South Carolina splits contractor licensing between two LLR boards and keeps commercial and residential tracks distinct. Contractor's Licensing Board (CLB) — commercial and mechanical. Under S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11, the CLB licenses general contractors, mechanical contractors (HVAC, plumbing, electrical above the commercial threshold), construction managers, and specialty classifications. Licensees are assigned to a license group based on reviewed financial statements; each group caps the maximum single-project dollar value. Applicants who do not meet the minimum net worth for a desired group may substitute a surety bond equal to twice the minimum net worth. Specialty mechanical contractors post a $10,000 license bond. Residential Builders Commission (RBC) — residential. Under S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 59, the RBC licenses residential builders and residential specialty contractors for projects over $500. Residential Specialty classifications include Residential Electrical, Residential HVAC, and Residential Plumbing. The RBC holds technical exams in each specialty through PSI; Residential Electrical uses a 60-question exam with a 73.3 percent cut score; Residential HVAC uses an 80-question exam with a 65 percent cut score. The SC Business Management exam is also required. Exams. CLB mechanical track: SC Business and Law plus the trade technical exam (70 percent passing, PSI). RBC residential track: SC Business Management plus the residential specialty technical exam. The RBC recognizes exam-waiver agreements with certain states for each residential specialty (Residential Electrical with NC and MS; Residential HVAC with AL, NC, and MS; Residential Plumbing with NC and MS). Renewal and CE. CLB licenses renew on a biennial cycle ending June 30 of each odd-numbered year. Under SC Code of Regulations 8-150, CLB mechanical specialty licensees must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education per 2-year cycle; hours cannot carry forward. RBC Residential Builders and Residential Specialty contractors are not currently required to complete CE to renew; confirm the current RBC rule before renewal. Municipal layer. Even with a CLB or RBC license, individual permits are pulled at the local building department. Large cities may require separate contractor registration. Always confirm local rules before bidding or pulling permits.
SC · Contractor licensing
Contractor licensing in South Carolina
State contractor license requirements, bond, and insurance minimums.
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