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 |
| Est. Initial Total | $425 |
Related & additional fees
Separate or ongoing costs — not included in the estimate above.
| Half-period license (less than 12 months remaining) | $175 |
| Each additional exam section | $75 |
Renewal: $350 every 2 years (expires October 31 of even-numbered years)
Exam Requirements
SC Business Management & Law for Commercial Contractors
Building Trade Exam (or NASCLA Accredited Exam)
Exam provider: PSI
Recommended exam prep
Formal prep pays for itself against a $100+ retake. Many states examine contractors on two separate papers — the trade exam and a business and law exam — so we list the course covering both first, with trade-specific depth after.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor License Online Study CourseFull online prep course covering the trade and business-and-law exams — video lessons, practice questions, and a study plan built for a first-try pass.See the course →
Mometrix · SponsoredContractor's Exam FlashcardsPortable flashcards for the high-frequency exam topics — a cheaper add-on for drilling terms and code references on the go.See the flashcards →Set up the business before you apply in South Carolina
Most states license the company as well as the person, so the application usually asks for an LLC or corporation and a registered agent in South Carolina. Northwest forms the entity and acts as your registered agent — a flat fee, no upsell funnel.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form an LLC with Northwest→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.
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
Local requirements on top of your South Carolina license
The SC CLB general contractor license is the credential that lets you work anywhere in South Carolina. On top of it, most South Carolina cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) to operate, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit. These are in addition to your state license, not a replacement — always confirm the rules with the city or county where the job is.
You're licensed in South Carolina as a general contractor — the next 30 days
Most of the steps below are required before your first paid job; the order is the order the state and its counties will ask for them.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Form the business and get an EIN.
The South Carolina Contractors' Licensing Board (under LLR) issues the General Contractor License (Building, Highway, Specialty) — Groups 1-5; the business that invoices South Carolina customers is a separate decision. A sole proprietorship is the default, an LLC keeps business liability off your personal assets, and either needs an EIN before the first payroll. Settle it before the license number goes on an estimate.
Bond: none required by the state.
South Carolina does not require a surety bond for this license — Surety bond is an alternative to meeting net worth or working capital requirements. Bond amounts by group: Group 1 $20,000, Group 2 $60,000, Group 3 $150,000, Group 4 $250,000, Group 5 $350,000. Bond not required if financial statement proves minimum net worth or working capital.
Carry general liability insurance.
South Carolina does not set a general liability minimum for this trade, but most permits and commercial customers ask for proof of GL cover. Workers' compensation required for businesses with 4+ employees. GL not mandated by the state but strongly recommended and often required by project owners. Contractor insurance requirements→
Register locally.
Most South Carolina cities and counties require a local business license (a tax registration) on top of the state credential, and a few add their own contractor registration or permit — confirm with the city or county where the job is.
Set up quoting, scheduling and invoicing before the first call.
Your first customers will ask for a written estimate and expect to pay by card on site. Most one-truck general contractor businesses run that on field-service software; Housecall Pro is the one we link because it is built for this size of company and this link carries 20% off your first 12 months. Start a free trial of Housecall Pro→
Keep the license.
Renewal is every 2 years (expires October 31 of even-numbered years) at $350.
Other licenses in South Carolina
- Electrician license in South Carolina
Statewide license required · $335 in initial government fees · SC CLB / SC RBC
- Plumber license in South Carolina
Statewide license required · $335 in initial government fees · SC CLB / SC RBC
- HVAC Technician license in South Carolina
Statewide license required · $335 in initial government fees · SC CLB / SC RBC
- Roofing Contractor license in South Carolina
Statewide license required · $425 in initial government fees · SC CLB / SC RBC
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.
Next steps
You know the requirements for general contractors in South Carolina— here's how to actually pass and apply.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: SC CLB