South Carolina Training Requirements
Although South Carolina does not legally mandate sexual harassment training, employers are strongly encouraged to provide it to prevent workplace misconduct and to align with both federal EEO guidelines and the South Carolina Human Affairs Law.
Training should be provided to all employees within one year of hire and refreshed annually to reinforce policies, rights, and reporting procedures. Providing regular training helps businesses minimize risks and create a safer work environment.
Here’s a scannable breakdown of the training essentials:
| Requirement Area |
What You Need to Know |
| Who Must Comply |
All public and private employers in South Carolina |
| Who Must Be Trained |
All employees and supervisors (recommended) |
| When to Train |
Within 1 year of hiring (recommended) |
| Training Duration |
1 hour minimum (recommended) |
| Training Frequency |
Annual refresher training recommended |
| Training Format |
Online or in-person with interactive elements |
| Recordkeeping |
Not mandated, but recommended to demonstrate best practices |
Who must be trained in South Carolina, and when should the training happen?
Employers are encouraged to train all employees and supervisors within the first year of employment. Early training ensures that employees understand harassment policies, reporting procedures, and retaliation protections.
How often must training be conducted, and how long should it be?
While not required by state law, best practice dictates:
Regular training helps build a respectful, legally protected workplace culture.
What topics must be included in South Carolina sexual harassment training?
Effective training should include:
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Definition of harassment and hostile work environment under South Carolina law
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Examples of prohibited behavior (verbal, physical, digital)
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Internal and external reporting options
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Protections against retaliation for employees who report misconduct
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Information about criminal penalties under S.C. Code § 16-3-1700 for harassment and stalking
Including interactive case studies or quizzes can boost understanding and retention.
Are there any training requirements for new hires or supervisors?
Employers should:
Supervisors play a crucial role in maintaining workplace standards.
What are the recordkeeping requirements for South Carolina employers?
Although not required by law, maintaining thorough records is highly recommended:
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Keep attendance logs and completion certificates
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Retain copies of training materials
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Maintain documentation for at least 3 years to support good-faith compliance if questioned
Good recordkeeping strengthens legal defenses and demonstrates a strong commitment to prevention.
What law governs sexual harassment training in South Carolina?
Sexual harassment prevention in South Carolina is governed by:
These laws collectively prohibit harassment based on sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, and national origin, and encourage proactive training measures.
How can employees file a harassment complaint in South Carolina?
Employees can:
Documenting dates, witnesses, and communications strengthens a harassment claim.
Where do I find a sexual harassment training program that complies with my workplace requirements?
Below are expert-designed, South Carolina-compliant training programs tailored for public and private employers. Before implementing them, be sure to:
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Customize your training to reflect internal reporting processes
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Incorporate interactive elements to enhance engagement
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Ensure training covers both South Carolina laws and federal EEO requirements
