NCLEX in South Carolina: register with Pearson VUE first, then apply to LLR
South Carolina’s Board of Nursing, run through the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), says it cannot make you eligible until your exam fee has been paid to Pearson VUE, and suggests completing that registration before you apply to the Board. The Board’s published fee is $90 for the RN by examination, or $100 with a 90-day temporary license.
Last checked October 2026. Based on the Board’s exam instructions and exam information pages. Confirm fees on llr.sc.gov, and watch out for phishing emails that imitate LLR, which the site itself warns about.
The path for a new graduate
The Board's instructions say the exam fee must be paid to Pearson VUE before the Board can make you eligible, and the process should be completed before you apply to the Board because of time.
Create an account on the LLR portal, complete the application for licensure by examination and pay the non-refundable fee online.
South Carolina law requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Instructions are sent after you apply. Applicants outside the state may receive a fingerprint card by mail.
Your program director completes the certification page of the application, confirming your education.
When the Board approves your credentials, Pearson VUE emails your ATT, and you may test at any location nationwide.
The temporary license
The Board’s instructions describe authorization to practice nursing under supervision while waiting to take the NCLEX. To qualify, you file a completed initial application and pay the fee, have never taken and failed the NCLEX, and have registered to take the NCLEX. The temporary license version of the RN fee is $100.
Common questions
Is South Carolina a compact state?
Reports say South Carolina is a compact state. The Board’s instructions note that if your primary state of residence is a compact state other than South Carolina, you are not eligible for a South Carolina license with multistate privileges.
What if I fail?
The Board’s exam page says to complete and submit a repeater application with the required fee, and re-register with Pearson VUE.