State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. South Carolina DHHS, Nurse Aide Registry; Credentia.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to South Carolina?
Route to review: Registry enrollment by reciprocity. Check all the conditions for this route. An out-of-state credential alone does not establish eligibility.
What does CNA reciprocity mean?
States use the terms reciprocity, endorsement and transfer to describe how they review nurse aide credentials from another state. Each state defines its own process, so use the term your new state uses. Approval is not automatic. The destination state decides whether your training, testing, work history and registry status meet its rules.
A nurse aide registry is an official state list used to check nurse aide status. A competency evaluation is the state-approved nurse aide exam. Its format varies by state. This guide explains the published instructions, but the agency decides whether you qualify.
How do you become a CNA in South Carolina?
New candidates must complete a 100-hour state-approved program including 40 clinical hours before NNAAP testing.
- Credentia administers South Carolina NNAAP examination registration through its online platform.
- Complete approved training, choose the correct exam eligibility route, submit the testing application and pass the competency examination.
Official training directory: SCDHHS/Credentia approved nurse aide training programs ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Registry enrollment by reciprocity
Active, good-standing out-of-state nurse aides meeting South Carolina training criteria.
- The handbook requires active good-standing registry status, OBRA competency compliance and a state-approved basic nurse-aide course of at least 100 hours.[3]
Create a Credentia Platform account
Use the current SC program page to start the reciprocity application.[2]
Provide the requested evidence
Follow the application and current handbook, including proof of qualifying training.[3]
Check the application result
Follow the Reciprocity Quick Reference Guide linked on the Credentia South Carolina page.[2]
Official route: Online Credentia Platform. [2] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in South Carolina?
Lapsed SC certification has separate reactivation/testing rules. The handbook says a lapse over two years requires a 100-hour approved course and retesting.[3]
Who sends registry verification?
Registry placement follows verification of the submitted documents. Confirm whether a separate verification form is required.[3]
What exceptions apply?
No additional exception is listed in the reviewed sources.
What else should you know?
After reciprocity, the handbook says the original state’s expiration date is retained; maintaining the other registration remains separate.[3]
What fees does the state publish?
The reviewed source does not publish an amount for the following item: Application and third-party charges. Confirm the current charge with the agency before paying.
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Confirm the current reciprocity fee and document requirements with the agency.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the South Carolina planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Registry enrollment by reciprocity)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in South Carolina? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- SCDHHS Nurse Aide ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Nurse Aide Registry links to Credentia platform
- Credentia South Carolina program ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Enrolling on SC Nurse Aide Registry Through Reciprocity
- Current SC candidate handbook: The Registry ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Certification by Reciprocity / lapsed reactivation