HVAC Technician License Requirements in South Carolina
| Licensing Authority | SC Contractors' Licensing Board (commercial) / SC Residential Builders Commission (residential), both under LLR (SC CLB / SC RBC) |
| License Type | Commercial HVAC/Mechanical Contractor (Mechanical License, Groups 1-5) + Residential Specialty HVAC Contractor |
| Experience Required | Commercial: 2 years of work experience within the last 5 years in HVAC/air conditioning. Residential: 1 year of work experience within the last 5 years. HVAC technicians do not need a personal license but must work under a licensed contractor. |
| Exam Required | Yes — SC Commercial Air Conditioning/HVAC Trade Exam + SC Business Management & Law (Commercial) + SC Residential HVAC Trade Exam + SC Residential Business & Law Exam |
| Bond Required | Yes — $10,000 |
| Insurance | General liability: recommended. Workers comp: required with employees |
| Continuing Education | Not required |
| Processing Time | 7-10 business days (residential); 3-4 weeks (commercial) |
Fee Breakdown
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Exam Fee | $75 |
| Initial License Fee | $160 |
| Commercial mechanical contractor license | $350 |
| Half-period residential license | $80 |
| Each PSI exam section | $75 |
| Est. Initial Total | $840 |
Renewal: $160 every 2 years (commercial: expires Oct 31 odd years; residential: expires June 30 odd years)
Exam Requirements
SC Commercial Air Conditioning/HVAC Trade Exam
SC Business Management & Law (Commercial)
SC Residential HVAC Trade Exam
SC Residential Business & Law Exam
Exam provider: PSI
License Tiers
Mechanical Group 1 (Commercial)
Projects up to $35,000. Net worth $3,500 or $7,000 surety bond.
Exam: Required
Mechanical Group 2 (Commercial)
Projects up to $100,000. Net worth $10,000 or $15,000 surety bond.
Exam: Required
Mechanical Group 3 (Commercial)
Projects up to $200,000. Net worth $20,000 or $30,000 surety bond.
Exam: Required
Mechanical Group 4 (Commercial)
Projects up to $400,000. Net worth $40,000 or $60,000 surety bond.
Exam: Required
Mechanical Group 5 (Commercial)
Unlimited. Net worth $200,000 or $300,000 surety bond.
Exam: Required
Residential Specialty HVAC Contractor
Residential HVAC work over $200. Requires $10,000 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
- Commercial HVAC work over $10,000 requires CLB mechanical contractor license
- Residential HVAC work over $200 requires RBC specialty license
- HVAC technicians are NOT individually licensed — only contractors need a license
- EPA Section 608 certification required for refrigerant handling (separate from state license)
- No continuing education required for HVAC license renewal
- Trade exam may only be taken 3 times in a 12-month period
- All commercial exams are open-book
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an hvac technician license in South Carolina?
Yes, South Carolina requires a statewide hvac technician license through the SC Contractors' Licensing Board (commercial) / SC Residential Builders Commission (residential), both under LLR.
How much does an hvac technician license cost in South Carolina?
The estimated initial cost is $335, including application, exam, and license fees. A $10,000 surety bond is also required.
What experience do I need for an hvac technician license in South Carolina?
Commercial: 2 years of work experience within the last 5 years in HVAC/air conditioning. Residential: 1 year of work experience within the last 5 years. HVAC technicians do not need a personal license but must work under a licensed contractor.
What exams are required for an hvac technician license in South Carolina?
You must pass the SC Commercial Air Conditioning/HVAC Trade Exam and SC Business Management & Law (Commercial) and SC Residential HVAC Trade Exam and SC Residential Business & Law Exam exams. A passing score of 70% (commercial: 56/80), 65% (residential: 52/80) is required. Exams are administered by PSI.
Do I need a bond for an hvac technician license in South Carolina?
Yes, a $10,000 surety bond is required. Residential specialty: $10,000 surety bond required when work exceeds $5,000. Commercial mechanical: bond amounts vary by group ($7,000 to $300,000) and serve as alternative to net worth requirements.
Does South Carolina have hvac technician license reciprocity?
Yes, South Carolina has reciprocity agreements with 9 states that may apply to hvac technicians. 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 an hvac technician license in South Carolina?
Processing time is typically 7-10 business days (residential); 3-4 weeks (commercial) after submitting a complete application.
Is continuing education required for hvac technicians in South Carolina?
No, South Carolina does not currently require continuing education for hvac technician license renewal.
Data last verified: 2026-04-02 | Source: SC CLB / SC RBC