How to Transfer Your CNA License from North Carolina to South Carolina

Side-by-side comparison of requirements, costs, and reciprocity. Updated 2026.

Quick Comparison

Requirement	North Carolina (NC)	South Carolina (SC)
Total Cost	$140	$165
Training Hours	75 hrs	100 hrs
Exam Required	Check with board	Check with board
Renewal Period	2 years	24 months
Reciprocity	Yes	Yes

Can You Transfer Your CNA License?

✓

South Carolina accepts out-of-state cna credentials

Must apply for reciprocity through SCDHHS, provide verification of active certification from previous state, and pass a background check

Additional requirements: [object Object]

What You'll Need to Do in South Carolina

These are the standard licensing steps in South Carolina. As a licensed cna from North Carolina, you may already satisfy some of these requirements.

1
Complete a state-approved CNA training program (minimum 100 hours in South Carolina)
2
Complete criminal background check
3
Create a Credentia Platform account and register for the NNAAP exam
4
Pass both the written (or oral) knowledge test and the skills evaluation
5
Upon passing, Credentia reports results to SCDHHS for placement on the Nurse Aide Registry
6
Receive certification valid for 24 months

Cost Comparison

North Carolina Fees

Training Program Fee$500-$1,200
Competency Exam Fee$140
State Registration Fee$0 (no fee cited on official pages)
Total$140

South Carolina Fees

Training Program Fee$800–$1,500
Competency Exam Fee$140
Background Check Fee$25
Total$165

Estimated Timeline

Timeline varies based on your credentials, reciprocity eligibility, and South Carolina's current processing times. Contact the state licensing board for current estimates.

Explore More

North Carolina CNA License

Full requirements, fees, and steps

South Carolina CNA License

Full requirements, fees, and steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my cna license from North Carolina to South Carolina?▾

South Carolina does accept out-of-state cna credentials. Must apply for reciprocity through SCDHHS, provide verification of active certification from previous state, and pass a background check

How much does it cost to transfer a CNA license to South Carolina?▾

Government fees for a CNA license in South Carolina total approximately $165. Additional costs may include exam fees, background checks, and education requirements.

How long does it take to transfer a CNA license from North Carolina to South Carolina?▾

Processing times vary by state. Contact the South Carolina licensing board for current timelines.

Do I need to retake the cna exam when moving to South Carolina?▾

Contact the South Carolina licensing board for current exam requirements for transferring licensees.

Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements, fees, and reciprocity policies directly with the North Carolina and South Carolina licensing boards before making decisions. LicenseMap is not a government agency and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.

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