South Carolina
Compact StateNursing Continuing Education Requirements
South Carolina Nursing CEU Overview
South Carolina requires registered nurses to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain an active license. Newly licensed nurses are exempt from CE requirements for their first renewal period.
The South Carolina Board of Nursing requires specific mandatory topics, including Contact Hour Category. These topics must be completed according to the frequency specified by the board.
All continuing education hours may be completed online through approved providers. Always verify course accreditation with the South Carolina Board of Nursing before enrolling.
Nursing in South Carolina
South Carolina has approximately 70,000 licensed registered nurses serving a population of 5.4 million. Major health systems include MUSC Health in Charleston, Prisma Health, and AnMed Health. South Carolina's growing population, particularly in coastal areas and the Charlotte metro region, creates ongoing demand for nursing professionals.
South Carolina requires a minimum of 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years or current national certification in a nursing specialty. South Carolina mandates specific training in recognizing and reporting child abuse. This flexibility allows nurses to maintain competency through certification.
Common Practice Settings in South Carolina
MUSC Charleston
The academic medical center provides specialty care and research opportunities.
Growing Metro Areas
Charleston, Greenville, and the Charlotte border region have expanding healthcare needs.
Rural SC
Rural areas of the state face healthcare shortages and hospital closures.
South Carolina License Renewal Tips
Complete 30 contact hours OR maintain national certification.
Complete child abuse recognition training as required.
Use nationally accredited providers.
Keep certificates for at least 4 years.
Nurse Licensure Compact in South Carolina
South Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This benefits nurses who may work across state lines in North Carolina or Georgia.
Learn more about the Nurse Licensure Compact →Basic License Types
Registered Nurse (RN)
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Contact Hour Category Must include 15 hours in contact hour category | 15 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- 15 hours must be contact hours, remaining can be alternate methods.
LPN/LVN
Contact Hours
30
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Contact Hour Category Must include 15 hours in contact hour category | 15 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial licensure
Notes
- Same requirements as RN.
APRN (General)
Contact Hours
45
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current national certification
Advanced Practice Specialties
Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Contact Hours
45
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC or AANP certification
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Contact Hours
45
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current ANCC certification in specialty area
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Contact Hours
45
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current AMCB certification
Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Contact Hours
45
Renewal Cycle
2 years
Online Allowed
Yes
First Renewal
Exempt
Mandatory Topics
| Topic | Hours | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
Pharmacology For prescriptive authority holders | 8 | Each renewal |
Exemptions
- First renewal within 2 years of initial certification
Notes
- Higher CE requirement for APRNs.
Additional Requirements
Must maintain current NBCRNA certification
South Carolina requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for RN license renewal. Compared to neighboring states, North Carolina requires fewer (15 hours), while Georgia has no general CE requirement. As a Nurse Licensure Compact state, South Carolina allows nurses to practice across state lines with a multistate license.
Related Resources
Track Your CEUs
Log your completed courses and monitor progress toward South Carolina requirements.
Start Tracking →Compare State Requirements
See how South Carolina compares to other states' nursing CE requirements.
Compare States →Compact License Guide
Learn how the Nurse Licensure Compact works for South Carolina nurses.
Read Guide →South Carolina Board of Nursing
(803) 896-4550
110 Centerview Drive, Suite 202, Columbia, SC 29210
Important Disclaimer
Requirements can change. Always verify current requirements directly with the South Carolina Board of Nursing before making decisions about your continuing education.