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General Contractor License Requirements in South Carolina

Licensing AuthoritySouth Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board (under LLR) (SC CLB)
License TypeGeneral Contractor License (Building, Highway, Specialty) — Groups 1-5
Experience Required2 years of full-time work experience within the last 5 years in the desired classification, documented via work experience affidavit. Only commercial-level experience is accepted. Must designate a Primary Qualifying Party (PQP).
Exam RequiredYes — SC Business Management & Law for Commercial Contractors + Building Trade Exam (or NASCLA Accredited Exam)
Bond RequiredNo
InsuranceGeneral liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees
Continuing EducationNot required
Processing Time3-4 weeks (7-10 business days review plus mailing)

Fee Breakdown

Application Fee$350
Exam Fee$75
Half-period license (less than 12 months remaining)$175
Each additional exam section$75
Est. Initial Total$675

Renewal: $350 every 2 years (expires October 31 of even-numbered years)

Exam Requirements

SC Business Management & Law for Commercial Contractors

50 questions3 hoursPass: 70% (35 of 50 correct on each exam)
SC construction lawContractsBusiness managementLicensing regulations

Building Trade Exam (or NASCLA Accredited Exam)

3 hoursPass: 70% (35 of 50 correct on each exam)
Construction methodsBuilding codesEstimatingProject management

Exam provider: PSI

License Tiers

Group 1

Projects up to $100,000. Net worth $20,000 or working capital $10,000 or $20,000 surety bond.

Exam: Required

Group 2

Projects up to $400,000. Net worth $60,000 or working capital $40,000 or $60,000 surety bond.

Exam: Required

Group 3

Projects up to $1,000,000. Net worth $150,000 or working capital $100,000 or $150,000 surety bond.

Exam: Required

Group 4

Projects up to $3,000,000. Net worth $250,000 or working capital $175,000 or $250,000 surety bond.

Exam: Required

Group 5 (Unlimited)

No project limit. Net worth $350,000 or working capital $250,000 or $350,000 surety bond.

Exam: Required

License Reciprocity

This state has reciprocity agreements with 9 states. You may be able to skip the trade exam if you hold a valid license from one of these states.

alabamaTrade/technical exam waiver for qualifying license holders. Must still pass SC Business Management & Law exam.
georgiaTrade/technical exam waiver for qualifying license holders. Must still pass SC Business Management & Law exam. Residential builders/specialty: exam waiver if current license obtained by exam with no disciplinary action in last 3 years.
louisianaTrade/technical exam waiver for qualifying license holders. Must still pass SC Business Management & Law exam.
mississippiTrade/technical exam waiver for qualifying license holders. Must still pass SC Business Management & Law exam.
north carolinaTrade/technical exam waiver for qualifying license holders. Must still pass SC Business Management & Law exam. Residential: exam waiver for builder, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing if current license obtained by exam with no disciplinary action in last 3 years.
ohioTrade/technical exam waiver for qualifying license holders. Must still pass SC Business Management & Law exam.
tennesseeTrade/technical exam waiver for qualifying license holders. Must still pass SC Business Management & Law exam.
texasTrade/technical exam waiver for qualifying license holders. Must still pass SC Business Management & Law exam.
utahTrade/technical exam waiver for qualifying license holders. Must still pass SC Business Management & Law exam.

Notes

  • License required for commercial projects over $10,000
  • NASCLA Accredited Commercial General Building exam accepted for Building classification
  • All commercial contractor exams are open-book
  • Financial statement must be CPA-compiled (Groups 3-4) or CPA-audited (Group 5); Groups 1-2 accept owner-prepared with notarized affidavit
  • SLED background check required; fingerprinting every 2 years
  • Residential projects under $10,000 do not require this license but may need Residential Builders Commission registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a general contractor license in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina requires a statewide general contractor license through the South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board (under LLR).

How much does a general contractor license cost in South Carolina?

The estimated initial cost is $425, including application, exam, and license fees.

Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: SC CLB