Nurse Aides in South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program through Pearson VUE for its CNA competency evaluations. Tests can be taken at many training facilities as well as at regional testing centers. The test includes two sections designed to test both CNA theory and skills.

The knowledge section can be taken as either a written or an oral version. The oral version uses either the English or Spanish language and is good for those who have trouble reading English for any reason. This section uses 70 multiple-choice questions to test theory. The oral version has 60 multiple-choice questions testing theory plus an additional ten multiple-choice questions testing basic reading comprehension. This test must be completed in two hours or less.

The skills examination requires students to demonstrate five skills in front of a Nurse Aide Evaluator. One of the skills is hand washing, and another skill is taking a measurement, such as a blood pressure. The other skills will be randomly selected on test day. Students have up to 30 minutes to complete this section.

Students will learn their test results while they are at the testing facility. Those who fail will only need to retake the section that they failed. Students can take each section up to three times before being required to retrain. In addition, both sections must be passed within 24 months from completing CNA training. The cost to take both sections is $101.

A CNA moving to South Carolina from another state can request reciprocity to begin working as a CNA in South Carolina. To apply for reciprocity, CNAs must be active and in good standing on their prior registries and not be listed on the abuse registry for patient abuse or neglect. Applicants must prove that they have attended a program with at least 100 hours of training. This can be documented through a diploma, certificate or notarized school letter. In addition, CNAs who have held their certifications less than 24 months will need to provide a list of work experience totaling at least eight hours for the past 24 months. Work experience can be documented with a pay stub or W-2. Reciprocity is free.

South Carolina CNAs must renew their licenses every 24 months to stay current. To renew, they must have an active license in good standing with the state with no accusations of patient neglect or abuse. Renewal notices and forms will be mailed out from the state one to two months prior to expiration. CNAs are required to pay a fee of $28 for renewal. However, CNAs who work in a Medicaid-certified facility in the state will have their employers pay their renewal fees. Those who allow their licenses to expire will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Some expired CNAs may be required to retrain and retest.

Links
S.C. Department of Health & Environmental Control
South Carolina State Board of Nursing
CNA License Search

Contacts
DHHS
Phone: (803) 898-2590
Email: [email protected]