes, and food trucks

• Bars, grills, and beachfront snack shacks

• Resorts, hotels, and coastal lodges

• Grocery stores and convenience stores with food prep

• Movie theaters, festivals, and theme parks

• Casinos, racing tracks, and fairgrounds

• Catering services and banquet halls

• School kitchens and daycare food programs

• Culinary programs and externship placements

If you prepare, serve, or handle food—or clean food-contact surfaces—this training helps you stay compliant and safe.

Yes. FHC® is ANAB-accredited, which means it meets nationally recognized food safety standards accepted by many local South Carolina health departments and employers. It’s a widely accepted and trusted certification throughout the state.

Easy as shrimp and grits:

• Fully online and mobile-friendly

• Self-paced—complete it anytime, anywhere

• Takes about 1 to 1.5 hours

• Certificate available instantly after passing

• Costs just $7

• Offered in English and Spanish

Your FHC® certificate is valid for 3 years, though your employer or local jurisdiction may ask you to renew it sooner depending on your role.

Definitely. If you’re in a culinary or hospitality program in Charleston, Columbia, or Greenville, this training can be used to fulfill food safety requirements before entering live kitchens, labs, or internships.

Many K-12 school districts and early education programs in South Carolina require cafeteria staff to complete food handler training. FHC® is a fast, affordable way to meet those expectations.