● ANSWER
Sourced & dated

South Carolina veterinary CE requirements

Overview of South Carolina veterinary CE requirements, including live hour minimums, controlled substance topics, and biennial renewal rules.

● WHAT'S DOCUMENTED

South Carolina requires veterinarians to complete 30 hours of continuing education every 24 months, including at least 20 live hours and 22 medical or surgical hours.

South Carolina renewal and CE

RequirementBoard information
License renewal cycle24 months
Required CE30 hours
Online hours maximum10 hours
Live hours minimum20 hours
Online and live rulesNo fewer than twenty (20) of those hours must be live in-person or live digital interactive programs. The remaining ten (10) hours may be from pre-recorded or written continuing education courses.
ExemptionsSouth Carolina Regulation 120-6(B) waives the continuing education requirement for the licensed practitioner for the first year of licensure.
ReciprocityCredit hours may be earned by completion of programs offered through sponsors including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), the National Association of Veterinary Technicians of America (NAVTA), the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, the American Association of Veterinary State Board’s (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE), state veterinary medical or veterinary technician associations, and such other programs as may be approved by the Board.

Required topics in South Carolina

TopicHoursConditions
veterinary medical/surgical courses22
approved procedures for prescribing and monitoring controlled substances listed in Schedules II, III, and IV2Veterinarians authorized pursuant to state and federal law to prescribe controlled substances

South Carolina official board source, checked 2026-11-06.

Confirm South Carolina requirements with the licensing board before renewing.

Veterinary CE requirements by state

CE Hour Requirements and Delivery Formats

Veterinarians renewing a license in South Carolina must complete 30 continuing education hours per 24-month renewal cycle. A minimum of 20 hours must be completed through live in-person or live digital interactive programs, while a maximum of 10 hours may be earned via pre-recorded or written courses.

At least 22 of the total 30 hours must focus on veterinary medical or surgical courses. Licensees authorized to prescribe controlled substances under state and federal law must complete at least 2 hours of CE on procedures for prescribing and monitoring Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances.

Approved Sponsors and Exemption Rules

Continuing education hours are accepted from approved sponsors including the AVMA, AAHA, NAVTA, VHMA, AAVSB RACE, state veterinary associations, and other programs approved by the Board. Under South Carolina Regulation 120-6(B), continuing education requirements are waived for licensed practitioners during their first year of licensure.

Veterinarians should verify current renewal regulations and compliance details directly with the South Carolina Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

Vetinuity

In South Carolina, Vetinuity is a veterinary clinical assistant.

● SOURCES
  1. 1. South Carolina veterinary licensing board. Continuing education and renewal. Checked 2026-11-06.
● RELATED ANSWERS
● FAQ

How many live CE hours are required in South Carolina?

South Carolina requires at least 20 of the 30 total CE hours to be live in-person or live digital interactive programs.

What controlled substance CE is required for South Carolina veterinarians?

Veterinarians authorized to prescribe controlled substances must complete at least 2 hours of CE on prescribing and monitoring Schedule II, III, and IV controlled substances.

Are first year veterinary licensees exempt from CE in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina Regulation 120-6(B) waives continuing education requirements for practitioners during their first year of licensure.

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