RN NLC Compact State

South Carolina RN License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in South Carolina

Processing Time
2-4 weeks
Total Initial Cost
$350
Renewal Period
2 years
CE Hours Required
30 hours

1 Education Requirements

Program Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Additional Requirements

  • Complete an approved pre-licensure nursing program
  • Program must be approved by state board or equivalent
  • Foreign-educated nurses must meet CGFNS requirements

Graduate from a state-approved nursing education program

2 NCLEX-RN Examination

Exam Name

NCLEX-RN

Administered By

Pearson VUE

Exam Fee

$200

Tip: Register for the NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE after receiving your Authorization to Test (ATT) from the state board.

Need NCLEX-RN prep? Archer Review has a affordable prep, high pass rate.

3 Background Check

FBI and SLED fingerprint background check
FBI and SLED background check required
Fingerprint cards sent after application received

4 Fees

Initial Licensure

Application Fee $100
Examination Fee $200
Fingerprinting $50
Total $350

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years) $95

Continuing Education Requirements

30
Contact hours required
2 years
Renewal cycle

Required Topics

  • - General Nursing CE: 30 hours

Career Advancement

Many RNs advance their careers by pursuing advanced practice roles such as Nurse Practitioner (NP), Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), or Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

State Board of Nursing

Official Name
South Carolina Board of Nursing
Phone
(803) 896-4550

Verify a License

Look up any South Carolina nursing license status online.

Verify License

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NLC Compact Member

South Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. With a multistate license, you can practice in multiple states.

Learn about NLC benefits →

Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team

Based on 5 official sources Last verified: January 2025