State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
South Carolina at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | South Carolina DHHS, Nurse Aide Registry; Credentia |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See South Carolina CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
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.[4] Completing training alone does not give you a state credential. Before enrolling, check the state’s testing requirements and what it takes to get the credential or be listed on the registry.
What else should you know about training?
- Credentia administers South Carolina NNAAP examination registration through its online platform.[2]
- Complete approved training, choose the correct exam eligibility route, submit the testing application and pass the competency examination.[1] [2] [4]
- Nursing-student, nurse-graduate and military candidates must obtain SCDHHS eligibility review before applying.[4]
- A certification card alone does not establish current registry status; employers verify the live registry.[1]
Where can you find training programs?
SCDHHS/Credentia approved nurse aide training programs ↗[2] [3] Before you enroll, confirm with the state that the exact program and training site are currently approved. Check the total hours, clinical placement and costs as well.
What should you confirm with the state?
- The linked program PDF is current, but it does not guarantee class availability.
Where did this information come from?
- Nurse Aide — SCDHHS ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Registry, required state-approved training and verification
- South Carolina nurse aide — Credentia ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · NNAAP registration, current handbook and approved-training list
- SC Approved Training Programs ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Current contractor-linked list; filename 2025
- Eligibility Criteria — South Carolina Handbook ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Initial candidates; 100 hours including 40 clinical; E1/E2/E5 routes
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to South Carolina?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: South Carolina DHHS, Nurse Aide Registry; Credentia. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Registry enrollment by reciprocity — Active, good-standing out-of-state nurse aides meeting South Carolina training criteria.
Key requirement: The handbook requires active good-standing registry status, OBRA competency compliance and a state-approved basic nurse-aide course of at least 100 hours.
What are the first steps for Registry enrollment by reciprocity?
Create a Credentia Platform account
Use the current SC program page to start the reciprocity application.
Provide the requested evidence
Follow the application and current handbook, including proof of qualifying training.
Check the application result
Follow the Reciprocity Quick Reference Guide linked on the Credentia South Carolina page.
What else should you know?
- After reciprocity, the handbook says the original state’s expiration date is retained; maintaining the other registration remains separate.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the current reciprocity fee and document requirements with the agency.
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)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in South Carolina?
The state sets the renewal cycle and any requirements for work hours and continuing education. This section summarizes the sources we reviewed. Follow the official instructions if they differ.
| Renewal cycle | Every 24 months from the date your certificate was issued. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in the 24 months before your certification expires. |
| CE or in-service | Credentia's re-certification instructions list paid work and the fee; they don't list continuing education. |
| Renewal window | Credentia emails renewal directions about 90 days before your certification expires. Renew online through Credentia and pay the $35 re-certification fee by credit card or single-use prepaid card. If you work for a Medicaid-certified employer, give them your payment receipt for reimbursement. |
| If the credential lapses | Lapsed 24 months or less, and you completed a 100-hour state-approved program: retest (written or oral, and skills). Lapsed more than two years, or you never completed a 100-hour program: retrain at a 100-hour program and retest. |
South Carolina nurse aide certificates are valid for 24 months. To renew, you need at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in the past 24 months. Credentia emails renewal directions about 90 days ahead; you renew online and pay a $35 fee, which a Medicaid-certified employer will reimburse. The instructions don't list continuing education. If your certification lapses, you'll retest, or retrain and retest, depending on how long it has lapsed and whether you completed a 100-hour program.
Source: SCDHHS Nurse Aide ↗ Current SC candidate handbook: The Registry ↗
Open the official South Carolina registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state