South Carolina Alcohol Server Training
South Carolina Alcohol Server Certification and Training Requirements
Learn who must train, the 30-day deadline, how the approved online course and proctored exam work, and when SCDOR issues the official state certificate.
Source-backed answers
Requirements and Process at a Glance
These answers reflect current South Carolina law, SCDOR instructions, and LemonTree’s approved program operations.
Is LemonTree approved by the South Carolina Department of Revenue?
LemonTree Training Co.’s online South Carolina Alcohol Server Training program is approved by the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) under S.C. Code § 61-3-120. See SCDOR’s official program requirements and certificate instructions.
Who needs South Carolina alcohol server training?
Anyone who works at least 10 hours per week serving alcohol for on-premises consumption in South Carolina, and managers who oversee alcohol service, must complete an approved program. A newly hired server or manager without a current certificate must be trained within 30 calendar days of employment. Read SCDOR’s eligibility guidance.
How long does the course take?
South Carolina requires approved online training to be at least four hours. LemonTree’s course is self-paced, but every required module must be completed in order before the final exam. See S.C. Code § 61-3-120(C).
Is the final exam proctored, and what score is required?
Yes. South Carolina requires the final exam to be monitored by an online proctor. LemonTree requires a score of 80% or higher. If you do not pass, you may review the course and try the exam again without repeating the full four-hour course. Review SCDOR’s online-testing requirements.
What does the advertised price include?
The $39 individual price includes one named learner’s English or Spanish online course and the required online-proctored final exam. The $299 Palmetto Pack includes 10 named learner seats. The annual Palmetto Plan includes 25 named learners for $599/year or 50 for $899/year at one location. S.C. Code § 61-3-130(F) says SCDOR does not charge qualifying applicants a separate certificate-issuance fee.
How and when is successful completion reported to SCDOR?
Only after a learner completes every required course module, scores at least 80% on the final exam, receives approval of the proctored result, and has valid required learner information does LemonTree issue its course-completion certificate and unique alcohol server certificate number. The issued record is then placed in an audited state-report batch, and LemonTree treats state submission as complete only after ABL retrieves that batch. S.C. Code § 61-3-120(D) gives providers up to 10 business days after successful completion to report.
When will I receive the official SCDOR certificate?
LemonTree’s unique alcohol server certificate number and course-completion certificate are not the official state certificate. After LemonTree issues that record, places it in the audited state-report batch, and ABL retrieves the batch, SCDOR separately processes the record and issues the official Alcohol Server Certificate. SCDOR says the official certificate should be available within two weeks after successful completion of an approved program. Download the official certificate from SCDOR.
How long is the official certificate valid?
The SCDOR Alcohol Server Certificate is valid for three years from its issue date. After three years, the server must obtain a new or recertified certificate. See S.C. Code § 61-3-130(D).
Is LemonTree training available in Spanish?
Yes. LemonTree offers its approved online South Carolina Alcohol Server Training program in English and Spanish. Individual learners choose a language-specific course; employer options allow each named learner to use the appropriate available language. South Carolina law requires approved online programs in both languages.
How do employer seats, records, and renewals work?
The one-time Palmetto Pack provides 10 named learner seats for one South Carolina location. The Palmetto Plan renews annually at $599 for 25 named learners or $899 for 50 named learners per term. All seats are available from the start. Employer managers can invite learners and review assignments, progress, exam results, and completion records. SCDOR requires employers to keep each worker’s official certificate at the licensed premises.
Course record and state credential
LemonTree Completion Is Not the Official SCDOR Certificate
Only after a learner completes every required course module, scores at least 80% on the final exam, receives approval of the proctored result, and has valid required learner information does LemonTree issue its course-completion certificate and unique alcohol server certificate number. The issued record is then placed in an audited state-report batch, and LemonTree treats state submission as complete only after ABL retrieves that batch. SCDOR separately processes the retrieved record and issues the official Alcohol Server Certificate. Servers must carry a digital or physical copy while serving, and employers must keep a copy at the licensed premises.