CNA License Renewal in South Carolina (2026)

CNA license renewal in South Carolina is handled by the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry (SC Dept of Health and Human Services; vendor Credentia), which requires Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)s to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

South Carolina CNA renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	A SC Nurse Aide Certificate is valid for 24 months from issue and must be renewed (continued enrollment) before expiration; the registry vendor emails directions about 90 days prior. An expired certificate may require re-testing.
CE hours required	See board
Renewal fee	$35.00
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry (SC Dept of Health and Human Services; vendor Credentia)

Go to the official South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry (SC Dept of Health and Human Services; vendor Credentia) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry (SC Dept of Health and Human Services; vendor Credentia). manual review of SC DHHS nurse-aide page and official Credentia SC registry handbook.

Continuing-education requirements for CNAs in South Carolina

No continuing-education or in-service hours are required to recertify. Eligibility is based on paid work: the aide must have performed nursing-related services for pay for at least 8 hours within the prior 24 months. If the aide works for a Medicaid-certified SC nursing home, the facility pays the recertification fee.

Need approved hours? Compare South Carolina CNA CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your CNA license in South Carolina

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry (SC Dept of Health and Human Services; vendor Credentia) portal.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Continued enrollment is submitted online through the Credentia portal. The $35 recertification fee (in effect since July 1, 2020) is non-refundable. The registry is administered for SC DHHS ([email protected]).

CNA license renewal in South Carolina: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my CNA license in South Carolina?

South Carolina CNA licenses renew every 24 months. A SC Nurse Aide Certificate is valid for 24 months from issue and must be renewed (continued enrollment) before expiration; the registry vendor emails directions about 90 days prior. An expired certificate may require re-testing.

Can I renew my South Carolina CNA license online?

Yes — South Carolina offers online renewal through the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry (SC Dept of Health and Human Services; vendor Credentia). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my South Carolina CNA license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry (SC Dept of Health and Human Services; vendor Credentia) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) renewal