South Carolina RN Continuing Education Requirements, Explained
Last reviewed June 2026 against the official sources linked below. Requirements change — always confirm with your board before relying on them.
Total hours
30 contact hours (or an alternative)
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years, expires April 30 of even years
Alternatives
Certification, academic program, or employer verification
Issued by
South Carolina Board of Nursing
South Carolina frames its rule as continuing competency, and 30 contact hours is just one of several ways to satisfy it. The Board also accepts national certification, an academic program, or employer verification of competency.
That choice is the part most nurses miss. Here is each path, plus the deadline and record-keeping rules.
The continuing competency requirement
The South Carolina Board of Nursing, under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), requires RNs to demonstrate continuing competency during each two-year licensure period. Thirty contact hours of approved continuing education is the most direct route.
Crucially, hours are not the only option. The Board lets you satisfy competency through any one of the accepted paths below.
Four ways to meet the requirement
- Complete 30 contact hours from a CE provider recognized by the Board (for example, ANCC-accredited providers).
- Maintain certification or re-certification by a national certifying body the Board recognizes.
- Complete an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the Board.
- Provide verification of competency via employer certification on a Board-approved form (covering practice within the past two years).
Stop tracking this in a spreadsheet
Progress rings per requirement, private certificate storage, deadline reminders, and a one-click audit packet. Set up in two minutes — free for your first license.
Start tracking — freeWhen is your deadline?
South Carolina RN (and LPN) licenses expire on April 30 of every even-numbered year, regardless of when you were first licensed. The renewal window opens February 1 of that year.
Keep your CE certificates or other proof of competency for at least four years - the Board audits a portion of renewals and can request documentation.
How CredTally keeps this on autopilot
- Choose your path - hours, certification, academic, or employer verification - and the progress ring shows what is still owed.
- Store each certificate, certification card, or employer form privately with the credit, ready for the four-year retention rule.
- Reminders at 90, 60, 30, and 7 days before your April 30 deadline.
- Export a dated audit packet covering your whole two-year cycle in one click.
Frequently asked questions
How many CE hours does a South Carolina RN need?
Thirty contact hours every two years - or you can meet continuing competency through certification, an academic program, or employer verification instead.
When does my South Carolina RN license expire?
April 30 of every even-numbered year; the renewal window opens February 1.
Can certification replace the 30 hours?
Yes. Maintaining recognized national certification is an accepted way to satisfy the requirement.
How long should I keep proof?
At least four years, since the Board audits renewals and can request your documentation.
Official sources
CredTally is a record-keeping tool and is not affiliated with any licensing board. This guide is general information, not legal or compliance advice.
CredTally tracks all of this for you
Progress rings per requirement, private certificate storage, deadline reminders, and a one-click audit packet. Set up in two minutes — free for your first license.
Start tracking — free