South Carolina requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2-year renewal cycle — one of the higher requirements among the states we track. Multiple competency pathways are available, and as a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, a South Carolina multistate license lets you practice across all compact states. Here's your complete guide.
South Carolina RN License Renewal Requirements Overview
The South Carolina Board of Nursing requires nurses to demonstrate continuing competency every 2-year renewal cycle. The most common method is completing 30 contact hours of continuing education, though several alternative pathways are available.
South Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so nurses with a multistate license can practice across all compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
What Is Required for Renewal?
For RNs and LPNs (choose one pathway):
- 30 CE contact hours from a Board-recognized CE provider
- National certification or re-certification by a Board-recognized certifying body
- Academic coursework in nursing or a related field recognized by the Board
- Employer verification of competency and practice hours on a Board-approved form
For APRNs with Prescriptive Authority:
- 30 CE contact hours (same options as RN/LPN)
- 20 additional hours in Pharmacotherapeutics within the 2 years prior to renewal
- Renewal fee: $105 for APRN
Important Renewal Dates
- Deadline: April 30 of even-numbered years (next deadline: April 30, 2026)
- Renewal window opens: February 1, 2026
- Grace period: None — failure to renew by April 30 results in a lapsed license
- Renewal fee: $75 for RN and LPN
Step-by-Step: How to Renew Your South Carolina Nursing License
- Log in to the SC LLR online portal. Visit llr.sc.gov to access your renewal application starting February 1.
- Select Renew License. Choose the correct license type and verify your personal information.
- Choose your competency pathway. Select from 30 CE hours, national certification, academic coursework, or employer verification.
- Attest to completion. Confirm that you have satisfied the continuing competency requirement through your chosen pathway.
- If APRN with prescriptive authority, attest to completing 20 additional hours in Pharmacotherapeutics.
- Answer disclosure questions. Respond to questions about professional conduct and criminal history.
- Pay the renewal fee. $75 for RN/LPN or $105 for APRN.
- Retain CE documentation. Keep certificates for at least 4 years in case of audit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting until April to start CE. With 30 hours required, you need to plan ahead. Starting in the months before the deadline can lead to rushed, low-quality CE choices.
- Not realizing there's no grace period. South Carolina has no grace period. If you miss April 30, your license lapses and you cannot practice until it's reinstated.
- Using non-recognized CE providers. CE hours must come from a provider recognized by the South Carolina Board of Nursing. Verify provider recognition before enrolling.
- APRNs not completing Pharmacotherapeutics hours. The 20 Pharmacotherapeutics hours are a separate requirement from the 30 general CE hours. Don't overlook this additional obligation.
Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Spread your CE throughout the cycle. With 30 hours over 2 years, completing about 15 hours per year keeps you on track without last-minute cramming.
- Renew as soon as the window opens February 1. Don't wait until April. The earlier you renew, the less risk of a lapsed license.
- Take advantage of NLC benefits. As a compact state, your South Carolina multistate license lets you practice in other NLC states without extra licenses — ideal for travel nursing.
- Track your CE and deadlines with RenewRN. RenewRN tracks your CE hours, monitors your April 30 deadline, and sends reminders so you never lapse.
Track Your South Carolina License with RenewRN
With 30 CE hours required and no grace period, South Carolina's renewal demands careful planning. RenewRN sends reminders at 90, 60, 30, 7, and 1 day before your license expires and tracks your CE progress so you stay ahead of the April 30 deadline.