To earn your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in South Carolina, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency exam, and be listed on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. This guide explains how to apply for certification, verify your status, renew or reinstate your license, and transfer an out-of-state credential—based on current requirements from the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS).
- How to Get Your CNA License in South Carolina
- State-Approved CNA Programs in South Carolina
- How to Transfer Your CNA License to South Carolina
- How to Renew Your CNA License in South Carolina
- How to Reinstate Your CNA License in South Carolina
- How to Verify Your CNA License in South Carolina
- South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
How to Get Your CNA License in South Carolina
Follow these steps to complete the certification process.
Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program
You must complete a 100-hour nurse aide training program approved by SCDHHS, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical instruction. If you are employed by, or have a written offer from, a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility, the employer must sponsor your training and testing. Candidates on medical light duty are not eligible for the skills exam until medically cleared.
Step 2: Submit the Exam Application
Create a CNA365 account through Credentia and complete the Application for Registration by Competency Examination. Upload your training certificate or a signed letter verifying hours, clinical instruction, and completion date. Request the oral exam during this step if needed.
Step 3: Pay the Examination Fees
Log in to CNA365 to pay the exam fees. All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
| Exam Component | Fee |
|---|---|
| Written or Oral Exam | $45 |
| Skills Exam | $95 |
If employed by, or offered a position at, a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility, the employer must pay all testing and retesting fees. If you pay directly, reimbursement may be available.
Step 4: Schedule and Take the NNAAP Exam
Schedule your National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®) exam through CNA365. The knowledge exam may be taken at a test center or online; the skills evaluation must be completed in person.
Knowledge Exam
- Format: 70 multiple-choice questions
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Oral option: 60 multiple-choice questions plus 10 word recognition items
Skills Exam
- Five randomly selected nurse aide tasks
- Administered by a Nurse Aide Evaluator
- Time limit: 30 minutes
You must pass both components within two years of training completion and within three attempts. Otherwise, you must retrain before retesting.
Step 5: Get Listed on the Registry
Once you pass both exams, Credentia reports results to SCDHHS, and your name is added to the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. Certification is valid for 24 months.
Need help? Call Credentia at (888) 204-6249 or SCDHHS at (803) 898-2500.
State-Approved CNA Programs in South Carolina
The following nurse aide training programs are approved by SCDHHS. Compare options based on tuition, schedule, clinical access, and job placement support.
How to Transfer Your CNA License to South Carolina
South Carolina accepts CNA license transfers through reciprocity. If you hold an active out-of-state certification and meet eligibility criteria, you may transfer without retraining or retesting.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Hold a current CNA certification from another state
- Certification has not been expired for more than 24 months
- No findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
- Completed a 100-hour training program with clinical instruction
Step 2: Create a CNA365 Account
Visit the CNA365 Registry Portal and select “Reciprocity Request”. Use a new email address not linked to any prior CNA365 account.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Fill out all required fields and upload your current out-of-state CNA certificate.
Step 4: Submit Application
Click “Submit” once complete. There is no fee to apply for reciprocity.
Step 5: Monitor Application Status
You will receive an email once your application is reviewed. If approved, your status will be listed as Active in the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.
Need help? Call Credentia at (888) 204-6249 or email SCDHHS at scnar@scdhhs.gov.
How to Renew Your CNA License in South Carolina
You must renew your certification every 24 months through CNA365 to remain active on the registry.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You are eligible if you have completed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related duties under nurse supervision within the past 24 months.
Step 2: Log in to CNA365
Go to the CNA365 login page. If new, click “New User” to register.
Step 3: Begin the Renewal Application
Select the “Renewal” button. Complete all required fields and upload supporting documentation. CNA365 sends reminders 60, 30, 14, and 7 days before expiration.
Step 4: Add to Cart and Choose Payment
- If employer provides a voucher, enter the code and click “Apply Code”
- If paying personally, enter credit/debit card or ACH details
Step 5: Submit Payment
Select a payment method, enter the CVV, and click “Pay”.
Renewal Fee: $35 (non-refundable)
Step 6: Confirm Status
Your updated registry card will be available in CNA365. To verify renewal, check the registry search. If not updated within 72 hours, contact Credentia at (888) 549-0820.
Reminder: If your certification expired within the past 24 months, you may renew without retraining or retesting. Reinstatement is required only if expired more than 24 months.
How to Reinstate Your CNA License in South Carolina
If your certification has been expired for more than 24 months, you must complete new training and retake both exams.
Step 1: Complete a Training Program
Enroll in a 100-hour approved Nurse Aide Training Program with at least 40 hours of supervised clinical instruction. Programs must be listed in the South Carolina Nurse Aide Training Directory.
Step 2: Apply via CNA365
Log in or create an account at the CNA365 platform. Complete the Application for Registration by Competency Examination, select eligibility route E1, and upload training documentation.
Step 3: Pay Fees
- Written or Oral Exam: $45
- Skills Evaluation: $95
Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. Employers must pay for candidates employed by or with an offer from a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility.
Step 4: Schedule and Take Exams
Schedule through CNA365. Exams are offered at regional test sites, in-facility locations, or online (knowledge exam only). Both exams must be passed within two years and three attempts.
Step 5: Verify Reinstatement
After passing, your certification will be reinstated and listed as Active in the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.
Need help? Call Credentia at (888) 204-6249.
How to Verify Your CNA License in South Carolina
Use CNA365 to verify your certification and employment eligibility.
Step 1: Access the Registry
Visit the CNA365 Registry Search.
Step 2: Enter Search Information
Search using:
- First and last name
- Registration number
Step 3: Submit Search
Click Search to view your record.
Step 4: Review Details
- Name
- Registration number
- Status: Must be Active for employment eligibility
- Issue and expiration dates
Phone Verification: Call Credentia at (888) 204-6249. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Sat 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sun 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET.
South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry
The South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by SCDHHS, is the official record of nurse aides eligible to work in the state. The registry tracks certification, training history, renewal eligibility, and reciprocity. Employers use it to confirm work eligibility, while CNAs use it to verify status, submit updates, and manage renewals. Services, including exam scheduling, renewal, verification, and reciprocity, are provided through CNA365, operated by Credentia.
Contact Information
SCDHHS
- Division: Community and Facility Services
- Mailing Address: PO Box 8206, Columbia, SC 29202
- Street Address: 1801 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29202
- Phone: (803) 898-2500
- Email: scnar@scdhhs.gov
- Website: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Credentia
- Address: 1025 Greenwood Blvd., Suite 401, Lake Mary, FL 32746
- Phone: (888) 204-6249
- Website: Credentia South Carolina Nurse Aide
- Registry Search: South Carolina CNA Registry Search
- Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.; Sat 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; Sun 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET
Frequently Asked Questions
What does training include?
Programs begin with a 16-hour introductory segment on communication, infection control, safety, resident rights, and independence. Core instruction covers the CNA role, nursing skills, personal care, restorative services, cognitive care, mental health, and social needs, with supervised clinical experience.
What is on the NNAAP exam?
The exam includes a Written (or Oral) Examination and a Skills Evaluation. The Written Exam has 70 multiple-choice questions in two hours. The Oral Exam includes 60 multiple-choice and 10 word recognition questions. The Skills Evaluation covers five random tasks plus mandatory hand hygiene, completed in 30 minutes and scored by an evaluator.
What if I fail part of the exam?
You may retake the failed section. Both components must be passed within three attempts and two years of training. Otherwise, you must complete a new 100-hour program before retesting.
What does the registry do?
The registry verifies status, tracks training and exam history, confirms employment eligibility, and manages renewals, reciprocity, updates, and records of disqualifying findings. All functions are handled through CNA365.
How do I update my name or address?
Log in to CNA365, select “Manage Profile,” and edit your information. For name changes, upload legal documents and submit through the “Correction Form.” You will receive an email once approved.
Does South Carolina issue physical CNA certificates?
No. Certification records are maintained in CNA365 and verified through the registry search.
Key Takeaways
- Complete approved training: Finish a state-approved 100-hour program with 40 hours of supervised clinical instruction.
- Pass both exams: Complete the knowledge test and skills evaluation through Credentia within 24 months of training.
- Be listed on the registry: After passing, Credentia reports results to SCDHHS, and your active status appears in CNA365.
- Renew every two years: Submit renewal in CNA365, pay the $35 fee, and show at least 8 hours of paid, supervised work in the past 24 months.
- Reinstate if expired: If expired more than 24 months, complete retraining and retesting.
- Transfer by reciprocity: Apply in CNA365 with proof of active out-of-state certification, training, and no disqualifying findings.
Sources
- SCDHHS – Nurse Aide Program
- Credentia – South Carolina CNA Testing
- Approved CNA Training Programs (PDF)
- Regional Testing Sites (PDF)
- South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry – CNA365
- Renewal Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
- Reciprocity Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
- Credentia Quick Reference – South Carolina
- CNA365 Login Portal
- How to Change Profile Information (PDF)
