> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cslid.nascla.memorang.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# South Carolina

> Contractor licensing thresholds, regulator routing, requirements, reciprocity, and license types for South Carolina's multi-agency construction regulation system.

South Carolina regulates construction through four agencies with clear dollar thresholds. General and mechanical work over **\$10,000**, residential general work over **\$5,000**, and residential specialty work over **\$200** all require state-level credentials. Licensure is required before bidding.

<Warning>
  Always verify statutes, fees, and application details with the live regulator before making bidding, licensing, or legal decisions.
</Warning>

## At a glance

The fastest way to orient yourself in South Carolina is to know these three thresholds and one separate gate.

| Signal                              | Value                                                    |
| ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| General and mechanical work trigger | Over **\$10,000**                                        |
| Residential general work trigger    | Over **\$5,000**                                         |
| Residential specialty work trigger  | Over **\$200**                                           |
| Highway construction trigger        | DOT prequalification required before bidding             |
| Bidding rule                        | Licensure required before bidding — not just before work |
| Reciprocity model                   | Board-specific (CLB exam waivers + RBC reciprocity)      |

## Frequently asked questions

Pick the tab that matches your situation. Each FAQ gives a direct answer and points you to the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="At what contract value does South Carolina require a general or mechanical contractor license?">
        General and mechanical work over **\$10,000** requires a license from the Contractors' Licensing Board (CLB). This includes building construction, highways, public utility, and all mechanical trades (electrical, heating, plumbing, refrigeration, etc.). See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What is the threshold for residential contractor licensing?">
        Residential general work over **\$5,000** requires a Residential Builders Commission (RBC) license. Residential specialty work over **\$200** requires an RBC registration. Note that CLB-licensed general and mechanical contractors may also perform residential work. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Do I need a license before bidding, or just before work begins?">
        In South Carolina, you must hold a license before bidding — not just before starting work. This is a critical distinction from states that allow unlicensed bidding. See [Construction work regulated](#construction-work-regulated).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Where do I go to get licensed in South Carolina?">
        South Carolina has four agencies: the CLB for commercial/mechanical work, the RBC for residential-only work, DOT for highway prequalification, and Environmental Services for asbestos abatement. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How much does it cost to get licensed?">
        CLB general and mechanical contractors pay **\$350** initial license and **\$135** renewal, with exam fees from **\$60** to **\$116**. RBC residential builders pay **\$135** application plus **\$220** license fee. Specialty contractor registration is **\$100**. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the bonding and financial requirements?">
        CLB contractors are tiered into 5 groups based on financial qualification. Group 1 starts at **\$10,000** working capital / **\$20,000** net worth (contracts up to **\$100,000**). Group 5 requires **\$250,000** working capital / **\$350,000** net worth (unlimited contracts). A surety bond may substitute for financial requirements. RBC residential builders need a **\$15,000** license bond. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Can I use my out-of-state license in South Carolina?">
        The CLB has exam waiver agreements with 10 states — but these only waive technical exams. You must still pass the SC Business Management & Law exam. The RBC has separate reciprocal agreements with 5 states. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does South Carolina require a license for roofing work?">
        Yes. General roofing and specialty roofing are CLB specialty classifications for commercial work over **\$10,000**. Residential roofers register through the RBC as specialty contractors for work over **\$200**. See [Types of licenses](#types-of-licenses).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Does South Carolina require a license for residential work?">
        Yes. Residential builders need an RBC license for general work over **\$5,000**. Residential specialty contractors register for work over **\$200**. Residential electrical, HVAC, and plumbing each have their own RBC license category with a **\$10,000** bond if projects exceed **\$5,000**. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What contractor licenses would our company need for a large commercial project in South Carolina?">
        A CLB general contractor license at the appropriate group tier, plus any mechanical contractor licenses if the scope includes electrical, heating, plumbing, or refrigeration. You need a technical exam, SC Business Management & Law exam, 2 years experience, and financial qualification matching your contract size. You must be licensed before bidding. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What about fire alarm or sprinkler work?">
        Fire alarm, burglar alarm, and fire sprinkler work are licensed through the CLB (not the RBC). Each requires specific exams (PSI and/or NICET) and liability insurance. Licenses are biennial, expiring July 31st of even-numbered years. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="How does South Carolina's licensing model compare to single-board states?">
        South Carolina uses a four-agency model: CLB for commercial and mechanical, RBC for residential-only, DOT for highways, and Environmental Services for asbestos. This is more fragmented than single-board states like Mississippi but less so than Alabama (8 boards) or North Carolina (7 boards). See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How do South Carolina's thresholds compare to other states?">
        The **\$10,000** general/mechanical threshold is relatively low. The **\$5,000** residential threshold is moderate. The **\$200** residential specialty threshold is one of the lowest in the country. For cross-state comparison, see [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What types of construction work are regulated at the state vs. local level?">
        South Carolina regulates commercial, mechanical, residential, highway, and asbestos work at the state level through four agencies. The CLB handles general and mechanical contractors. The RBC handles residential-only contractors. The requirement to be licensed before bidding is a state-level rule that applies across all CLB and RBC categories.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does the 5-group financial qualification system work?">
        Both general and mechanical contractors are tiered into 5 groups. Each group has its own contract cap, working capital minimum, net worth minimum, and financial statement type. Groups range from owner-prepared statements (Groups 1-2) to CPA-compiled (Groups 3-4) to CPA-audited (Group 5). A surety bond may substitute for net worth or working capital. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What license classifications does South Carolina use?">
        CLB general contractors include building construction (limited/unlimited), highways, public utility, and 16+ specialty categories. CLB mechanical contractors include electrical, heating, plumbing, and 5 other categories. RBC residential categories include builder, home inspector, and specialty contractor registrations in 10 trade areas. See [Types of licenses](#types-of-licenses).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does reciprocity work in South Carolina?">
        Two separate programs: CLB exam waivers (10 states — technical exams only) and RBC reciprocity (5 states — full agreements). CLB waivers always require the SC Business Management & Law exam. The two programs have different state lists. See [Reciprocal agreements](#reciprocal-agreements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What exam requirements exist across the boards?">
        CLB contractors need a technical exam plus SC Business Management & Law exam. Some CLB specialty classifications waive the technical exam. RBC residential builders take the SC Residential Builders exam and Business and Law exam (both PSI-administered). Specialty contractors need no exam. Fire alarm/burglar alarm/sprinkler have their own PSI and NICET exams. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="What are the renewal cycles across boards?">
        CLB general contractors renew biennially (October 31st of even-numbered years). CLB mechanical contractors renew biennially (October 31st of odd-numbered years). RBC licenses are biennial. Fire alarm/burglar alarm/sprinkler licenses expire July 31st of even-numbered years. Highway prequalification is good for 12 months. See [Requirements](#requirements).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How fragmented is South Carolina's regulatory model?">
        Moderately fragmented. Four agencies handle different lanes, with the CLB and RBC being the primary boards. The separate CLB exam waiver and RBC reciprocity programs add complexity for cross-state analysis. The 5-group financial system for CLB contractors is unique to South Carolina. See [Who regulates construction](#who-regulates-construction).
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="How does South Carolina compare to other Southern states?">
        South Carolina's four-agency model sits in the middle range of Southern state complexity. Its **\$200** residential specialty threshold is among the lowest nationally. The pre-bidding license requirement and 5-group financial system are distinguishing features. See the [South region guide](/docs/jurisdictions/regions/south).
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Start with your goal

Pick the card that matches what you need right now. Each one links to the relevant section on this page.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Is licensure triggered?" icon="search" href="#construction-work-regulated">
    Start with contract value and work lane, then confirm which board owns the lane.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Find the right regulator" icon="building" href="#who-regulates-construction">
    Use the regulator directory to route your question to the correct South Carolina agency.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Application and renewal details" icon="clipboard-list" href="#requirements">
    Exams, fees, bonds, financial statements, continuing education, and renewal cycles for each trade.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Reciprocity direction" icon="arrow-left-right" href="#reciprocal-agreements">
    Find out which boards recognize out-of-state credentials and which exams are waived.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Special considerations

Different roles need different things from a South Carolina page. Use the tab that matches your situation to see what matters most before you read the full detail below.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Contractors" icon="hard-hat">
    <Tip>
      Start with contract value and work lane. South Carolina has three distinct dollar thresholds depending on whether the work is commercial/mechanical, residential general, or residential specialty.
    </Tip>

    * General and mechanical work over **\$10,000** requires a Contractors' Licensing Board license.
    * Residential general work over **\$5,000** requires a Residential Builders Commission license.
    * Residential specialty work over **\$200** requires a Residential Builders Commission registration.
    * You must hold a license before bidding, not just before starting work.
    * Highway construction requires DOT prequalification, which is a separate gate from board licensure.
    * General and mechanical contractors are tiered into 5 groups based on financial qualifications, each with its own contract cap.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Regulators" icon="shield-check">
    <Info>
      South Carolina is best understood as a four-agency model: DOT for highway prequalification, Residential Builders Commission for residential-only contractors, Contractors' Licensing Board for commercial and mechanical work, and Environmental Services for asbestos.
    </Info>

    * The CLB administers both general and mechanical contractor licenses with a 5-group tiered financial qualification system.
    * CLB has exam waiver agreements with 10 states — these waive only technical exams, not the SC Business Management & Law exam.
    * RBC has separate reciprocal agreements with 5 states.
    * General and mechanical contractors licensed through CLB may also perform residential work.
    * The three threshold tiers (**\$10,000**, **\$5,000**, **\$200**) apply to different work lanes and different boards.
    * The 5-group financial qualification system (with both financial statement and surety bond paths) is unique to South Carolina's CLB.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Readiness checklist

Four things you need to confirm before you can treat South Carolina as "ready" for a bid or an application. If any of these are unclear, you are not ready yet.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Classify the project lane" icon="tag">
    Identify whether the work is general/mechanical commercial, residential-only, highway, or asbestos abatement. Remember that CLB-licensed contractors may also do residential work.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Apply the right threshold test" icon="receipt">
    Check `$10,000` for general/mechanical, `$5,000` for residential general, or `$200` for residential specialty against the relevant work lane.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Route to the correct regulator" icon="building">
    Use the regulator directory below. South Carolina has four separate agencies, and you must hold a license before bidding.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the requirement set" icon="clipboard-check">
    Confirm exams, experience, financial statement or surety bond group, fees, renewal cycle, and reciprocity rules for the exact board before filing.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Check>
  If you can identify lane, threshold, regulator, and requirement set, you have the minimum package needed for a South Carolina readiness check.
</Check>

## Navigation

Use these links to jump to related cross-state comparisons and workflows.

* [New state evaluation](/docs/workflows/new-state-evaluation) if you are screening South Carolina for the first time.
* [Multi-state bid readiness](/docs/workflows/multi-state-bid-readiness) if you need to compare South Carolina with nearby jurisdictions.
* [Licensing thresholds](/docs/compare/licensing-thresholds) or [prequalification patterns](/docs/compare/prequalification) for cross-state context.

## Construction work regulated

South Carolina uses three dollar thresholds across two boards, plus a separate prequalification gate for highways. All license classifications require licensure prior to bidding.

| Work lane                   | What triggers regulation                                                            |
| --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| General and mechanical work | Over **\$10,000** — Contractors' Licensing Board                                    |
| Residential general work    | Over **\$5,000** — Residential Builders Commission                                  |
| Residential specialty work  | Over **\$200** — Residential Builders Commission                                    |
| Highway construction        | DOT prequalification required before bidding                                        |
| Asbestos abatement          | All asbestos work regulated (except residential exemption) — Environmental Services |

<Note>
  General and mechanical contractors licensed by the Contractors' Licensing Board may also engage in residential construction. The Residential Builders Commission covers residential-only contractors.
</Note>

## Common determination scenarios

If you are trying to figure out where to start, expand the scenario that is closest to your situation.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Commercial general or mechanical construction" icon="building">
    If the contract value exceeds **\$10,000**, route to the Contractors' Licensing Board. You will need a technical exam, the SC Business Management & Law exam, two years of experience, and a financial statement or surety bond that determines your group tier and contract cap.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Residential-only construction" icon="house">
    Route to the Residential Builders Commission. Residential builders need one year of supervised experience, the SC Residential Builders exam, the Business and Law exam, and a **\$15,000** license bond. Residential specialty contractors register with a **\$5,000** bond if projects exceed **\$5,000**.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Highway construction" icon="road">
    DOT prequalification is a separate gate — no general contractor license, financial statements, or bidding limits are required for highway prequalification itself. You need a performance/indemnity bond and payment bond each equal to 100% of the contract value.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Burglar alarm, fire alarm, or sprinkler work" icon="flame">
    These are licensed through the Contractors' Licensing Board, not the Residential Builders Commission. Each requires specific exams (PSI and/or NICET) and liability insurance. Licenses are biennial, expiring July 31st of even-numbered years.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Reciprocity request" icon="arrow-left-right">
    Ask which board is involved first. The CLB has exam waiver agreements with 10 states (technical exams only — you still need the SC Business Management & Law exam). The RBC has separate reciprocal agreements with 5 states.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Who regulates construction

South Carolina splits construction regulation across 4 agencies. Use this directory to find the board that owns the lane you need.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Highway prequalification — Department of Transportation" icon="road">
    955 Park Street, Post Office Box 191, Columbia, SC 29202-3959

    **Phone:** (803) 737-1200

    **Website:** [scdot.org](http://www.scdot.org/)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="General and mechanical contractors — Contractors' Licensing Board" icon="building">
    Post Office Box 11329, Columbia, SC 29211-1329

    **Phone:** (803) 896-4686 | **Fax:** (803) 896-4814

    **Website:** [llr.sc.gov/clb](http://www.llr.sc.gov/clb)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Residential-only contractors and home inspectors — Residential Builders Commission" icon="house">
    Post Office Box 11329, Columbia, SC 29211-1329

    **Phone:** (803) 896-4696 | **Fax:** (803) 704-6771

    **Website:** [llr.sc.gov/res](http://www.llr.sc.gov/res)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Asbestos abatement — Department of Environmental Services" icon="flame">
    2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201

    **Phone:** (803) 898-4289

    **Website:** [des.sc.gov](http://www.des.sc.gov/)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Requirements

Each South Carolina board has its own application inputs, exams, fees, and renewal cycles. Expand the trade that applies to your situation. Fee and financial qualification tables are included in each section.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="General Contractors (CLB)" icon="building" defaultOpen={true}>
    | Requirement             | Detail                                                                                                                      |
    | ----------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam                    | Technical exam plus South Carolina Business Management & Law exam. Some specialty classifications waive the technical exam. |
    | Experience              | Two years of work experience within the last five years                                                                     |
    | Financial qualification | Financial statement or surety bond determines group tier (see tables below)                                                 |
    | Initial license fee     | **\$350**                                                                                                                   |
    | Renewal fee             | **\$135**                                                                                                                   |
    | Exam fees               | **\$60**--**\$116**                                                                                                         |
    | Renewal cycle           | Biennial — expires October 31st of even-numbered years                                                                      |

    **Group contract limits (general contractors):**

    | Group | Contracts up to |
    | ----- | --------------- |
    | 1     | **\$100,000**   |
    | 2     | **\$400,000**   |
    | 3     | **\$1,000,000** |
    | 4     | **\$3,500,000** |
    | 5     | Unlimited       |

    **Financial statement requirements (general contractors):**

    | Group | Working Capital | Net Worth     | Statement type                |
    | ----- | --------------- | ------------- | ----------------------------- |
    | 1     | **\$10,000**    | **\$20,000**  | Owner-prepared with affidavit |
    | 2     | **\$40,000**    | **\$60,000**  | Owner-prepared with affidavit |
    | 3     | **\$100,000**   | **\$150,000** | CPA-compiled                  |
    | 4     | **\$175,000**   | **\$250,000** | CPA-compiled                  |
    | 5     | **\$250,000**   | **\$350,000** | CPA-audited                   |

    **Surety bond alternative (general contractors):**

    | Group | Surety bond amount |
    | ----- | ------------------ |
    | 1     | **\$20,000**       |
    | 2     | **\$60,000**       |
    | 3     | **\$150,000**      |
    | 4     | **\$250,000**      |
    | 5     | **\$350,000**      |

    <Note>
      A surety bond may be submitted in lieu of net worth or working capital requirements. The required bond form is on the CLB website. For renewal, Groups 1-4 submit an owner-prepared statement; Group 5 submits a CPA-reviewed statement.
    </Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Mechanical Contractors (CLB)" icon="temperature">
    | Requirement             | Detail                                                                      |
    | ----------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam                    | Technical exam plus South Carolina Business Management & Law exam           |
    | Experience              | Two years of work experience within the last five years                     |
    | Financial qualification | Financial statement or surety bond determines group tier (see tables below) |
    | Initial license fee     | **\$350**                                                                   |
    | Renewal fee             | **\$135**                                                                   |
    | Exam fees               | **\$60**--**\$116**                                                         |
    | Renewal cycle           | Biennial — expires October 31st of odd-numbered years                       |

    **Group contract limits (mechanical contractors):**

    | Group | Contracts up to |
    | ----- | --------------- |
    | 1     | **\$35,000**    |
    | 2     | **\$100,000**   |
    | 3     | **\$200,000**   |
    | 4     | **\$400,000**   |
    | 5     | Unlimited       |

    **Financial statement requirements (mechanical contractors):**

    | Group | Working Capital | Net Worth     | Statement type                |
    | ----- | --------------- | ------------- | ----------------------------- |
    | 1     | **\$3,500**     | **\$7,000**   | Owner-prepared with affidavit |
    | 2     | **\$10,000**    | **\$15,000**  | Owner-prepared with affidavit |
    | 3     | **\$20,000**    | **\$30,000**  | CPA-compiled                  |
    | 4     | **\$40,000**    | **\$60,000**  | CPA-compiled                  |
    | 5     | **\$200,000**   | **\$300,000** | CPA-audited                   |

    **Surety bond alternative (mechanical contractors):**

    | Group | Surety bond amount |
    | ----- | ------------------ |
    | 1     | **\$7,000**        |
    | 2     | **\$15,000**       |
    | 3     | **\$30,000**       |
    | 4     | **\$60,000**       |
    | 5     | **\$300,000**      |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Residential Builders and Specialty Contractors (RBC)" icon="house">
    | Requirement   | Detail                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
    | ------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Experience    | One year under supervision of a licensed builder or general contractor (affidavit required)                                                                                                                                 |
    | Exam          | SC Residential Builders exam and Business and Law exam (both PSI-administered)                                                                                                                                              |
    | Credit report | Required as part of application                                                                                                                                                                                             |
    | Bond          | **\$15,000** license bond (residential builders); **\$10,000** bond for residential electrical, HVAC, or plumbing if projects exceed **\$5,000**; **\$5,000** bond for specialty contractors if projects exceed **\$5,000** |
    | Renewal cycle | Biennial (except Certificate of Authorization, which renews annually)                                                                                                                                                       |

    | License type                            | Application fee | License fee | Renewal fee | Late fee | Reinstatement fee |
    | --------------------------------------- | --------------- | ----------- | ----------- | -------- | ----------------- |
    | Residential Builder (RBB)               | **\$135**       | **\$220**   | **\$220**   | **\$50** | **\$480**         |
    | Residential Electrical (RBE)            | **\$135**       | **\$220**   | **\$220**   | **\$50** | **\$480**         |
    | Residential HVAC (RBH)                  | **\$135**       | **\$220**   | **\$220**   | **\$50** | **\$480**         |
    | Residential Plumbing (RBP)              | **\$135**       | **\$220**   | **\$220**   | **\$50** | **\$480**         |
    | Home Inspector (RBI)                    | **\$80**        | N/A         | **\$160**   | **\$10** | **\$360**         |
    | Specialty Contractor Registration (RBS) | N/A             | **\$100**   | **\$100**   | **\$20** | **\$290**         |
    | Certificate of Authorization (COA)      | N/A             | **\$100**   | **\$100**   | N/A      | N/A               |

    <Note>
      Specialty contractors may register in up to three classifications and need a reference letter or affidavit for one year of experience per classification. No exam is required. Home inspectors need one year of experience or a formal training course approved by the Commission.
    </Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Burglar Alarm License (CLB)" icon="bolt">
    | Requirement                 | Detail                                                                  |
    | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam                        | Two PSI exams (Burglar Alarm exam and Code of Laws exam)                |
    | Training                    | Level 1 training course from the National Training School (NTS)         |
    | Insurance                   | Comprehensive general liability (bodily injury, death, property damage) |
    | Background check            | 10-year criminal background report required                             |
    | Initial license fee         | **\$200** (includes one Qualifying Party)                               |
    | Renewal fee                 | **\$200**                                                               |
    | Additional Qualifying Party | **\$10**                                                                |
    | Branch office               | **\$50**                                                                |
    | Renewal cycle               | Biennial — expires July 31st of even-numbered years                     |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Fire Alarm License (CLB)" icon="flame">
    | Requirement                 | Detail                                                                  |
    | --------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Exam                        | Two PSI exams (Fire Alarm exam and Code of Laws exam)                   |
    | Training                    | NTS Level 1 or NICET Level II Fire Protection Engineering Technology    |
    | Insurance                   | Comprehensive general liability (bodily injury, death, property damage) |
    | Background check            | 10-year criminal background report required                             |
    | Initial license fee         | **\$200**                                                               |
    | Renewal fee                 | **\$200**                                                               |
    | Additional Qualifying Party | **\$10**                                                                |
    | Renewal cycle               | Biennial — expires July 31st of even-numbered years                     |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Fire Protection Sprinkler Systems License (CLB)" icon="flame">
    | Requirement                 | Detail                                                                                                          |
    | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
    | Certification               | NICET Level III or IV in Automatic Sprinkler System Layout or Water-Based Systems Layout (must be kept current) |
    | Insurance                   | Comprehensive general liability with minimum **\$100,000** coverage                                             |
    | Initial license fee         | **\$200** (includes one Qualifying Party)                                                                       |
    | Renewal fee                 | **\$200**                                                                                                       |
    | Additional Qualifying Party | **\$50**                                                                                                        |
    | Branch office               | **\$100**                                                                                                       |
    | Renewal cycle               | Biennial — expires July 31st of even-numbered years                                                             |
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Highway Prequalification (DOT)" icon="road">
    | Requirement          | Detail                                           |
    | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
    | Performance bond     | 100% of contract value                           |
    | Payment bond         | 100% of contract value                           |
    | Qualification basis  | Experience, responsibility record, and equipment |
    | Duration             | Good for 12 months                               |
    | Prequalification fee | None                                             |

    <Note>
      No general contractor license, financial statements, or bidding limits are required for highway prequalification itself. This is a separate gate from CLB licensure.
    </Note>
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Asbestos Licensing (Environmental Services)" icon="flame">
    All licenses are issued based on training qualifications. Licenses are valid for one year from the examination date, except contractors, group, and facility O\&M licenses which may be valid for one year from the issued date.

    | License type                    | Fee       |
    | ------------------------------- | --------- |
    | Contractor                      | **\$100** |
    | Air Sampler                     | **\$100** |
    | Consultant / Building Inspector | **\$100** |
    | Consultant / Management Planner | **\$100** |
    | Consultant / Project Designer   | **\$100** |
    | Supervisor (AHERA)              | **\$50**  |
    | Worker (AHERA)                  | **\$10**  |

    | Group size      | Fee per discipline                        |
    | --------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
    | Up to 10 people | **\$25** minimum                          |
    | 11-20 people    | **\$25** + **\$2.50** per person above 10 |
    | 21-50 people    | **\$25** + **\$5** per person above 20    |
    | 51-90 people    | **\$25** + **\$7.50** per person above 50 |
    | 91+ people      | **\$500** maximum                         |
    | Facility O\&M   | Same as group fee                         |
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Reciprocal agreements

South Carolina has two separate reciprocity programs. The Contractors' Licensing Board offers technical exam waivers with 10 states — but the South Carolina Business Management & Law exam is still required. The Residential Builders Commission has full reciprocal agreements with 5 states.

<Info>
  CLB exam waivers and RBC reciprocity are different programs with different state lists. Always confirm which board applies to your situation.
</Info>

| Board                                       | Reciprocal states                                                                                    | Coverage                               |
| ------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| Contractors' Licensing Board (exam waivers) | Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah | <Badge color="green">10 states</Badge> |
| Residential Builders Commission             | Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Utah                                                    | <Badge color="green">5 states</Badge>  |

<Accordion title="What CLB exam waivers actually waive" icon="arrow-left-right">
  The exam waiver agreements only waive certain technical examinations. Applicants from waiver states must still:

  * Meet all other licensure requirements (experience, financial qualification, insurance)
  * Pass the South Carolina Business Management & Law exam
  * Submit the full application with applicable fees
</Accordion>

## Types of licenses

South Carolina offers credentials across two boards and several specialty programs. Use these lists when you need to confirm the exact license name for an application or comparison.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="General Contractors (CLB)" icon="building">
    * Building Construction (limited building — three stories or less; unlimited building)
    * Highways and Streets (bridges; grading; concrete paving; highway incidental; asphalt paving)
    * Public Utility (water and sewer lines; water and sewer plants; pipelines)
    * Specialty (boiler installation; boring and tunneling; concrete; glass and glazing; marine; masonry; pre-engineered metal buildings; public electrical utility; railroad; general roofing; specialty roofing; structural framing; structural shapes; swimming pools; wood frame structures; demolition; environmental)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Mechanical Contractors (CLB)" icon="temperature">
    * Electrical
    * Heating
    * Plumbing
    * Packaged Equipment
    * Lightning Protection Systems
    * Pressure and Process Piping
    * Refrigeration
    * Air Conditioning
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Other Programs (CLB)" icon="flame">
    * Fire Sprinkler
    * Burglar Alarm
    * Fire Alarm
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Residential (RBC)" icon="house">
    * Residential Builder (RBB)
    * Residential Home Inspector (RBI)
    * Certificate of Authorization (COA)
    * Residential Electrical (RBE)
    * Residential HVAC (RBH)
    * Residential Plumbing (RBP)
    * Residential Specialty Contractor Registration (RBS): vinyl/aluminum siding; insulation; roofers; floor covering; masons; drywall; carpenters; painters/wallpaperers; stucco; solar panel
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## See also

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="South region guide" icon="map" href="/docs/jurisdictions/regions/south">
    Browse all South jurisdictions for comparison.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Contractors guide" icon="hard-hat" href="/docs/personas/contractor">
    Cross-state guidance for contractors evaluating new jurisdictions.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Regulators guide" icon="shield-check" href="/docs/personas/regulatory-staff">
    Cross-state guidance for comparing regulatory models and agency structures.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

**Neighboring jurisdictions with reciprocity ties:**

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="North Carolina" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/north-carolina">
    CLB exam waiver and RBC reciprocity with South Carolina.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Georgia" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/georgia">
    CLB exam waiver and RBC reciprocity with South Carolina.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Alabama" icon="map-pin" href="/docs/jurisdictions/alabama">
    CLB exam waiver and RBC reciprocity with South Carolina.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>