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How to get a contractor license in South Carolina

The short version: 1) Name a qualifying party 2) Pass the exams 3) Show finances. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

Check a license on the CLB website (official site, opens in a new tab)

How: Use SC LLR Licensee Lookup - Contractors for commercial work, or the Residential Builders Commission lookup for home builders. (source: SC CLB: General Information (opens in a new tab), source: SC Residential Builders Commission (opens in a new tab))

Checked against official South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board (SC LLR) sources. See sources.

Step by step

  1. Name a qualifying party Each classification needs a Primary Qualifying Party with 2 years' experience in the past 5 years. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))
  2. Pass the exams Pass the technical exam where required and the business and law exam. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))
  3. Show finances Submit a financial statement or surety bond for your group limit. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

The exam

An exam is required. Exams are run by PSI. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

Costs and fees

FeeAmount
CLB licensure fee
General or Mechanical license.		$350 (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

Fees are set by the board and can change. Check the official fee page before you pay.

Bonds and insurance

Bond: Not required. A surety bond can replace the financial statement. General: $20,000 (Group 1) to $350,000 (Group 5). Mechanical: $7,000 to $300,000. (source: SC CLB: Licensure Information (opens in a new tab))

Sources and last verified

Last verified: . Next check due: . Every fact on this page links to one of these official pages.

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