HVAC Technician licensing in South Carolina

Scope of work

South Carolina licenses HVAC contractors on two tracks. Commercial HVAC work over the state threshold is licensed through the Contractor's Licensing Board (CLB) Mechanical classification. Residential HVAC work over $500 is licensed through the Residential Builders Commission (RBC) as a Residential Specialty Contractor (HVAC). Source: SC CLB (https://llr.sc.gov/clb/); SC RBC (https://llr.sc.gov/res/licensure.aspx).

Commercial Track (CLB Mechanical-HVAC). The company qualifier must pass the South Carolina Business and Law exam and the HVAC technical exam, both administered by PSI Services with a minimum score of 70 percent per section. The CLB assigns each licensee to a license group based on reviewed financial statements; the group determines the maximum single-project size. Applicants who do not meet the net-worth threshold for a desired group may post a surety bond equal to twice the minimum net worth for that group. Source: SC CLB (https://llr.sc.gov/clb/).

Residential Track (RBC Residential Specialty — HVAC). The technical exam has 80 multiple-choice questions with a passing score of 65 percent. Applicants must also pass the SC Business Management exam. Source: SC RBC Examination Information (https://llr.sc.gov/res/exam.aspx).

Exam Waivers

The RBC recognizes exam-waiver agreements for Residential HVAC with Alabama, North Carolina, and Mississippi; applicants currently licensed in a reciprocal state may be exempted from the technical exam. The Business Management exam is generally still required. Source: SC RBC (https://www.llr.sc.gov/res/licensure.aspx).

EPA 608 federal overlay

A South Carolina HVAC license authorizes contracting in the state; it does not substitute for federal EPA Section 608 Technician Certification, which is required under the Clean Air Act for any technician who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of stationary equipment containing regulated refrigerants. EPA recognizes four types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure), Type III (low-pressure), and Universal. Section 608 certifications do not expire. Source: EPA Section 608 (https://www.epa.gov/section608).

Bond

Specialty mechanical contractors (including HVAC) are subject to a $10,000 bond at the specialty level under CLB rules. Source: SC CLB (https://llr.sc.gov/clb/).

Fees

Biennial CLB renewal fee is $220. Verify current application and exam fees on the LLR board page before remitting. Source: SC LLR Continuing Education (https://llr.sc.gov/bcc/bcce.aspx).

Renewal and CE

CLB licenses renew biennially; the reporting period is July 1 through June 30 of each odd-numbered year. Per SC Code of Regulations 8-150, 24 hours of approved continuing education are required per 2-year cycle for CLB mechanical specialty licensees. Hours do not carry forward. RBC Residential Specialty contractors are not currently required to complete CE to renew; confirm current RBC CE status before renewal. Source: SC LLR Continuing Education (https://llr.sc.gov/bcc/bcce.aspx).