South Carolina Respiratory Therapist License Requirements

South Carolina licenses respiratory therapists as Respiratory Care Practitioners through the Board of Medical Examiners within LLR. The permanent license application fee is $120, and the online portal at apply.llr.sc.gov accepts Visa, Mastercard, or electronic check. South Carolina requires passage of the NBRC entry-level examination — the CRT credential satisfies this requirement — and no separate South Carolina state examination is required.

South Carolina also requires a notarized Verification of Lawful Presence affidavit from all applicants under the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act. This is a signed, notarized form affirming lawful presence in the United States, and must be submitted with a copy of a secure and verifiable identification document. This requirement applies regardless of U.S. citizenship status.

What Makes South Carolina Different

South Carolina’s renewal structure is distinctive: licenses expire on May 31 of every odd-numbered year (2025, 2027, 2029, etc.) — not on a birthday or even-year date. This is unusual. The biennial renewal requires 30 CE hours, the highest CE requirement in this RC series. South Carolina imposes no cap on online or self-study CE hours, meaning the full 30-hour requirement can be completed online.

South Carolina also explicitly requires a lawful presence affidavit at initial application — a requirement that appears explicitly in the application materials and is not simply implied by general LLR administrative rules. Applicants should prepare the Verification of Lawful Presence form and a qualifying identity document before beginning the application.

South Carolina RCP Licensure Requirements

NBRC Entry-Level Examination

South Carolina Code §40-47-600(C) requires passage of the entry-level examination given by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). This corresponds to the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) credential. The RRT credential also satisfies this requirement. No separate South Carolina clinical examination is required. Source: SC LLR Board of Medical Examiners — RCP

Education

Applicants must have graduated from a respiratory care education program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) or its recognized predecessor or successor organizations. Source: SC LLR Board of Medical Examiners — RCP

Background Check and Criminal History

Criminal history disclosure is required as part of the application. Applications include detailed questions covering convictions, disciplinary actions, investigations, and privilege restrictions. Applicants must complete an Explanation of Yes Answer form for any affirmative responses. Fingerprint-based background check requirements are not explicitly stated in RCP-specific LLR materials reviewed June 2026 — review the current application instructions for any fingerprint submission requirements. Source: SC LLR — RCP Application Materials

Lawful Presence Documentation

All applicants must submit a signed and notarized Verification of Lawful Presence form along with a copy of a secure and verifiable identification document, pursuant to the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act. This requirement applies to all applicants regardless of citizenship status. The form is included in the RCP application package. Source: SC LLR — RCP Application Package

Endorsement / Reciprocity from Other States

South Carolina offers licensure by endorsement for practitioners currently licensed in another state under SC Code §40-47-610. The application fee is $120 (same as initial licensure by examination). Verification of other state license(s) is required and must be submitted using the State License Verification List form, sent directly from each licensing state. Source: SC LLR — RCP

Limited License and Temporary License

South Carolina offers a Limited License ($40) for practitioners authorized to practice under limited conditions. A temporary license may also be issued by the Board to an applicant awaiting the results of a scheduled NBRC examination, under SC Code §40-47-625. Contact the Board at (803) 896-4500 or Medboard@llr.sc.gov to confirm current temporary license eligibility and requirements. Source: SC LLR — RCP

How to Apply for a South Carolina RCP License

1. Begin the online electronic application at apply.llr.sc.gov; print supplemental forms from the RCP page or download the paper application package
2. Pay the $120 fee via Visa, Mastercard, or electronic check
3. Submit criminal background check and criminal history disclosure; complete Explanation of Yes Answer form if applicable
4. Submit notarized Verification of Lawful Presence affidavit with qualifying identity document
5. Arrange for NBRC to send CRT (or RRT) credential verification to the Board
6. Provide documentation of graduation from CoARC-accredited program
7. For endorsement: arrange for each current licensing state to send license verification to the Board using the State License Verification List

Practical Notes

• CRT satisfies the credential requirement — RRT also accepted. SC Code §40-47-600(C) references the NBRC entry-level examination, which corresponds to the CRT credential. The RRT credential also satisfies the requirement. South Carolina does not require the advanced credential for licensure.
• The lawful presence affidavit must be notarized. This is a formal legal document, not just a checkbox. Budget time for notarization before submitting your application.
• License verification comes from the other state — not you. For endorsement applications, license verification forms go directly from your current licensing state to SC LLR. Start that process early, as out-of-state verifications can take time.
• No compact means a full application for every SC assignment. South Carolina was not confirmed as an RCIC member as of June 2026. Each South Carolina assignment requires a full SC RCP license.
• Renewal expires May 31 of odd years — unusual cycle. If you’re used to even-year or birthday-based renewals, note that South Carolina runs opposite to most states. Your first renewal deadline after initial licensure will fall on May 31 of the next odd-numbered year.

Relevant Statutes

• SC LLR — Respiratory Care Practitioners (primary source)
• SC Code Title 40 Chapter 47 — Medical Practice Act (includes RCP provisions)
• SC Code Chapter 81 Regulations — Board of Medical Examiners

Related Pages

• South Carolina Respiratory Care Practitioner License Renewal Guide
• Respiratory Care Practitioner Licensing by State — Complete Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to practice respiratory care in South Carolina?

Yes. South Carolina requires licensure as a Respiratory Care Practitioner under SC Code §40-47-520. Practicing respiratory care or representing yourself as an RCP without a current SC license is a violation of the Respiratory Care Practitioners Act. Source: SC LLR — Respiratory Care Practitioners

Does South Carolina require CRT or RRT for licensure?

South Carolina requires passage of the NBRC entry-level examination, which corresponds to the CRT credential. The RRT credential also satisfies this requirement. No separate South Carolina clinical examination is required. Source: SC Code §40-47-600(C)

What is the application fee for a South Carolina RCP license?

The permanent license application fee is $120. The limited license fee is $40. Reactivation of a lapsed license requires a $160 fee. Payment is accepted via Visa, Mastercard, or electronic check through the online portal. Source: SC LLR — Board of Medical Examiners Fees

Does South Carolina participate in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact?

South Carolina participation in the Respiratory Care Interstate Compact (RCIC) is not currently listed in official SC LLR materials as of June 2026. Verify current compact status at respiratorycarecompact.org before relying on compact privileges for South Carolina assignments.

Is a lawful presence affidavit required for South Carolina RCP licensure?

Yes. All applicants must submit a signed and notarized Verification of Lawful Presence form and a qualifying identity document under the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act. This applies to all applicants regardless of citizenship status. Source: SC LLR — RCP Application Package