South Carolina Nursing License Requirements 2026

The South Carolina Board of Nursing licenses both LPNs and RNs. New graduates apply by examination, completing either the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN through Pearson VUE. South Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so nurses who already hold a multistate license from another compact state can practice here without a separate application. Out-of-state nurses moving to South Carolina apply by endorsement.

The South Carolina Board of Nursing, operating under the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (LLR), handles licensure for both LPNs and RNs. If you’re a South Carolina resident who graduates from a state-approved program, you’ll apply by examination. If you’re transferring your license from another state, you’ll apply by endorsement. Compact state nurses who already hold a multistate license can work in South Carolina without a separate application, provided they maintain residency in their home compact state.

Use the links below to jump to the requirements for your situation.

• LPN license requirements in South Carolina
• RN license requirements in South Carolina
• Out-of-state nurse endorsement
• Renewing your South Carolina nursing license

Nursing Licenses in South Carolina

The South Carolina Board of Nursing regulates LPNs and RNs. Use the links below to find requirements for your license type, including CNAs and advanced practice nurses.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) requirements in South Carolina
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) requirements in South Carolina
• Registered Nurse (RN) requirements in South Carolina
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) requirements in South Carolina

South Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Nurses who reside in compact states are expected to hold a multistate license through their home state board, which allows them to practice in any NLC member state without a separate application. Nurses who live in non-compact states, or who relocate to South Carolina, must apply by endorsement. The South Carolina Nurses Foundation offers scholarships for nursing students in the state.

LPN License Requirements in South Carolina

Education

South Carolina offers two paths to LPN licensure by examination. The first is completing a traditional practical nursing program approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. The second is equivalency: a candidate who completed, or substantially completed, a registered nursing program may qualify if the education is deemed equivalent to an approved practical nursing program.

For equivalency, the education must total at least 41 semester hours, including at least 8 hours of anatomy and physiology, 3 hours of nursing fundamentals, 6 hours of medical-surgical nursing, and 5 hours of nursing across the lifespan. Clinical experience in both medical-surgical and lifespan nursing is required. The candidate must have earned at least a C in all required courses and a 2.0 GPA overall. A program director must certify the education as substantially equivalent to an approved LPN program. Candidates who partially completed an RN program must apply within three years. Those who completed the RN program have up to five years.

For approved programs and information on applying, visit the South Carolina Board of Nursing website, or read Choosing an LPN Program in South Carolina. For an overview of the LPN role and career options in the state, see becoming an LPN in South Carolina.

Application and Exam

An LPN candidate applying by examination pays $70 to the Board and registers separately with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-PN. The Board must approve you as eligible before you can schedule the exam. A temporary license is required before beginning work, including orientation, and is valid for up to 60 days.

Candidates who don’t pass on the first attempt must submit a Repeat Examination form and pay an additional $45 to the Board. The Board expects candidates to pass within a year of graduation. Those who don’t must complete an approved remediation plan before retesting. Options include individualized tutoring that meets Board guidelines. All LPN applicants must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check, which can be processed through South Carolina’s electronic Live Scan system.

RN License Requirements in South Carolina

Education

RN candidates must complete a professional nursing program approved by a state board of nursing. In most cases, out-of-state programs only need approval from their own state board, not South Carolina’s, unless they’re supervising clinical work in the state. The Board recommends verifying that any online program has an NCLEX code through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

For a list of approved programs and application guidance, see the South Carolina Board of Nursing website, or read Choosing an RN Program in South Carolina. For a broader look at RN practice and career options in the state, see RN career paths in South Carolina.

Application and Exam

Candidates may apply to the Board before graduation. The application requires a passport-style photo. An RN candidate applying by examination pays $90 to the Board, plus the exam fee to Pearson VUE. A temporary permit may be issued while you wait to test. Pass on the first attempt to avoid any interruption in employment eligibility.

Candidates who don’t pass on the first attempt may retest after 45 days. You can continue attempting the exam for up to a year before remediation is required. The Board charges $65 for re-examination. Candidates who haven’t passed within three years of graduation must re-qualify by demonstrating the skills and knowledge of a graduate nurse before retesting. All RN applicants must complete a criminal background check as part of the application process.

Out-of-State Nurses

LPN Endorsement

Out-of-state LPNs may apply for licensure by endorsement if they’ve already passed the required exam. Nurses who were licensed under different criteria but have at least three years of active, discipline-free practice are also eligible, though a refresher course will be required if their skills aren’t current.

Endorsement applicants must obtain fingerprint cards, which can be processed through South Carolina’s Live Scan system for faster turnaround. Applicants must provide license verification from the state where they were originally licensed. The endorsement fee is $100, or $110 if a temporary license is needed. Walk-in processing at the Board is available for an additional $25 for those who need a temporary license issued quickly.

RN Endorsement

An RN already licensed in another state can apply by endorsement. South Carolina accepts candidates who have passed the NCLEX-RN or the SBTPE. An RN who was licensed without passing one of these exams is still eligible with at least three years of discipline-free nursing experience.

Candidates applying by examination must submit an official transcript to the Board. A temporary license or permit may be issued in two situations: when initial screening confirms eligibility (valid 60 days) or when the nurse needs to complete a refresher course to meet continuing competency requirements (valid 90 days). The endorsement fee is $100, plus $10 for a temporary license.

International Nursing Candidates

International candidates must demonstrate English proficiency and have their credentials evaluated through a professional credentialing service. The Board accepts passing results from the TOEFL, TWE, and TSE, or another approved English proficiency exam. Nurses educated outside the U.S. must also hold a current license in another state based on passing the NCLEX-RN after 1982, or the State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE) before 1982. Candidates found to have education deficiencies may be able to meet licensure eligibility through additional coursework.

Renewing Your South Carolina Nursing License

South Carolina nursing licenses are renewed every two years. To renew, nurses must demonstrate continued competency. One option is completing 30 contact hours of Board-recognized continuing education, though nurses may also qualify through national certification, academic coursework, or employer competency verification. Documentation of any CE activity must include your name, the title of the course, the date, the approving organization’s name, and a course number.

Nurses must hold a current South Carolina license or an approved temporary license before beginning any work, including orientation. Beginning orientation without the proper license violates the Nurse Practice Act and may result in Board action. Requirements and fees are subject to change. Confirm current renewal requirements directly with the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

Nursing Organizations in South Carolina

Several professional organizations serve nurses in South Carolina. The South Carolina Nurses Association is the state’s primary professional organization for RNs. LPNs may find resources through the South Carolina Federation of LPNs, affiliated with the National Federation of LPNs. The South Carolina Nurses Foundation administers scholarship programs for nursing students.

Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Carolina a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact?

Yes. South Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses who reside in South Carolina and hold a multistate license can practice in other NLC member states. Nurses who reside in a non-compact state must apply for a single-state South Carolina license by endorsement.

How do I apply for a South Carolina nursing license by endorsement?

Submit an application to the South Carolina Board of Nursing along with license verification from your original licensing state, official transcripts or exam documentation, and fingerprints for a background check. The endorsement fee is $100 for both LPNs and RNs. A temporary license can be issued while the application is under review.

What are the continuing competency requirements for renewing a South Carolina nursing license?

South Carolina nurses must demonstrate continued competency every two years to renew their license. Completing 30 contact hours of Board-recognized continuing education is one option. Nurses may also qualify through national certification, academic coursework, or employer-verified competency. Documentation must be retained for any CE completed.

What happens if I fail the NCLEX in South Carolina?

Candidates may retest after 45 days. You can continue to attempt the exam for up to a year after your first attempt. If you don’t pass within that year, you must complete a Board-approved remediation plan before retesting. Candidates who haven’t passed within three years of graduation must re-qualify by demonstrating nursing competency before sitting for the exam again.

Can I get a temporary nursing license in South Carolina?

Yes. The South Carolina Board of Nursing issues temporary licenses to candidates who have been screened and are awaiting full licensure. Temporary licenses are valid for up to 60 days for new applicants and up to 90 days for nurses completing a refresher course. Working without a current license, including during orientation, is a violation of the Nurse Practice Act.

Key Takeaways

• South Carolina is an NLC compact state — Nurses with a multistate license from another compact state can practice in South Carolina without a separate application.
• New graduates apply by examination — LPN candidates take the NCLEX-PN, RN candidates take the NCLEX-RN. Both exams are scheduled through Pearson VUE after Board approval.
• Temporary licenses are required before starting work — This includes orientation. Beginning work without a license or temporary permit is a Nurse Practice Act violation.
• License renewal is every two years — Nurses must demonstrate continued competency each cycle. Options include 30 CE hours, national certification, academic coursework, or employer competency verification.
• Background checks are required for all applicants. Fingerprints can be submitted through South Carolina’s Live Scan system for faster processing.