South Carolina Alcohol Beverage Licensing

Learn2Serve, owned and operated by 360training, is approved under the requirements of SC Code Section 61-3-120(B), and is offered in both English and Spanish. As required by the state, course exams must be proctored.

For your convenience, we offer recorded proctoring that allows you the flexibility to complete your final exam from the comfort of your home at any time of day. A proctoring fee of $6.00 is added during checkout. After completing the final exam, your records will be reviewed within 24-hours, then your results will be submitted to SCDOR within 10 days. Once filed with the state, you can view and download your SCDOR-issued server certificate.

Important to note:

• Training must be offered and completed online.  
• Classroom training is not approved in South Carolina.
• The exam for this training must be proctored online.
• Providers must offer both English and Spanish training.

Our program is also approved by the South Carolina Department of Revenue Alcohol Beverage Licensing as a Penalty Mitigation Training Program for Licensees for employees who are in violation of ABL laws and regulations and are required to complete training under SC Code Sections 61-4-50(C) and 61-6-4080(C).

How To Get Your South Carolina Alcohol Server Certificate

1. Enroll in and complete a South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR)-approved online course, like Learn2Serve.
2. Complete the Learn2Serve South Carolina Alcohol Server Training proctored exam.
3. Download your Learn2Serve South Carolina Alcohol Server Training certificate of completion. You will need your certificate ID and name to download your SCDOR certificate.
4. After seven to ten days have passed, go to the SCDOR website to download your certificate:
   1. You should not need to create an account.
   2. Enter your ABL Server Certification ID and Server Name.
   3. Select Search to retrieve your state certificate.
5. Save and print your certificate.
   1. Servers must keep a digital or physical copy while serving.
   2. Establishments/licensees must retain a copy for each server employed.

Does South Carolina Law Require Alcohol Server Training?

Yes, South Carolina law now requires alcohol server training for certain employees and managers. Anyone who works at least 10 hours per week serving alcohol for on-premise consumption and managers who oversee alcohol service must complete an approved alcohol server training program by May 1, 2026, or within 30 days of employment.

Every bar, restaurant, hotel, and on-premise venue in the state must have certified staff by that date or face fines of $500 per uncertified server per inspection.

This training requirement is the result of a state law passed in 2025 and is outlined in South Carolina Code Section 61-3-120. In addition to meeting the new legal requirement, completing a Department of Revenue-recognized training program, like Learn2Serve, may be considered a mitigating circumstance if an employee violates alcohol laws. Penalty reduction is not guaranteed and remains at the discretion of the Department of Revenue.

How Long Does Alcohol Server Certification Last?

Alcohol server certificates in South Carolina are valid for three (3) years from the date of issuance. After the three-year period expires, individuals must obtain a new or recertified alcohol server certificate in accordance with the provisions of state law and regulations promulgated by the South Carolina Department of Revenue.

To remain compliant, alcohol servers and managers should track their certificate expiration date and complete recertification before the three-year validity period ends. Employers may also set internal policies requiring proof of current certification to meet workplace and regulatory standards.

Why Should I Take South Carolina Alcohol Server Training?

Anyone who works at least 10 hours a week serving alcohol for on-premises consumption and managers who oversee alcohol service must complete an approved server training program, like Learn2Serve. 

In instances of penalty mitigation, employers may require you to retake training to reduce ABL violation fees. In South Carolina, a server can face 30 days in prison and a $200-300 fine for a first offense of selling alcohol to a minor. 

In addition to protecting yourself and your employer, your server education can help you protect your patrons and the general public. Compared to the national average, where alcohol-impaired driving fatalities account for roughly 30–32% of all traffic deaths, South Carolina experienced a consistently higher impact during the 2012–2021 period, peaking at 44.2% in 2013 and remaining elevated with 34.3% in 2021, according to the NHTSA. 

By practicing what you learn in our online South Carolina-approved alcohol server training, you can protect your community. 

What Jobs Can I Get With My Alcohol Server Certificate?

An alcohol server certificate qualifies you for many jobs that involve selling or serving alcohol for on-premise or off-premise consumption. Employers commonly require training for positions that handle alcohol as part of their regular duties.

Jobs that benefit from alcohol server training include:

• Bartenders and servers
• Restaurant staff
• Grocery store employees
• Convenience store clerks
• Caterers and event staff
• Hotel employees
• Liquor store personnel

Any role that sells or serves alcohol may require proof of completed training.

Where Can I Get More Information About Alcohol Training in South Carolina?

Visit South Carolina Department of Revenue Alcohol Beverage Licensing (ABL) website for:

• Official guidance on alcohol laws
• Recognized online training programs
• Instructions to download your SCDOR certificate
• Penalty mitigation information