S.C. Code Ann. § 9-1-830

Upon verification of such statements of service, the Board issued or shall issue prior service certificates certifying to each member the period of service prior to July 1, 1945 with which the member was credited on the basis of his statement of service. So long as membership continues a prior service certificate shall be final and conclusive for retirement purposes as to such service. When membership ceases, such prior service certificate shall become void. Should the teacher or employee again become a member such teacher or employee shall enter the System as a teacher or employee not entitled to prior service credit except as provided in Section 9-1-1590.