South Carolina — Spanish moss over Charleston alley

South Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant License

South Carolina LLR

Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
1 Week
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Training Completion Certificate — Proof of completing a 100-hour state-approved nurse aide training program.
  • Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid, non-expired driver's license, state ID, or passport.
  • Social Security Card — A copy of your actual Social Security card for identity verification.
  • SLED Background Check — A criminal history report from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). Request SLED Check

How to Apply

  1. Complete Training ▾
    Complete a South Carolina state-approved nurse aide training program consisting of at least 100 hours (60 classroom and 40 clinical).
    View Approved Programs
  2. Create CNA365 Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Credentia CNA365 platform to manage your application and testing.
  3. Submit Exam Application ▾
    Complete the 'Application for Registration by Competency Examination' within the CNA365 portal and upload your training certificate.
    Application Instructions
  4. Pay Examination Fees ▾
    Pay the required fees through the portal: $45 for the Written/Oral Exam and $95 for the Skills Evaluation ($140 total).
    Fee Schedule
  5. Schedule and Pass Exams ▾
    Schedule your NNAAP examination. You must pass both the written/oral and skills components within 24 months of completing training.
    Schedule Exam
  6. Verify Registry Status ▾
    Once passed, your name will be added to the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. Verify your active status online.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
1 Week
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the South Carolina LLR for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Ensure your current CNA license is active and in good standing in another state.
  2. CNA365 Registration ▾
    Create or log in to your Credentia CNA365 account.
  3. Submit Reciprocity Request ▾
    Select 'Reciprocity Request' in the portal and complete the online application. There is currently no fee for reciprocity in South Carolina.
    Reciprocity Info
  4. Upload Employment Proof ▾
    Provide documentation of at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work within the last 24 months.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
South Carolina LLR

Keeping Your License Active

South Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the South Carolina LLR for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount

Slow Downs

Incomplete Training Records ▾
Failure to upload a clear, signed certificate from a state-approved program can stall the application.
Name Discrepancies ▾
Names on the application must exactly match the provided government ID and Social Security card.
Missing Employment Verification ▾
For renewal or reciprocity, failing to provide proof of the required 8 hours of work leads to application denial.

Questions

Are there continuing education (CE) requirements for South Carolina CNAs? ▾
No, South Carolina does not require CE hours. You only need to work at least 8 hours for pay in a nursing-related role every 24 months to remain active.
How much does it cost to renew my CNA certification? ▾
The renewal fee is $35, payable through the Credentia CNA365 portal.
How long is my South Carolina CNA certification valid? ▾
Certification is valid for 24 months from the date of issue or last renewal.
Who is the official testing vendor for South Carolina? ▾
Credentia is the official vendor for NNAAP testing and registry management in South Carolina.

Board Info

South Carolina LLR
Phone1-877-336-3199
Sources