Required Books
The references listed are permitted to be taken into the examination. These references may be tabbed (with permanent index tabs) and highlighted. They are available for purchase from our online contractor’s bookstore or by calling our office at 1-800-992-1910.
As of 10/1/2020, only the 2018 edition of the code can be used.
Add All Required Books to Cart ($1,014.85)
Additional Services
Please note that the South Carolina Business and Law exam as well as the South Carolina Air Conditioning Exam is required to be passed to obtain your contractors license.
Financial requirements:
All licenses that fall under the category of General Contractor are divided in five financial categories based on net worth:
- Group 1 – Allows for jobs of $17,500 or less, applicants must submit a self-prepared financial statement showing a net worth of at least $3,500.
- Group 2 – Allows for jobs of $50,000 or less, applicants must submit a self-prepared financial statement showing a net worth of at least $10,000.
- Group 3 – Allows for jobs of $100,000 or less, applicants must submit a financial statement that has been compiled or reviewed by a CPA showing a net worth of at least $20,000.
- Group 4 – Allows for jobs of $200,000 or less, applicants must submit a financial statement that has been compiled or reviewed by a CPA showing a net worth of at least $40,000.
- Group 5 – There are no financial limits on the size of job allowed, applicants must submit an audited financial statement that has been prepared by a CPA showing a net worth of at least $200,000.
Experience required:
- Within the past five years, contractor must show two years of actual work experience as a full-time employee in the desired classification. Only commercial experience is accepted.
The South Carolina Air Conditioning license covers the installation, replacement, alteration, and repair of air conditioning equipment and systems which consist of a number of components necessary to produce conditioned air for environmental heating or cooling, or both, within buildings. Hot water or steam heating systems or components are not included under this classification.
The first step in the licensing process is to pass the exams. A completed application should then be submitted to the state licensing board with documentation of your experience, financial information and your passing test scores.
To apply, contact the South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board at (803) 896-4686. The licensing fee for all commercial licenses is $350.
Important Contacts
South Carolina currently has a reciprocity agreement with Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and Utah for this license.
There are currently no continuing education requirements for this license.
The one day South Carolina HVAC Packaged Equipment exam preparation class will help prepare for the South Carolina Air Conditioning Contractor exam as well. We also offer preparation for the South Carolina Commercial Business Law exam which is necessary to obtain this license. Please contact us at 1-800-992-1910 for additional information.
