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Free South Carolina CNA Exam Prep

South Carolina Certified Nurse Aide (NNAAP)

Prepare for the South Carolina CNA exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Your Study Path

South Carolina CNA License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation

1

Complete SCDHHS-Approved CNA Training

Enroll in and complete a South Carolina DHHS-approved CNA training program (100 hours: 60 classroom + 40 clinical). Programs offered through technical colleges, healthcare facilities, and private schools statewide.

100
hours
2

Basic Nursing Skills & Activities of Daily LivingYou are here

Master basic nursing skills (35%) and activities of daily living (22%) — together 57% of the NNAAP exam. Focus on infection control, safety, vital signs, transfers, positioning, and bathing sequences.

35
hours
3

Role of Nurse Aide & Psychosocial Care

Study communication, resident rights, legal/ethical behavior, emotional/mental health care, and SC-specific regulations. These areas represent 36% of the exam.

25
hours
4

Clinical Skills Practice

Practice all 22 clinical skills from the NNAAP skills list. Know every step — handwashing is always included. Simulate the 30-minute skills test. Missing critical steps results in automatic failure for that skill.

25
hours
Estimated total study time
185 hours
That's about 19 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the South Carolina CNA Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age
16 years or older
Education
Complete a SCDHHS-approved CNA training program (100 hours: 60 classroom + 40 clinical)
Background Check
Required — South Carolina criminal background check
Fingerprinting
May be required by employer
Additional Requirements
  • Must complete SCDHHS-approved training before scheduling the exam
  • Must pass BOTH Written Knowledge Test (70 questions, 2 hours) AND Clinical Skills Test (5 skills, 30 min)
  • Maximum 3 attempts per test section before needing to repeat training
  • Must pass both portions within 2 years of training completion
  • After passing, Credentia reports results to SCDHHS for registry listing
  • Renewal every 24 months requires at least 8 hours of paid work and $35 fee
  • Mandatory abuse reporting to Adult Protective Services

South Carolina CNA Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

2-6 weeks after completing training (schedule through Credentia CNA365)

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

Credentia (on behalf of SC DHHS)

In-Person Only
Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

Maximum 3 attempts at each test section (written and skills) within 2 years of training. After 3 failed attempts on either portion or after 2 years, must complete an additional SCDHHS-approved CNA training program before retesting. Each retake requires scheduling through Credentia and paying applicable fees.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee$140 total ($45 written + $95 skills)
Background Check$25-50 (criminal background check)
Pre-License Education$800-2,500 (CNA training program, varies by school; some employers pay)
Total Estimated Cost$1,000-2,700 total (training + exam + background check)
Why Choose Us

Free South Carolina CNA Prep Tools

Reported exam pass rate: ~75-80% (first-time, Credentia). Check the exam sponsor for the latest official figure.

540+ Practice Questions

Practice by topic with detailed answer explanations

AI Tutor Explains Mistakes

Understand why answers are wrong, not just which ones

Updated for 2026

Review the latest update date on each resource

$0 Forever

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What You'll Study

6 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide

South Carolina CNA Exam Details

South Carolina Certified Nurse Aide (NNAAP)

Administered by Credentia / SC DHHS

Official Source
Passing score varies by SCDHHS + 100% critical skills steps
Passing Score
70
Questions
2
Hours
$140 (written $45 + skills $95)
Exam Fee
Study time: 60-100 hours
Prerequisites: Complete a SCDHHS-approved CNA training program (100 hours: 60 classroom + 40 clinical)
Valid for: 24 months (8 hours paid work required for renewal)

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official Credentia / SC DHHS content outline

Activities of Daily Living22%

Bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, perineal care, oral hygiene, nail/foot care, elimination assistance

Basic Nursing Skills35%

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

Restorative Skills7%

Restorative programs, independence, assistive devices, prevention of complications, aging changes

Psychosocial Care10%

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

Role of the Nurse Aide26%

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

What's Included

6 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

Free to Start

No credit card required

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Why It's Free

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What's Next After the South Carolina CNA?

After passing the South Carolina CNA, you can pursue these career paths

South Carolina CNA Exam FAQ

Official Credentia / SC DHHS Resources

Verify information with these official sources

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