South Carolina nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a South Carolina license by endorsement: the application fee ($100 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | South Carolina Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $100 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $100 |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit, up to 60 days. For endorsement applicants with filed application, paid fee and valid out-of-state license; up to 60 days unless extended; fee $10. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $75 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 30 contact hours. Biennial renewal needs one of: 30 contact hours from a board-recognized provider, national certification, academic program, or employer-verified practice hours. |
How to get your South Carolina license, step by step
- Check the compact first. If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in South Carolina without applying again. If you move your residence to South Carolina, you apply for a South Carolina license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Send license verification. Ask each state where you are or were licensed to verify your license to the board. Follow the board's instructions for how it wants to receive it.
- Ask about the temporary license. The board offers a temporary permit valid up to 60 days while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $100 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to South Carolina
- Endorsement applicants submit one signed, dated 2x2 photograph and a copy of Social Security or permanent resident card.
- Applicants must show continued competency (same options as renewal) within the preceding two years.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must pass TOEFL, TWE and TSE or a board-approved equivalent.
What RNs earn in South Carolina
The BLS median for registered nurses in South Carolina is $38.41 per hour, about $79,900 a year. See the full RN salary guide for South Carolina.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC | $39.75 | $82,680 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $38.76 | $80,620 |
| Sumter, SC | $38.58 | $80,240 |
| Florence, SC | $38.57 | $80,220 |
| Columbia, SC | $38.51 | $80,100 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $38.26 | $79,580 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in South Carolina · South Carolina state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the South Carolina Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- scstatehouse.gov/code/t40c033.php (endorsement application, background check, temporary license, renewal, continuing education, state notes)
- scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/Chapter%2010.pdf (fees, renewal fee)
- scstatehouse.gov/coderegs/Chapter%2091.pdf (board website)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the South Carolina Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a South Carolina nursing license by endorsement cost?
The South Carolina Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $100 for an RN and $100 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is South Carolina a nurse licensure compact state?
South Carolina is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
Can I work in South Carolina while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit, valid up to 60 days. For endorsement applicants with filed application, paid fee and valid out-of-state license; up to 60 days unless extended; fee $10. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do South Carolina nurses need?
RN renewal requires 30 contact hours of continuing education. Biennial renewal needs one of: 30 contact hours from a board-recognized provider, national certification, academic program, or employer-verified practice hours. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a South Carolina license?
The South Carolina Board of Nursing does not publish a fixed time. It depends on how fast your verification and background check arrive, so apply before you accept a start date.
Does Valorem Health help with South Carolina licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
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Your RN pay reportSouth Carolina · pay published by employers and employer-reported wage offers in federal filings
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