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How to become a CNA in South Carolina. Training: 100 hours required. Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP via CNA365 platform). Total initial fees: $165. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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60% of data points are verified against official sources. 16 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
100 hrs
Training Hours
Credentia (NNAAP via CNA365 platform)
Exam Provider
$165
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related duties under nurse supervision during the 24-month renewal period
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
803-898-2500
Program Approval Body
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
100
Total Hours
60
Classroom
40
Clinical
20
Skills Lab
Program Approval Body
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Credentia (NNAAP via CNA365 platform)
Written Exam Details
70
Questions
120 min
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Must pass both parts within 24 months of training completion; 3 attempts allowed
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Program Fee Varies by program; some employers cover training costs | $800–$1,500 |
Competency Exam Fee Written/oral exam $45 + Skills evaluation $95; paid to Credentia | $140 |
State Registration Fee No separate registration fee; placement on registry is automatic upon passing exam | $0 |
Background Check Fee SLED criminal background check | $25 |
Total Initial Fees Total of exam fee ($140) and background check ($25); excludes training program tuition | $165 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related duties under nurse supervision during the 24-month renewal period
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$35
Biennial renewal fee; paid through CNA365 platform
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
If certification lapses, must retest to reinstate
Inactive Reinstatement
Must retake and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed due to not meeting work requirement; if lapsed more than 24 months, must complete new training program
Regulatory Board
CNAs must maintain active certification by meeting work hour requirements and completing in-service training within each renewal cycle. Failure to renew may require retaking the competency exam.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State CNA Certification
Transfer Process
Must apply for reciprocity through SCDHHS, provide verification of active certification from previous state, and pass a background check
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Out-of-state CNAs typically need to apply for reciprocity through the state's nurse aide registry. Verification of active, good-standing status on the originating state's registry is usually required.
South Carolina CNA programs are regulated by SCDHHS (not DHEC). Testing is through Credentia's CNA365 platform with online proctoring available. Non-certified aides may work up to 4 months while in training. Classroom includes 20 dedicated skills training hours.
South Carolina requires 100 training hours, which exceeds the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
The governing authority is SCDHHS (Department of Health and Human Services), not DHEC
The competency exam is administered by Credentia through the CNA365 platform, not Pearson VUE
Online proctored testing is available for the written/oral portion
Non-certified aides may work up to 4 months while enrolled in or after completing an approved training program
Classroom hours include 20 hours dedicated to skills training within the 60 classroom hours
Renewal requires at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing duties in the past 24 months
There is no interstate compact for CNAs. Transfer between states requires reciprocity application to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#45 of 51
Cost
#32 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$33,300
25th percentile
Median
$36,370
-8% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$38,640
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
21,000 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Nursing Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+57,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
182,300
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+220% salary growth potential
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CNA
$36,370
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$36,370
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$59,050
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$79,900
MSN or DNP + national certification
$116,240
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 7–21 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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South Carolina requires 100 hours of training and passage of the Credentia (NNAAP via CNA365 platform) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.