South Carolina RN License Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Registered Nurse in South Carolina

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

1 Education Requirements

Minimum Degree

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

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

Passing Standard

Pass/Fail (Adaptive)

Tip: Register for the NCLEX 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

Total includes application ($100), NCLEX ($200), and fingerprinting ($50). South Carolina is an NLC compact member state.

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

State Board of Nursing

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

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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