General Contractor License Requirements in South Carolina

Licensing Authority	South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board (under LLR) (SC CLB)
License Type	General Contractor License (Building, Highway, Specialty) — Groups 1-5
Experience Required	2 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 Required	Yes — SC Business Management & Law for Commercial Contractors + Building Trade Exam (or NASCLA Accredited Exam)
Bond Required	No
Insurance	General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees
Continuing Education	Not required
Processing Time	3-4 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. View full reciprocity details — 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.

What experience do I need for a general contractor license in South Carolina?

2 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).

What exams are required for a general contractor license in South Carolina?

You must pass the SC Business Management & Law for Commercial Contractors and Building Trade Exam (or NASCLA Accredited Exam) exams. A passing score of 70% (35 of 50 correct on each exam) is required. Exams are administered by PSI.

Does South Carolina have general contractor license reciprocity?

Yes, South Carolina has reciprocity agreements with 9 states that may apply to general contractors. Licensed contractors from these states may be eligible to skip certain exams or have an expedited application process.

How long does it take to get a general contractor license in South Carolina?

Processing time is typically 3-4 weeks (7-10 business days review plus mailing) after submitting a complete application.

Is continuing education required for general contractors in South Carolina?

No, South Carolina does not currently require continuing education for general contractor license renewal.

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