How to Become a CNA in South Carolina (2025)

By Pia CabardoAug 4, 2023Updated Jun 12, 2026

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Okay, let's get you started on your journey to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Carolina! A CNA role is your entry point into the rewarding healthcare field, offering hands-on experience and a stable career path. Nationally, Nursing Assistants earned a median annual salary of $39,530 as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, making it an accessible way to begin earning while making a difference. This guide provides the step-by-step process for CNA training and certification in South Carolina.

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Key Points

What is a CNA? A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides basic patient care, assisting with daily living activities under the supervision of nursing staff.
How to become a CNA in South Carolina? To become a CNA in South Carolina, complete a state-approved 100-hour training program, pass the NNAAP competency exam administered by Credentia, and get listed on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.
Length of training for CNA: CNA training programs in South Carolina require a minimum of 100 hours, typically completed in 4 to 12 weeks.
Average CNA salary in South Carolina: The average salary for CNAs in South Carolina is approximately $34,590 per year ($16.63 per hour) as of May 2023 BLS data.
Number of employment of CNAs in South Carolina: There are approximately 27,440 Nursing Assistants employed in South Carolina as of May 2023 BLS data.

What is a CNA? What does a CNA do?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a frontline healthcare professional who provides direct care to patients or residents in various healthcare settings. CNAs work under the direction of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs), focusing on assisting patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and ensuring their comfort and safety.

Key responsibilities include:

Assisting patients with personal hygiene tasks like bathing, dressing, and grooming.
Helping patients with mobility, such as transferring them from bed to wheelchair or assisting with walking.
Serving meals and assisting patients with eating.
Monitoring and recording vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure).
Observing patients' physical, mental, and emotional conditions and reporting any changes to the nursing staff.
Making beds and keeping patient rooms clean and tidy.
Providing companionship and emotional support to patients and their families.

What are the requirements to become a CNA in SC?

Okay, here's what you're going to need:

Complete a 100-hour state-approved training program. That includes 40 hours of hands-on clinical training.
Pass the Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam via the state-approved provider, Credentia.
Get your name on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.

Where can I find CNA classes in SC?

Now, where do you learn all these incredible CNA skills? Dreambound is the perfect place for discovering CNA training programs near you. Just type in your zip code, and you can compare different schools simultaneously. You'll also find valuable details like upcoming classes, class costs, and payment options. Skipper is also here to help you, our trusted AI coach specializing in giving out personalized recommendations!

How Do I Register for a CNA Exam?

Once you've finished your training, it's time to apply to take the CNA exam!

Credentia is the state-contracted provider of the NNAAP exam in SC. They have an online registration system called Credentia365 that makes it super convenient for you to schedule your exam. Make sure to register within two years of completing your CNA training program. If the two years lapse, you must undergo training again before taking the exam. If you're wondering "How much is the CNA exam in SC?", we got you covered! Below is a breakdown of the fees.

The CNA Exam fees in SC as of July 2024 are broken down as follows:

Exam Types and Fees:

Initial Written Examination: $45
Initial Oral Examination: $45
Initial Clinical Examination: $95
Written Re-examination: $45
Oral Re-examination: $45
Clinical Re-examination: $95
Certificate Renewal Fee: $35

The SC CNA state exam

Preparing for the SC CNA state exam is an important milestone on your journey to becoming a licensed CNA. The comprehensive exam consists of two parts and evaluates your knowledge and skills.

1. The written exam:

The written part is a test with 70 questions about what you've learned during your training. You'll need to score at least 70% to pass.

It will cover the following topics:

Physical care skills
Psychosocial care skills
Role of the nurse aide

You can also opt to take an oral exam in English should you have difficulty reading. Make sure to request an oral exam during registration if needed.

2. The skills exam:

You must execute five randomly chosen nurse aide skills during the skills evaluation. Before beginning, your Nurse Aide Evaluator will hand you a card with the list of skills assigned to you. They will show you where to find equipment and answer any questions you may have. You must execute all five nurse aide skills successfully to pass.

Here is a list of 23 skills the NNAAP includes in its evaluation. Make sure to learn them by heart!

Hand hygiene (hand washing)
Applies one knee-high elastic stocking
Assists with ambulating using a transfer belt
Assists with the use of a bedpan
Cleans upper or lower denture
Counts and records radial pulse
Counts and records respirations
Donning and removing PPE (gown and gloves)
Dresses client with affected (weak) right arm)
Feeds client who cannot feed self
Gives modified bed bath (face and one arm, hand and underarm)
Measures and records electronic blood pressure
Measures and records urinary output
Measures and records the weight of the ambulatory client
Performs modified passive range of motion (PROM) for one knee and one ankle
Performs modified passive range of motion (PROM) for one shoulder
Positions on side
Provides catheter care for female
Provides foot care on one foot
Provides mouth care
Provides perineal care (peri-care) for female
Transfers from bed to wheelchair using transfer belt
Measures and records manual blood pressure

How do I prepare for my CNA exam?

When it comes to taking the exam, being well-prepared is the key! The good news is you can take your written or oral exam online from the comfort of your home.

Should you choose to do so, prepare the following:

Well-equipped computer with a webcam
Mobile phone
Private room that is well-lit and with no distractions
Two forms of proper identification

If you're having your exams at a test center, make sure to bring the following:

Two forms of proper identification
Three no. 2 pencils
Eraser
Watch with a secondhand

Before taking the exam, make sure to study and have hands-on practice thoroughly. For more tips and valuable resources on preparing, check out our blog post on how to get ready for the CNA exam.

How do I get listed and get a job as a CNA?

Once you've aced that exam, your name will be on SC's Nurse Aide Registry about ten days later. You may view or search for your name on Credentia's official website. Congratulations, you're officially a CNA!

Now it’s time to put those skills to work. CNAs can work in hospitals, nursing homes, and even privately in people's homes. You can find job listings on job boards or nursing home websites.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA in South Carolina?

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in South Carolina typically takes between 4 to 12 weeks. This includes completion of a state-approved training program, which consists of at least 100 hours of instruction, both in the classroom and clinical settings.

What can a CNA do in South Carolina?

CNAs in South Carolina play a crucial role in healthcare, providing basic care to patients. Their duties include assisting with personal hygiene, monitoring vital signs, helping with mobility, and reporting health changes to nurses.

Can a CNA change a colostomy bag in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, a CNA may assist with colostomy care under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). However, the specific tasks a CNA can perform may vary based on their training and the policies of their employer.

How to transfer a CNA license to South Carolina?

If you're a CNA moving to South Carolina, you can apply for reciprocity. This process involves creating an account at the Credentia platform and submitting a reciprocity application along with verification of your current certification and proof of employment as a CNA.

How do I keep my CNA license active in South Carolina? How many hours do you have to work to keep your nursing license active in SC?

To keep your CNA license active in South Carolina, you must perform at least one paid nursing-related service every 24 months and it should be at least 8 hours. The services performed should also be supervised by an RN or LPN. This ensures your skills stay current and you maintain your eligibility to work as a CNA.

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

If your CNA license has expired in South Carolina, you can apply for license renewal with Credentia.

If you've not completed a 100-hour state-approved nurse aide training program or if your certification lapsed over two years ago, you'll need to complete a 100-hour training program and pass both the Written and Skills Evaluation Exams.

However, if your certification hasn't expired for more than 24 months and you've previously completed the required training, you'll only need to pass the Exams to reactivate your certification.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, future CNAs of South Carolina! You're now armed with the know-how to navigate your CNA journey. Remember, your compassion and dedication will shine through as you care for others. So go ahead, spread those smiles, make a positive impact, and embrace your rewarding path in healthcare. You've got this!

‍Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you: