South Carolina

South Carolina Contractor Licenses

South Carolina has three different types of licenses: Residential Builder, Limited Building Contractor, and General Building Contractor.

All 3 licenses can do residential, so the difference is in how much commercial work is allowed. Residential Builder cannot do commercial work, Limited Building Contractor can do only "limited" commercial work (commercial structures under four stories and less than $500,000), and General Building Contractor has no restrictions.

In South Carolina, a license is required for any job over $5,000.

South Carolina General Contractor (NASCLA)

The South Carolina General Building Contractor license allows the builder to bid on, build, or modify any type or size of commercial or residential property.

There are two required exams: the NASCLA commercial trades exam and the South Carolina Commercial Business Law exam. Once you pass the NASCLA exam, your passing score can also be used in other states to get commercial GC licenses. For a current list of states that accept NASCLA: Click Here

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South Carolina Residential Builder

The South Carolina Residential Builder license allows for residential construction from the ground up, as well as remodeling existing residential properties.

There are two required exams: the South Carolina Residential Builder trades exam and the South Carolina Residential Business Law exam.

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South Carolina Limited Building Contractor

The South Carolina Limited Building Contractor license allows the builder to bid on, build, or modify residential structures of any size and commercial structures that are not over 3 stories in height or $500,000.

There are two required exams: the South Carolina Limited Building Contractor trades exam and the South Carolina Commercial Business Law exam.

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South Carolina Non-Structural Building Contractor

The South Carolina Non-Structural Building Contractor Nonstructural Renovation" which includes interior and exterior installing, remodeling, renovations, and finishes of acoustical ceiling systems and panels, load-bearing and nonload-bearing drywall partitions, lathing and plastering, flooring (excluding carpet) and finishing, interior recreational surfaces, window and door installation, and installation of fixtures, cabinets, and millwork; and which also includes fireproofing, insulation, lining, painting, partitions, sandblasting, interior and exterior wall covering, and waterproofing. .

There are two required exams: the South Carolina Non-Structural Building Contractor trades exam and the South Carolina Business Law exam.

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South Carolina Commercial Business & Law

This exam is required for all commercial contractor's licenses. The South Carolina Commercial Business & Law exam is a short 2 hour exam covering information in only 1 book.

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South Carolina Residential Business & Law

This exam is required for all residential contractor's licenses. The South Carolina Residential Business & Law exam is a short 2 hour exam covering information in only 1 book.

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