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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License in South Carolina

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in SC. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$175

Processing Time

4-6 Weeks

Exam Required

NCLEX-PN

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in South Carolina.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training program in South Carolina.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your SC application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the NCLEX-PN.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the South Carolina licensing board and pay the $175 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-6 weeks in SC. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

If you are looking to start your career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Carolina, the licensing process begins with education. SC mandates specific coursework before you can sit for the NCLEX-PN. Upon passing the exam, you can proceed to file your application with the appropriate South Carolina regulatory board.

Requirements

To qualify for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure in South Carolina, candidates must satisfy several prerequisites. SC mandates completion of an approved training program, successful passage of the NCLEX-PN, and a clean criminal background check. Additional requirements may include proof of residency and professional references as determined by the South Carolina regulatory authority.

Fees & Costs

The cost of becoming a licensed Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Carolina starts at $175 for the application fee. SC requires this fee to be paid at the time of application submission. Factor in additional expenses such as exam fees, background check costs, and any required continuing education. Late renewal penalties in South Carolina can add up to $50 to your costs.

License Fee Calculator — Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Carolina

Base License Fee$175
Estimated Total$175

Renewal Process

License renewal for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) professionals in South Carolina occurs on a 2-year cycle. SC charges a renewal fee of $100 and mandates continuing education as part of the renewal process. It is recommended to begin the renewal process in South Carolina at least 60 days before your license expires to ensure uninterrupted practice.

License Expiry Calculator — Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in SC

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. South Carolina requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

South Carolina takes professional licensing seriously, and the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) field is no exception. The state board in SC regularly updates its requirements to align with industry standards and protect public safety. As a licensed Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in South Carolina, you will be expected to maintain high ethical standards and stay current with developments in your field. The SC licensing board provides resources and support to help professionals meet their obligations.

Document Checklist — Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My South Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) NoneAK does not recognize SC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Full re-application required.
Alabama (AL) NoneAL does not recognize SC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Full re-application required.
Arizona (AZ) NoneAZ does not recognize SC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Full re-application required.
Arkansas (AR) PartialAR requires additional exam or paperwork for SC license holders.
Colorado (CO) NoneCO does not recognize SC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Full re-application required.
Delaware (DE) FullDE accepts SC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license via reciprocity agreement.
California (CA) NoneCA does not recognize SC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) PartialFL requires additional exam or paperwork for SC license holders.

Where to File Locally in South Carolina

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Columbia

110 Centerview Dr, Columbia, SC 29210

(803) 896-4300

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Charleston

75 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401

(843) 724-3700

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Greenville

206 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601

(864) 467-4400

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Myrtle Beach

1018 2nd Ave N, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

(843) 918-1000

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Rock Hill

155 Johnston St, Rock Hill, SC 29730

(803) 329-5500

Mon-Fri 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Official South Carolina Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the South Carolina state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.