How to Get Your CNA Certification in South Carolina (SC): 2026 Guide
South Carolina uses Prometric for CNA testing. Training is 100 hours and the combined exam fee is about $120. Candidates must contact SCDHHS before applying to Credentia.
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in South Carolina, complete a state-approved 100-hour program, pass the Prometric nurse aide competency exam, and get listed on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry (SCNAR). South Carolina has an unusual two-step gate: candidates must FIRST contact SCDHHS to determine eligibility BEFORE submitting a Credentia application — a flow unique to SC.
South Carolina CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Prometric
- Training hours: 100 total (typically 60 classroom + 40 clinical)
- Exam format: 60-question written or oral exam + 5-skill hands-on evaluation
- Exam fee: approximately $120 combined
- Registry: South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)
- Renewal: 24 months
Who oversees CNA certification in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) approves training programs and maintains the registry. SCDHHS uses a "Regional Test Site" (RTS) model where the written/oral and skills exams are scheduled at fixed host colleges across the state rather than rolling daily appointments.
Training programs in South Carolina
South Carolina requires a 100-hour state-approved program, of which at least 40 hours must be supervised clinical practice. Programs are offered at:
- Technical colleges (Midlands Tech, Trident Tech, Greenville Tech, Florence-Darlington Tech, York Tech, Aiken Tech, Central Carolina Tech, Northeastern Tech, Orangeburg-Calhoun Tech, Piedmont Tech, Spartanburg Community College, Technical College of the Lowcountry, Trident Tech, Williamsburg Tech)
- Private training academies
- Long-term care facilities with in-house programs
Most programs run 6–10 weeks. Tuition typically ranges from $800 to $1,600, plus $100–$200 for uniforms, textbooks, BLS certification, and the South Carolina SLED background check.
The South Carolina CNA exam: Prometric details
The Prometric nurse aide exam has two parts:
-
Written or Oral Exam — 60 multiple-choice questions on resident rights, basic nursing skills, infection control, communication, and safety. The oral version is available for an extra fee.
-
Skills Evaluation — 5 randomly selected skills demonstrated in front of a Prometric nurse evaluator. Handwashing is always tested.
SCDHHS requires candidates to take the exam through Prometric within 24 months of completing training, and graduates must pass both parts within 3 attempts or restart training.
How much does the South Carolina CNA exam cost?
- Written + skills combined — ~$120
- Oral upgrade — ~$20
- Skills retake — ~$80
- Written retake — ~$50
- SC SLED background check — ~$25
- State registry listing — included
Training program tuition is paid separately and ranges $800–$1,600.
Where to take the test in South Carolina
- Columbia — frequent testing through Midlands Technical College-area sites
- Charleston / North Charleston — regular sessions; Trident Tech-area sites
- Greenville — periodic testing; Greenville Tech-affiliated sites
- Myrtle Beach — scheduled through partner programs; limited dates
- Spartanburg — limited dates; book early
- Florence — Florence-Darlington Tech-area dates
- Aiken — limited dates; book early
South Carolina's testing footprint covers the I-26 and I-85 corridors well. Coastal Myrtle Beach and inland Florence have fewer dates; plan for travel if you live in those regions.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your Prometric test confirmation, and clinical scrubs. The skills portion may be scheduled on a separate day from the written/oral portion. Prometric schedules in 30-minute arrival windows; arrive early.
After you pass: South Carolina certification and renewal
Prometric reports passing scores to the SCDHHS Nurse Aide Registry, which lists you within 7–14 days. Your name appears on the public SCDHHS registry. A paper certificate is mailed to the address on file. Certification is valid for 24 months. To renew, complete at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work during the certification period under the supervision of an RN.
Common pitfalls specific to South Carolina
- Two-step gate: Contact SCDHHS at [email protected] BEFORE submitting a Credentia application — this order is unique to SC.
- 3-attempt limit: If you fail either component 3 times, SCDHHS requires you to retake the training program.
- Coastal scheduling: Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head-area sites book up quickly during tourist season (April–August).
- SLED background delay: South Carolina's SLED background check takes 1–3 weeks; submit your fingerprints during training, not after.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in South Carolina? Most students finish training in 6–10 weeks and add 2–4 weeks for exam scheduling and registry listing.
Can I bring an out-of-state CNA license to South Carolina? Yes. Apply through SCDHHS's reciprocity program. Some candidates with licenses from training programs under 100 hours may need a South Carolina-approved refresher before being reciprocated.
How much is South Carolina CNA training? Plan $800–$1,600 for tuition plus $100–$200 for supplies, the state background check, and exam fees.
Why does South Carolina use an RTS model? SCDHHS partners with host colleges across the state rather than running dedicated test centers. The RTS model reduces overhead and ties testing to existing training infrastructure.
Practice for the South Carolina CNA exam at /exam and the skills walkthrough at /skills.
