Below are the primary license information and continuing education requirements for nurses licensed in South Carolina. Please visit the South Carolina Board of Nursing CE page for more information on continuing education requirements.
Licensing information
Licensing fees by examination (NCLEX exam for first-time nurses):
- NCLEX fee: $200
- Application fee: $90 (RN); $70 (LPN); $30 (APRN initial license)
- Temporary license: $10
Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):
- Application fees: $100 (RN/LPN); $130 (APRN)
- Temporary permit: $10
License renewal fees:
- Application fees: $75 (RN/LPN); $105 (APRN)
*Fees subject to change
**Most states require a background check but prices are not always listed
Steps to renew your South Carolina nursing license
- Verify the status of your license
Visit the Verification page in order to confirm your license.
- Complete Continuing Education Requirements before your license expires
You can complete your nursing CEUs online, on your schedule, and 100% free with Incredible Health.
- Go to the South Carolina Board of Nursing website to renew your license
Visit the Renewal Information page for specifics. South Carolina is a compact state. If your Primary State of Residency is in another compact state do not apply for licensure in South Carolina unless you are declaring South Carolina as your Primary State of Residency.
Continuing education requirements
Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in South Carolina will need to fulfill one of the following conditions every two years:
- Complete 30 contact hours from a recognized education provider
- Maintenance of certification or recertification
- Complete an academic program of study in nursing or a related field
- Employer certification to verify competency and number of hours practiced
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)
Every two years, APRNs will be required to maintain national certification or complete 30 hours of continuing education.
APRNs (NPs, CNMs, and CNSs)
South Carolina nurses in these categories who have prescriptive authority will have to complete 30 contact hours every two years, 20 of which should be in pharmacotherapeutics related to their specialty. The nursing professionals should also complete 2 hours in prescribing controlled substances.
[ MORE: Earn your CEUs online, 100% free with Incredible Health. ]
Incredible Health offers ANCC-accredited continuing education courses for nurses in all 50 states, 100% free and online. The South Carolina Board of Nursing accepts courses that are ANCC accredited.
Additionally, South Carolina is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.
[ MORE: Average nurse salary in South Carolina ]
Contact information
South Carolina Board of Nursing
Phone: (803) 896-4550
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://llr.sc.gov/nurse/
Synergy Business Park
Kingstree Building
110 Centerview Drive
Columbia, SC 29210
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