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Certified Nursing Assistant
Total cost: $165
Governing Authority
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
100 hrs
Training Hours
Credentia (NNAAP via CNA365 platform)
Exam Provider
$165
Total Initial Fees
24 months
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must work as a nurse aide at least one documented day (eight consecutive hours) for pay during the previous twenty-four (24) months, under the supervision of an RN or LPN
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)
803-898-2500
Program Approval Body
South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)
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 (SCDHHS)
Topics Covered
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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
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CNA Certification Exam
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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CNA Competency Exam
Questions
70 questions
Time Limit
120 minutes
Passing Score
70%
Administered By
Credentia (NNAAP via CNA365 platform)
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $140Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CNA Competency Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CNA Certification Exam
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Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
Not sure if you need a cna license? Check whether your state requires one.
| 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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
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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
Verified24 months
Renewal Period
Must work as a nurse aide at least one documented day (eight consecutive hours) for pay during the previous twenty-four (24) months, under the supervision of an RN or LPN
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare South Carolina with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
A non-certified nurse aide may work up to four months in a Medicaid-certified nursing facility if enrolled in or has successfully completed a state-approved training program
CNA requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (you) | $165 | 7–21 wks | |
| Georgia | $130+ | 7–21 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $140 | 6–20 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in South Carolina
See how South Carolina compares: CNA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Transferring Your License?
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in South Carolina.
CNA Schools in South Carolina
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to South Carolina? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your CNA license to South Carolina →
Transfer your CNA license from South Carolina to: Georgia → | North Carolina →
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 (SCDHHS).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.