Registered Nurse / South Carolina
2026 data South Carolina board official source

South Carolina Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

What the state board actually requires: fees, renewal cycle, and requirements from official records.

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Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the South Carolina data shows for Registered Nurses

Becoming a licensed registered nurse in South Carolina means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,216 training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. South Carolina regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Budget $75 to get started, plus $50 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 4 weeks once your application is complete. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

On reciprocity, registered nurses should know: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

C-
Licensing Ease Score
50/100
Registered Nurse · South Carolina

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,216 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee D
$113
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B-
$39/yr
$77 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in South Carolina

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,216 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$113
Renewal Fee
$77
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse All South Carolina licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with South Carolina licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in South Carolina? ▼
In South Carolina, the license path calls for 2216 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, and a $113 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in South Carolina? ▼
To become a licensed registered nurse in South Carolina, you must meet the state's requirements including 2216 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the South Carolina licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to South Carolina from another state? ▼
Registered Nurse licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The South Carolina licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does South Carolina require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the registered nurse licensing process in South Carolina. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in South Carolina? ▼
South Carolina ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $77 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in South Carolina? ▼
The initial licensing fee in South Carolina is $75. The renewal fee is $50 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in South Carolina? ▼
In South Carolina, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 4 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in South Carolina, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how South Carolina's registered nurse requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Registered Nurse in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state registered nurse license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how South Carolina's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. South Carolina overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the South Carolina licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.