South Carolina RN license requirements

Compact status

Nurse Licensure Compact member

Credential evaluation

A CGFNS certificate or another Board-approved credentials evaluation must verify general and nursing education at the level required of South Carolina graduates; the service sends it directly to SCBON, preferably before application.

English requirement

A non-native English speaker must pass a Board-approved test. The current page lists Cambridge, IELTS, LanguageCert, MET, iTEP and other approved options with scores. Exemption requires both English instruction/textbooks and entry-level education in a listed country.

SSN requirement

Foreign-educated applicants must have a Social Security card or resident alien registration. The Board's exam packet notes an applicant using an alien registration number cannot complete fingerprints until an SSN is obtained.

Background check

Fingerprint-based criminal background check is required. Apply first and wait for SCBON instructions before fingerprinting.

Education review

Education equivalence must be established. A foreign applicant not licensed within three years of first testing must requalify through an approved nursing program; remediation may be required after unsuccessful delay/retesting periods.