South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry

South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry
Credentia
https://cna365.examroom.ai/registry/?StateCode=SC
Phone: (800) 475-8290

South Carolina Nurse Aide Abuse Registry
South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control
2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 545-4205


The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is the authority that oversees the credentialing and standards of certified nurse aides in the state of South Carolina. Credentia has been assigned the administration of the NNAAP Examination in South Carolina.

Initial CNA Certification in South Carolina

Eligibility Route E1 is for candidates who have completed a South Carolina approved CNA program, which typically consists of 100 hours of classes, including 40 hours of clinical experience. Next, candidates must schedule a test with Credentia, and, upon obtaining passing scores in both parts of the NNAAP examination, your name will be added to the South Carolina CNA Registry.

Other Eligibility Routes

Eligibility Route E5 is a certification route available to RN/LPN students as well as military candidates. Candidates are advised to contact the SC Department of Health and Human Services to check their eligibility for this certification route prior to applying for the examination.  

Eligibility Route E2 is for candidates who have completed their nurse aide classes in another state but are looking to become certified in South Carolina. The CNA  program should consist of a minimum of 100 hours, including 40 hours of clinical experience. A registration form is available online where candidates can upload their respective class documents stating the number of classroom and clinical hours.

Application and Scheduling for Examination Instructions  

Renewal of Nurse Aide Certification in South Carolina

Nurse aide certifications are valid for 24 months in the CNA registry in South Carolina. To be eligible for renewal without retraining and/or retesting, candidates must perform a minimum of 8 hours of paid nursing-related services in the last 24-month certification period.

Renewal Instructions

Reinstatement of a Lapsed Nurse Aide Certificate: Eligibility Route E3

This certification route is available to:

  • Candidates whose certification HAS LAPSED and HAVE NOT completed a state-approved 100-hour CNA program are required to RETRAIN AND RETEST to reactivate their certification.
  • Candidates whose certification HAS LAPSED for less than 2 years but HAVE completed a state-approved 100-hour CNA program are required to RETEST to reactivate their certification.
  • Candidates whose certification HAS LAPSED for more than 2 years are required to RETRAIN AND RETEST to reactivate their certification.

The CNA schools displayed in this section offer tuition-based programs.

Certification by Reciprocity: Eligibility Route E4

Out of state nurse aides who hold an active and in good standing certificate and have completed a 100-hour state-approved CNA program may qualify for certification by reciprocity. The online reciprocity application must be accompanied by either a diploma/certificate or letter on program/state letterhead that mentions the number of both classroom and clinical hours.

Reciprocity Application Online