Required Books
The references listed below 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 ($545.35)
Additional Services
Please note that the South Carolina Business and Law exam as well as the South Carolina Plumber 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 Plumber license includes the installation, replacement, alteration, and repair of all plumbing including solar water heating when performed solely within property lines and not on public easements or rights-of-way except to make connections to water meters or sewer taps as allowed by the utility owner; and the installation, alteration, and repair of all piping, fixtures, and appliances related to water supply, including pressure vessels and tanks, and excluding municipal or related water supply systems; venting and sanitary drainage systems for all fluid and semi-fluid and organic wastes; roof leaders; water-conditioning equipment; piping and equipment for swimming pools; and installation of a system of pipes, fittings, fixtures, drains, and all necessary component parts upon the premises or in a building to supply water to buildings and to convey sewage or other waste products from buildings.
If this equipment is gas-fired, the necessary gas lines may be installed under this sub-classification used in connection with this sub-classification.
The first step in the licensing process is to pass the exams.
A completed application will 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 Tennessee and the South Carolina Municipal Association for the Plumbing for this license.
There are currently no continuing education requirements for this license.
American Contractors offers a one day course to prepare for the South Carolina Plumber examination. 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.
