South Carolina CNA Requirements 2026
South Carolina CNAs must complete a state-approved 100-hour training program, then pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination administered by Credentia. The two-part exam covers written knowledge and clinical skills. SCDHHS maintains the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry through the CNA365 platform.
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South Carolina CNA certification is overseen by the Department of Health and Human Services. SCDHHS approves training programs, sets examination standards, and maintains the Nurse Aide Registry. Credentia administers the NNAAP under contract with SCDHHS and handles all registration, scheduling, and scoring. CNAs working in Medicaid-certified nursing facilities must hold active registry status before starting work. For RN and LPN licensing information, see the South Carolina nursing licensure requirements guide.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, application steps, and renewal information.
- Training requirements and eligibility
- The examination process
- The application process
- Reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs
- Renewal and recertification
- CNAs with lapsed certificates
- Contacts and additional information
Training Requirements and Eligibility
Prospective CNAs must complete a South Carolina-approved training program before applying to test. The state requires a minimum of 100 hours of instruction, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical training. All programs must carry SCDHHS approval. A list of approved programs is available through Credentia’s South Carolina test-taker page.
Candidates must pass the NNAAP examination within two years of completing their program. After that window closes, a new state-approved training program is required before testing.
Alternative eligibility routes are available for candidates who trained outside South Carolina or have relevant professional backgrounds:
- Out-of-state training: Candidates who completed a 100-hour state-approved program in another state within the past 24 months can apply to test in South Carolina. Training documentation must show both classroom and clinical hours.
- Student nurses and nursing graduates: LPN and RN students who earned a grade of C or higher in fundamentals of nursing may be eligible. Contact SCDHHS at [email protected] to confirm eligibility before submitting an application.
- Military candidates: Eligibility is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact SCDHHS before applying.
CNA certification is also a common first step for those considering advancing to RN from a CNA role through nursing bridge programs.
The Examination Process
South Carolina uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), administered by Credentia. The exam has two parts: a written or oral knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation. Both parts are administered on the same day. Both must be passed to be listed on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.
The written exam has 70 multiple-choice questions and a two-hour time limit. An oral version is available in English or Spanish for candidates who have difficulty reading English. Both cover the same content areas.
The skills evaluation requires demonstrating five randomly selected nursing assistant skills in 30 minutes. All candidates perform a hand hygiene task and one measurement task. The remaining three skills are randomly assigned. A complete skills listing is in the South Carolina CNA Candidate Handbook, available on Credentia’s South Carolina page.
Candidates who fail one or both parts can retest. Three total attempts are allowed. Candidates who have not passed after three attempts must complete a new 100-hour training program before retesting.
Examination Fees
| Examination | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial written examination | $45 |
| Initial oral examination | $45 |
| Initial skills evaluation | $95 |
| Written retest | $45 |
| Oral retest | $45 |
| Skills retest | $95 |
| Registry renewal | $35 |
All fees are non-refundable once submitted. Candidates employed by a Medicare/Medicaid-certified nursing facility, or who hold a written offer of employment from one, are not permitted to pay their own fees. The employer must pay.
The Application Process
Applications are submitted online through Credentia’s CNA365 system. Create an account at Credentia’s South Carolina page, select the appropriate eligibility route, upload required documentation, and pay by credit card or pre-paid card. Paper applications are no longer accepted.
The five eligibility routes are:
- E1: Completed a South Carolina-approved program within the past 24 months
- E2: Completed a 100-hour out-of-state approved program within the past 24 months
- E3: Lapsed South Carolina certificate, expired within the past 24 months
- E4: Lapsed out-of-state certificate, expired within the past 24 months
- E5: Student nurse, LPN/RN graduate, or military candidate — contact SCDHHS before applying
The application includes two required screening questions about felony convictions and abuse registry status. A “yes” response to either question routes the application to SCDHHS for review before the candidate can be scheduled.
Test center appointments must be reserved at least 10 calendar days in advance. Online written or oral exams can be scheduled as early as the following day. Rescheduling requires at least 48 hours’ notice for online exams and at least nine calendar days for test center appointments. Missed exams without timely cancellation result in forfeited fees.
Reciprocity
CNAs certified in other states can transfer their credential to South Carolina through reciprocity. There is no fee to apply.
To be eligible, a candidate must be currently listed on another state’s nurse aide registry as active and in good standing, have completed a 100-hour state-approved training program with clinical hours included, and have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.
To apply, log into the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry, select Reciprocity Request, and upload a copy of the current out-of-state CNA certificate. Applications are reviewed by SCDHHS. Approved applicants are listed as Active in the registry and receive email confirmation.
CNAs whose out-of-state certification has lapsed for more than two years must also document work history. A pay stub or W-2 showing at least eight hours of paid CNA work satisfies this requirement.
Renewal and Recertification
CNA certificates must be renewed every 24 months. To qualify, the CNA must have performed at least eight hours of paid work in a nursing role during the certification period. Volunteer work does not count. Acceptable documentation includes a pay stub, payroll printout, or notarized attestation from an employer.
The renewal fee is $35. Renewal applications are available through the CNA365 portal on Credentia’s South Carolina page. Credentia sends a renewal notification by email approximately 90 days before certification expires.
CNAs with Lapsed Certificates
Whether a CNA needs to retrain depends on their training history, not just how long the certificate has been lapsed.
CNAs who have never completed a 100-hour state-approved training program must enroll in one and pass both parts of the NNAAP exam before the registry will reactivate their certification.
CNAs who previously completed a 100-hour program can retest without retraining, provided the certificate expired within the past 24 months. These candidates apply under the eligibility route E3 (South Carolina certificate) or E4 (out-of-state certificate) in the CNA365 system.
CNAs whose certificate has expired for more than 24 months must also complete a new 100-hour state-approved training program, including clinical hours, before retesting.
Additional Information
SCDHHS Nurse Aide Program (Division of Community and Facility Services)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (803) 898-2500
Credentia (exam registration, scheduling, and scoring)
Phone: (888) 204-6249
Hours: Monday–Friday 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. ET, Saturday 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. ET, Sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET
South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry
Search the registry or apply for reciprocity
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a CNA training program in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires a minimum of 100 hours of instruction, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical training. Many programs can be completed in four to eight weeks, depending on the schedule format. All programs must carry SCDHHS approval. A list of approved programs is available through Credentia’s South Carolina test-taker page.
How do I register for the South Carolina CNA exam?
Applications are submitted online through Credentia’s CNA365 system at credentia.com/test-takers/sc. Create an account, select your eligibility route, upload any required training documentation, and pay by credit card. Student nurses, nursing graduates, and military candidates must contact SCDHHS at [email protected] to confirm eligibility before submitting an application.
How do I renew my South Carolina CNA certification?
CNA certifications must be renewed every 24 months. You’ll need proof of at least eight hours of paid nursing work during the certification period and a $35 renewal fee. Renewal applications are available through the CNA365 portal on Credentia’s South Carolina page. Credentia sends a renewal notification by email approximately 90 days before your certification expires.
Can I transfer my out-of-state CNA certification to South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina accepts CNA credentials from other states through reciprocity, and there is no fee to apply. You’ll need an active out-of-state certification not expired for more than 24 months, proof of a 100-hour training program, and a clean abuse registry record. Apply through the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry portal and upload your current certificate.
What happens if my South Carolina CNA certificate expires?
If your certificate expired within the past 24 months and you completed a 100-hour training program, you can retest to restore active status without retraining. Apply under the eligibility route E3 in CNA365. If the certificate has expired for more than 24 months, you must complete a new 100-hour state-approved program, including clinical hours, before you can retest.
Key Takeaways
- 100-hour training is required — All programs must be approved by SCDHHS and include at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice.
- Credentia administers the NNAAP — Register and schedule online through CNA365 at credentia.com/test-takers/sc. Both written and skills components must be passed on the same day.
- Renew every 24 months — Active registry status requires proof of at least eight hours of paid nursing work and a $35 renewal fee.
- Reciprocity is available at no cost — Out-of-state CNAs with active certification and a 100-hour training background can transfer to South Carolina without retesting.
Select your state to find approved CNA programs, application links, and certification requirements for your jurisdiction.