Contractor License Requirements in South Carolina
Browse licensing requirements for 30 contractor trades in South Carolina. Select a trade below to see detailed fees, exams, and step-by-step instructions.
General
Demolition Contractor
RequiredExcavation Contractor
RequiredGeneral Contractor
RequiredHome Inspector
RequiredRoofing Contractor
RequiredElectrical
Plumbing
HVAC
Structural
Specialty
Elevator Mechanic
RequiredFencing Contractor
Not RequiredFire Sprinkler Installer
RequiredFlooring Contractor
Not RequiredGlazier
Not RequiredInsulation Contractor
Not RequiredLandscaper
Not RequiredPainting Contractor
RequiredWell Driller
RequiredEnvironmental
Contractor Licensing in South Carolina
South Carolina requires contractor licensing through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR), specifically the Contractors' Licensing Board. General contractors and mechanical contractors performing work valued at $5,000 or more must hold a valid state license. The state offers multiple license classifications and groups based on the type and monetary value of work.
South Carolina's license groups are based on project value: Group 1 (unlimited), Group 2 (up to $500,000), Group 3 (up to $200,000), Group 4 (up to $100,000), and Group 5 (up to $40,000). Applicants must pass both a technical examination and a business management examination. The state also requires financial statements reviewed or audited by a CPA, with requirements scaling based on the license group.
Residential builders are licensed through a separate Residential Builders Commission, also under LLR. Electricians and plumbers have their own licensing boards within LLR as well. South Carolina accepts NASCLA-accredited examinations for the business and law portion of the general contractor exam. Continuing education is required for residential builders but not for commercial general contractors.
Key Facts
- State license required for general and mechanical contractors on projects over $5,000
- Five license groups based on project monetary limits, from $40,000 to unlimited
- Both technical and business management examinations required
- CPA-reviewed or audited financial statements required, scaling with license group
- South Carolina accepts NASCLA-accredited business and law examinations
- Separate Residential Builders Commission for home construction
What Makes South Carolina Different
South Carolina's system of separate licensing for commercial general contractors and residential builders is a notable structural feature. The Contractors' Licensing Board handles commercial and industrial work while the Residential Builders Commission oversees home construction, each with different requirements and examination processes. The tiered group system based on project value allows contractors to start with a lower-tier license and work their way up as their business grows and their financial capacity increases, creating a natural progression path within the industry.
Official Licensing Board
South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board