If you work in a restaurant, food truck, grocery store, or any food service setting in South Carolina, food safety training is a must. Our online South Carolina Food Safety Certification course is designed to help you meet state food safety standards and protect the public from foodborne illnesses.
This course is perfect for food handlers, servers, cooks, and anyone handling food in South Carolina.
✅ 100% Online – Learn anytime, from any device
✅ Meets South Carolina Food Safety Requirements
✅ Mobile-Friendly & Easy to Use
✅ Designed for Entry-Level Food Workers
✅ Download Your Certificate Immediately After Completion



















Education is the best tool to prevent, minimize, or eliminate foodborne illnesses and food hazards.
Training helps reduce or eliminate food safety hazards before they become major issues.
Reducing food safety complaints will create a happier workplace and in turn increase productivity.
A Food Handler card is a certificate showing that you’ve completed a state-approved food safety course and passed an exam. In California, most employees who prepare, store, or serve food must obtain a Food Handler card within 30 days of hire.
Food safety certification is official recognition that you have been trained in proper food handling, hygiene, temperature control, cross-contamination prevention, and other safety practices. In California, the most advanced version of this is the Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) certification.
California requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) in each food facility, with certification from a nationally accredited food manager program through the ANAB and the Conference for Food Protection (CFP).
All food employees in California must complete an ANAB accredited food handler training course within 30 days of hire, as required by Health & Safety Code §113948. Some counties, such as Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego, have their own food handler card requirements that take precedence over the state law. Employees must also provide a copy of their certificate to their employer, who is required to keep records on file.
Effective January 1, 2024, Senate Bill 476 (SB 476) shifts the responsibility of training costs from employees to employers. Employers must pay for accredited training, cover related expenses, compensate employees for the time spent on training/testing, excuse them from regular duties during the course or exam, and cannot require applicants to already hold a card as a condition of employment. Food handler cards remain valid for three (3) years.
The Food Handler card covers basic safety for entry-level workers, while the Food Protection Manager Certification is an advanced qualification for supervisors or managers, focusing on compliance, HACCP, and leadership in food safety.
Yes. Under California Assembly Bill 1221, alcohol servers and their managers must complete Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) training and pass an online exam.
It is valid for five years, after which you must retake and pass the nationally accredited exam.
AAA Food Handler combines state-specific compliance expertise, national accreditation, and a decade of training experience to ensure California food service teams meet the highest safety standards.
Yes. We offer California Food Handler cards, Food Manager Certification, Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) alcohol training, and Food Allergen courses.
Yes. AAA Food Handler provides discounted pricing and easy tracking for restaurants, hotels, schools, and catering companies training multiple employees.
AAA Food Handler combines state-specific compliance expertise, national accreditation, and a decade of training experience to ensure California food service teams meet the highest safety standards.
With AAA Food Handler’s online course, you can finish in about two hours and download your card instantly after passing.
Yes. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) expects managers to ensure employees are trained. A food handler certificate verifies that you understand personal hygiene, safe food temperatures, and sanitation procedures in line with South Carolina food safety certification standards.
Even if it’s not legally required in your county, food handler training helps you:
New York has experienced numerous foodborne outbreaks. According to the CDC, there were 64 outbreaks in 2016 and 2017, up from 51 in 2015. Practicing proper food safety can help reduce such incidents.
Most food handler certificates remain valid for two to three years. Renewal requirements may vary depending on employer policy or local inspector guidance.
Training helps reduce violations, prevent outbreaks, and build customer trust. Holding a food handler certificate shows employers that you meet expectations for South Carolina food safety certification and are ready to work safely.
You must pass a Food Protection Manager Certification exam accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and recognized by the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). AAA Food Handler provides an accredited exam that meets South Carolina requirements.
Managers with Certification are responsible for enforcing food safety protocols, training staff, and ensuring compliance with the state’s Retail Food Establishment regulations. South Carolina requires at least one certified manager with authority over food preparation and service.
Certification is valid for up to five years. Managers must renew by passing another ANAB-accredited exam before expiration.
The state only accepts exams accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) and aligned with the Conference for Food Protection (CFP). This guarantees consistency with the FDA Food Code and ensures all certified managers meet national food safety standards.
Yes. The AAA Food Handler’s Food Protection Manager Certification is recognized for healthcare and long-term care facilities under CFR § 483.60 and also supports individuals pursuing the Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) career path.
It teaches employees to identify the nine major allergens, prevent cross-contact, and respond appropriately to emergencies. Completing the course and earning a food allergen certificate helps establishments comply with South Carolina food safety certification standards.
All workers who prepare, handle, or serve food should hold a food allergen certificate. Employers across South Carolina rely on trained staff to reduce risks and safeguard customers with allergies.
Yes. AAA Food Handler provides a 100% online, self-paced course. Learners can download their allergen awareness certificate immediately upon completion.
Most participants complete the course in about two hours. The flexible online format makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule.
According to the FDA, nine foods account for 90% of allergic reactions: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, wheat, and sesame. With proper allergen training, staff can prevent mistakes that could lead to severe or life-threatening reactions.
Food Establishments (Restaurants, Caterers, Retail Food, Schools):
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
Food Protection Division
2600 Bull Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Food Handler Reviews
4.9
Great
very through and informative
Clearly explained modules that virtually guarantee a passing grade if you pay attention.
I have had my food handlers card in the past and went through a different website to obtain it. I got this website from my current supervisor and honestly this website was very informative. Considering that this is women owned, things are explained in a good detail. 1.5 hours of this does seem long but it is not. I learned some new information from the last time I took it and also the final exam was 40 questions. Final exam questions were fairly simple and reflected everything that was talked about.
easy and concise to follow
It was informative and good learning material.
Well worth it & Very Recommended
Very Easy & Recommended
Me gusto lo bien explicados que estan los modulos y la informacion tan importante
The information was clear and concise.
Modules was short and to the point. Very informative on food handling.
Accessed through mobile phone and found the course to be a bit slow
Definitely interesting. I’ve had to take this course several times over my life and this one kept my attention well. The narrator used had a good voice and having to interact at times kept me on my toes. I liked it overall and will be back if available when it is time to do it again.
The information makes one aware of how to protect yourself and your loved ones from needless illnesses by using preventive measures, common sense and paying attention to the potetntial hazards and cross contamination when it comes to handing food. This info also keeps me alert when I am being served in a restaurant. Just recently, I was at a restaurant, and was served my meal with white bread instead of pita bread. I brought it to the server’s attention, he apologized and he grabbed the two pieces of bread off my plate. We thought that was kind of weird, but at least he was nice about it, and wearing gloves. However, he touched other things with his gloves, since he was busy serving other people. If I knew then, that that would’ve been a violation, I think I would’ve told the manager, instead of letting it go. Even though some of this info is common sense, it is helpful to bring the topic up with an explanation to back up the standards. Otherwise, it is very easy to let things slide. Also, there are specific info that I wasn’t aware of, like how many degrees should you receive food when hot or when cold. Overall, this course was very insightful. I kept thinking my whole family should take this course, so we can all be on the same page. I also feel the need to practice these guidelines regularly in my own home kitchen.
simple and informative.
This course goes into great depth and provides an in depth understanding of food safety.
Great program
Easy and straight to the point
This course was sufficient in preparing me for the food handlers test