200+ Free South Carolina CNA Practice Questions

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Question 1

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According to South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) regulations, how many hours of training are required to become a Certified Nurse Aide in South Carolina?

75 hours of combined classroom and clinical training

85 hours with at least 35 hours of clinical experience

100 hours total (60 classroom + 40 clinical)

120 hours with 50 hours of supervised clinical practice

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: South Carolina CNA Exam

Written Test Questions

Credentia / SCDHHS

2 hours

Written Test Time Limit

Credentia

5 skills

Clinical Skills Required

Credentia / SCDHHS

$140

Total Exam Fee

Credentia 2026

100 hrs

Training Required

SCDHHS

24 months

Certification Period

SCDHHS

South Carolina uses Credentia to administer its CNA competency exam under the NNAAP format — 70 questions in 2 hours. The clinical skills portion requires demonstrating 5 randomly selected skills; handwashing is always included. Fees total $140: $45 Written + $95 Skills. Candidates have 3 attempts before needing to retake training. SC requires 100 hours of training (60 classroom + 40 clinical). The SC Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by SCDHHS; CNAs must perform at least 8 hours of paid work every 24 months to remain active.

Sample South Carolina CNA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your South Carolina CNA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) regulations, how many hours of training are required to become a Certified Nurse Aide in South Carolina?

A.75 hours of combined classroom and clinical training

B.85 hours with at least 35 hours of clinical experience

C.100 hours total (60 classroom + 40 clinical)

D.120 hours with 50 hours of supervised clinical practice

Explanation: South Carolina requires a 100-hour state-approved CNA training program consisting of 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical training. This exceeds the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours. The training must be completed through an SCDHHS-approved program before a candidate is eligible to take the NNAAP examination administered by Credentia.

2A CNA working in a South Carolina long-term care facility must renew their certification every:

A.12 months with proof of employment

B.18 months with 4 hours of continuing education

C.24 months with at least 8 hours of paid work as a CNA

D.36 months with completion of a refresher course

Explanation: South Carolina CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months (2 years). To renew, the CNA must have worked at least 8 hours for pay during the 24-month certification period performing nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This requirement ensures that CNAs maintain active skills and competency in patient care.

3Under South Carolina regulations, which agency is responsible for overseeing the Nurse Aide Training Program and maintaining the Nurse Aide Registry?

A.South Carolina Board of Nursing

B.South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS)

C.South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)

D.South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

Explanation: The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) oversees the Nurse Aide Training Program and maintains the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. While the NNAAP examination is administered by Credentia (the testing vendor), SCDHHS is the state regulatory authority responsible for approving training programs, setting standards, and maintaining the registry of certified nurse aides.

4A South Carolina CNA has allowed their certification to lapse and has not worked the required 8 hours during the 24-month certification period. What must they do to regain active certification status?

A.Take a 4-hour refresher course and pay a late renewal fee

B.Retake and pass both the written and skills portions of the NNAAP examination

C.Complete 16 hours of supervised clinical practice under an RN

D.Submit documentation of 40 hours of volunteer work in a healthcare setting

Explanation: If a South Carolina CNA fails to renew their certification within the 24-month period or does not meet the 8-hour work requirement, their certification expires. To regain active status, the individual must retake and pass both the written (or oral) examination and the skills evaluation of the NNAAP. There is no grace period or refresher course option for lapsed certifications in South Carolina.

5Under the South Carolina Omnibus Adult Protection Act, a CNA who suspects abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult must report it to:

A.The facility administrator only

B.The county ombudsman within 48 hours

C.Adult Protective Services or law enforcement immediately

D.The resident's family within 24 hours

Explanation: South Carolina law requires immediate reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults to Adult Protective Services (APS) or law enforcement. The report should be made as soon as possible, but no later than 24 hours after discovery. Failure to report suspected abuse is a misdemeanor offense in South Carolina. CNAs are mandatory reporters under state law.

6Which organization administers the NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) examination for South Carolina CNA candidates?

A.South Carolina Board of Nursing

B.Prometric Testing Services

C.Credentia (formerly Pearson VUE)

D.Headmaster/D&S Diversified

Explanation: Credentia (formerly Pearson VUE) administers the NNAAP examination for South Carolina CNA candidates. The examination consists of a written (or oral) test with 70 multiple-choice questions and a skills evaluation where candidates must successfully demonstrate 5 randomly selected nursing skills within 30 minutes.

7According to South Carolina's Resident Bill of Rights, a nursing home resident has the right to:

A.Access their medical records only with physician approval

B.Refuse treatment and be informed of the consequences of that decision

C.Request discharge only during normal business hours

D.Have visitors restricted to family members only

Explanation: South Carolina's Resident Bill of Rights, which implements federal OBRA requirements, guarantees residents the right to refuse treatment and to be informed of the medical consequences of that decision. Residents also have rights to privacy, dignity, communication, and participation in their care planning. These rights apply to all residents of Medicare/Medicaid certified long-term care facilities in South Carolina.

8The South Carolina NNAAP written examination consists of how many questions, and how much time is allotted?

A.50 questions in 90 minutes

B.70 questions in 2 hours

C.100 questions in 2.5 hours

D.120 questions in 3 hours

Explanation: The South Carolina NNAAP written examination consists of 70 multiple-choice questions, and candidates have 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete it. An oral examination option is available for candidates who have difficulty reading English, which consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions.

9During the South Carolina NNAAP skills examination, how many skills must a candidate successfully demonstrate, and how much time is allotted?

A.3 skills in 25 minutes

B.5 skills in 30 minutes

C.7 skills in 45 minutes

D.10 skills in 60 minutes

Explanation: During the South Carolina NNAAP skills examination, candidates must successfully demonstrate 5 randomly selected nursing skills within 30 minutes. Hand hygiene and indirect care are evaluated throughout all skills. The skills test includes one measurement skill (such as measuring blood pressure, pulse, or weight) and four other randomly selected skills from the NNAAP skill task list.

10Under South Carolina law, a CNA may have their name placed on the Nurse Aide Registry Abuse List if they are found to have:

A.Made a documentation error that was corrected within 24 hours

B.Neglected a resident, resulting in serious harm

C.Arrived late to work on three occasions

D.Refused to work an overtime shift

Explanation: South Carolina maintains an Abuse List as part of the Nurse Aide Registry. CNAs are placed on this list if they have a substantiated finding of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. Being on the Abuse List prevents employment in any Medicare/Medicaid certified nursing facility. Neglect that results in serious harm is grounds for placement on the Abuse List and possible criminal charges.

About the South Carolina CNA Exam

The South Carolina CNA competency evaluation has two parts: a 70-question Written Knowledge Test (2 hours) and a Clinical Skills Test (5 randomly selected skills in 30 minutes). Passing lists you on the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry maintained by SCDHHS. Credentia administers the exam using the NNAAP format at test sites across South Carolina.

Questions

70 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours written + 30 min skills

Passing Score

Passing score varies + 100% critical skills steps

Exam Fee

$140 (Written $45 + Skills $95) (Credentia / SC DHHS)

South Carolina CNA Exam Content Outline

22%

Activities of Daily Living (13 questions)

Bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, perineal care, oral hygiene, nail care, elimination, bedpan/urinal use

35%

Basic Nursing Skills (25 questions)

Infection control, safety, vital signs, positioning, transfers, ROM, nutrition, hydration, I&O, data collection

Restorative Skills (5 questions)

Restorative programs, independence, assistive devices, prevention of complications

10%

Psychosocial Care Skills (7 questions)

Emotional/mental health needs, spiritual/cultural needs, dementia care, behavioral approaches

26%

Role of the Nurse Aide (18 questions)

Communication, resident rights, legal/ethical behavior, teamwork, SC regulations, scope of practice

How to Pass the South Carolina CNA Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Passing score varies + 100% critical skills steps
Exam length: 70 questions
Time limit: 2 hours written + 30 min skills
Exam fee: $140 (Written $45 + Skills $95)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

South Carolina CNA Study Tips from Top Performers

1Know SCDHHS (South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services) — they oversee the Nurse Aide Registry, approve training programs, and regulate CNAs in South Carolina.

2Understand the 100-hour training requirement: 60 classroom + 40 clinical hours — higher than many states' 75-hour minimum.

3Memorize the exam fees: $45 Written + $95 Skills = $140 total. Know that you have 3 attempts at each exam portion within 2 years.

4Know the 24-month renewal cycle and 8-hour paid work requirement — SC CNAs must work at least 8 hours for pay every 2 years to maintain active status.

5Study the SC Resident Bill of Rights (Title 44, Chapter 81) — this establishes specific protections for residents in SC long-term care facilities.

6Understand the NNAAP content domains: Physical Care Skills (64%), Psychosocial Care Skills (10%), and Role of the Nurse Aide (26%).

7Handwashing is ALWAYS one of the 5 clinical skills tested — know every step perfectly including 20+ seconds of friction.

8Focus on Basic Nursing Skills (35% of exam) — infection control, safety, vital signs, positioning, and transfers are heavily tested.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who administers the South Carolina CNA exam?

The South Carolina CNA competency evaluation is administered by Credentia on behalf of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS). Credentia operates test sites across South Carolina.

How many questions are on the South Carolina CNA Written Test?

The South Carolina Written Knowledge Test has 70 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit. The exam follows the NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) format. The passing score is determined by SCDHHS.

What does the South Carolina CNA Skills Test involve?

You must demonstrate 5 randomly selected skills in 30 minutes before a licensed Nurse Aide Evaluator. You must perform all critical steps of each skill correctly to pass. Handwashing is always one of the 5 skills tested.

How much does the South Carolina CNA exam cost?

Total fees are $140: Written Knowledge Test = $45 and Clinical Skills Test = $95. Payment is made when scheduling through Credentia's CNA365 system. Fees are non-refundable but you may reschedule for a fee.

How many times can I take the South Carolina CNA exam?

You may attempt each test (Written and Skills) a maximum of 3 times within 2 years of completing your training. After 3 failed attempts on either portion or after 2 years, you must complete an additional SCDHHS-approved CNA training program before retesting.

What training is required for South Carolina CNA certification?

South Carolina requires a 100-hour training program: 60 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. The program must be approved by SCDHHS.

How do I renew my South Carolina CNA certification?

South Carolina CNAs must renew every 24 months. Requirements include: performing at least 8 hours of paid nursing/nursing-related services for pay and paying the $35 renewal fee through Credentia's CNA365 system.

Where is the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry?

The South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry is maintained by SCDHHS. After passing both exam portions, Credentia automatically reports results to SCDHHS. You can verify your status on Credentia's CNA365 website.

What is the South Carolina Resident Bill of Rights?

South Carolina's Resident Bill of Rights (Title 44, Chapter 81) establishes specific rights for long-term care facility residents including the right to dignity, privacy, informed consent, participation in care planning, and freedom from abuse and neglect. CNAs must know and protect these rights.