South Carolina CNA Certification Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in South Carolina
Official source: licensing in South Carolina is administered by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Nurse Aide Registry. This guide summarizes the board's requirements — always confirm details there before applying. Already licensed? Look up a nursing license in South Carolina.
Apply on Official SiteHow do you renew a CNA certification in South Carolina?
South Carolina CNA certification renews every 2 years, and the renewal fee is $35. Your certificate is valid for 24 months. To recertify, you must have performed nursing or nursing-related services for pay for at least 8 hours in the 24 months before your certification expires; the registry page describes this as one documented day of eight consecutive hours under the supervision of an RN or LPN.
Source: South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry (Credentia, registry vendor for SCDHHS): The Registry, checked 2026-11-06.
1 Training Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program
Additional Requirements
- Must complete a state-approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP)
- South Carolina requires 100 hours of training
- Includes classroom instruction and supervised clinical experience
- Program must be approved by the South Carolina DHEC
2 Competency Examination
Exam Name
Nurse Aide Competency Exam
Test Provider
Prometric
Exam Components
Written/Oral Test
Multiple choice questions on nursing assistant knowledge and skills
Skills Demonstration
Perform 3-5 randomly selected nursing skills in front of an evaluator
Exam Fee
$100
Tip: You must pass both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the exam to be certified. Most states allow multiple retake attempts if needed.
3 Background Check
CNAs work with vulnerable populations, so background checks are required in all states. Cost is typically $45.
4 Fees
Initial Certification
| Training Program | $500-$2,000* |
| Competency Exam | $100 |
| Background Check | $45 |
| Application/Registry Fee | $15 |
*Many employers offer free CNA training programs with work commitment
Renewal
| Renewal Fee (every 2 years) | $35 |
| Work Requirement | 8 hours in 24 months |
Certification Renewal
Your certificate is valid for 24 months. To recertify, you must have performed nursing or nursing-related services for pay for at least 8 hours in the 24 months before your certification expires; the registry page describes this as one documented day of eight consecutive hours under the supervision of an RN or LPN.
Career Advancement
CNAs can advance to LPN or RN with additional education. South Carolina offers nursing programs and career advancement pathways.
South Carolina CNA Certification FAQs
How much does CNA certification cost in South Carolina?
Expect about $160 in total initial CNA certification costs in South Carolina, including a $15 application fee and a $100 examination fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Nurse Aide Registry.
How do you renew a CNA certification in South Carolina?
South Carolina CNA certification renews every 2 years, and the renewal fee is $35. Your certificate is valid for 24 months. To recertify, you must have performed nursing or nursing-related services for pay for at least 8 hours in the 24 months before your certification expires; the registry page describes this as one documented day of eight consecutive hours under the supervision of an RN or LPN.
How long does it take to get CNA certification in South Carolina?
Most complete applications are processed in about 4 to 10 weeks, though background checks and application volume can extend the timeline.
Who issues CNA certifications in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control - Nurse Aide Registry handles CNA certification applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at (803) 545-4370.
Nurse Aide Registry
Free Tools
Other License Types in South Carolina
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 2 official sources • Last verified: June 2026