Understanding Your 2026 South Carolina Nursing License Renewal

• 2026 South Carolina nursing license renewal guidelines stipulate that nurses cannot legally work with an expired license.
• Many nurses in South Carolina do not have time to keep current with each update they must understand in order to renew their license.
• Nursing CE Central makes renewal easy to manage, with options for RN, LPN, and APRN continuing education in South Carolina.

The 2026 South Carolina nursing license renewal requirements exist for good reason. Our nurses must keep up as best practices evolve, so they are empowered to provide the highest level of care for their patients. 

However, we know you are facing burnout, staffing shortages and the high demands of a complex healthcare system. Nursing CE Central offers quick, effective courses that earn South Carolina nursing CEUs. 

1. What are the CE requirements for the 2026 South Carolina nursing license renewal period?

LPNs and RNs can choose from several options to meet their continuing education competency requirements, but most choose to complete 30 contact hours of continuing education from an ANCC and Board approved provider (such as Nursing CE Central).

Nursing CE Central’s South Carolina Renewal Bundle includes LPN license renewal CE and RN license renewal CE, is ANCC accredited and approved by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

APRNs are required to maintain their national board certification. Those applying for initial prescriptive authority are required to complete 45 contact hours; 15 of which must be in prescribing controlled substances.

Nursing CE Central’s APRN Bundle includes APRN license renewal CE.

APRNs applying for initial prescriptive authority must complete 45 contact hours of education in pharmacotherapeutics within two years before they apply. At least 15 of those hours need to be focused on controlled substances to purse a DEA license.

APRNs who have prescriptive authority in another state are required to complete 20 contact hours within two years of their application; at least 15 of those hours must be in prescribing controlled substances.

APRNs with prescriptive authority are required to complete 20 contact hours of continuing education on pharmacotherapeutics. Two of the 20 contact hours must be on prescribing controlled substances.

2. Which nurses are required to obtain CE to renew their license?

LPNs and RNs must complete CE requirements to renew a nurse license.

3. Do I need to take a test to fulfill the CE requirements?

No.

4. Is it necessary to keep documentation proving CE completion?

Nurses are responsible for recording their completed CEUs for license renewal for up to four years. This can be used for an audit or for a request from the South Carolina Board of Nursing.

Nursing CE Central makes it easy to access completed certificates at any time by logging into our website. All completed CE will be saved there.

5. Do I need to submit my CE through CE broker?

Yes. You must report completed CE to CE Broker. However, Nursing CE Central will automatically submit your certificates to them once all required courses are complete.

6. How can I renew my nursing license in South Carolina?

Most nurses will need to fulfill the CE requirements, submit completed CE certificates through CE Broker, and use the eService login portal of the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation to complete their license renewal. A valid payment method will also be needed.

7. When is the 2026 license renewal deadline?

All South Carolina LPNs and RNs must renew their licenses by April 30, 2026. The renewal window opens Feb. 1, 2026.

8. What happens if I miss the license renewal deadline?

If you fail to renew your license on time, it will be deemed lapsed. You cannot continue to work in South Carolina until it’s reinstated. The board may reinstate your license with proof of continued competency satisfactory to them and additional fees.

9. How can I verify the status of my license?

You can check the status of your license by visiting the South Carolina Labor License Regulation’s license look up page.

10. How else can I fulfill the continuing competency requirements?

Other options for renewing your South Carolina nursing license renewal include:

• The maintenance of certification or recertification by a national certifying body recognized by the board.
• The completion of an academic program of study in nursing or a related field recognized by the board.
• The verification of competency and the number of hours practiced, as evidenced by employer certification on a form approved by the board.

However, most nurses find completing CE courses the fastest and easiest way to renew an LPN or RN license.

Still have questions?

The South Carolina BON can be contacted at (803) 896-4550, online, via email or att he following location:

110 Centerview Drive
Columbia, SC 29210

Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Visit our South Carolina nursing license renewal page for more information or to enroll for a South Carolina nursing license renewal bundle today!

Read More