South Carolina Nursing License
How to get your South Carolina nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the South Carolina Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is South Carolina, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
South Carolina licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $90 by exam / $100 by endorsement |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $75 / 2 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
Initial $90 by examination ($100 by endorsement); biennial renewal $75 (due April 30 of even years). eNLC member.
Official resources
- South Carolina Board of Nursing — apply, renew, and check requirements.
- Verify a nursing license (Nursys)
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) map — which states honor a multistate license.
- Directory of state boards of nursing (NCSBN)
South Carolina nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in South Carolina?
- Yes. South Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in South Carolina without a separate application.
- How much does a South Carolina nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in South Carolina is $90 by exam / $100 by endorsement, and renewal is $75 / 2 years.
- How do I verify a South Carolina nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.