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South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board · checked 2026-10-21
South Carolina General contractor License Requirements
South Carolina licenses general contracting for jobs over $10,000. The license goes to the business, which names a qualifying party; its license group sets the largest job it may take. General contractor (Groups 1 to 5): 2 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- 1GC · General contractor (Groups 1 to 5) 2 years
License levels in South Carolina
South Carolina has one credential on this path: the General contractor (Groups 1 to 5). The source states the time in years.
| Level | Experience | Classroom | Time from start | Exam | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GC General contractor (Groups 1 to 5) | 2 years | — | 2 years | Yes, 70% | Initial license $350 |
General contractor (Groups 1 to 5) (GC)
The qualifying party submits at least two years of work experience within the past five years and passes the technical exam and the South Carolina Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors exam (70% on each). Groups 1 to 3 need the limited building or unlimited general contractor exam; Groups 4 and 5 need the unlimited exam. Group limits and net worth: Group 1 up to $100,000 per job ($20,000 net worth or $10,000 working capital), Group 2 $400,000, Group 3 $1,000,000, Group 4 $3,000,000, Group 5 unlimited ($350,000 or $250,000); a surety bond of the same amount can replace the financial statement. Source: SC LLR Contractor's Licensing Board, Licensure with the Board.
Exam
1 of the 1 level listed here requires an exam: General contractor (Groups 1 to 5). Published pass marks: 70% on the general contractor (groups 1 to 5) exam.
Fees
- General contractor (Groups 1 to 5): initial license $350.
Biennial renewal is $135. The fee page lists no exam fee. Fee source: SC LLR Contractor's Licensing Board, Fees.
When a license is needed: A license is required for general or mechanical contracting work worth more than $10,000 (S.C. Code § 40-11-30). Cities and counties may require additional licensing or permits. (S.C. Code Title 40, Chapter 11 (Contractors))
Reciprocity
The South Carolina sources read for this trade name no reciprocity agreement and no route for out-of-state licensees.
How South Carolina compares
Among the 8 states on this site that state a minimum time to the top general contractor credential, South Carolina ranks 1 of 8 from shortest (2 years) to longest (5 years). No other state here sets exactly 2 years.
Same trade elsewhere: California · Florida · Pennsylvania · North Carolina · Michigan. All states side by side: General contractor license requirements by state.
Other trades in South Carolina
- Electrician: Mechanical contractor, Electrical classification: 2 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- Plumber: Mechanical contractor, Plumbing classification: 2 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
- HVAC: Mechanical contractor, Air Conditioning or Heating classification: 2 years of experience at minimum, plus an exam.
All covered trades on one page: South Carolina trade licenses.
Background reading: From apprentice to master: how long each state takes · What the license fees add up to.
Questions
Who issues the general contractor license in South Carolina?
South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board, Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). South Carolina licenses general contracting for jobs over $10,000. The license goes to the business, which names a qualifying party; its license group sets the largest job it may take.
How long does it take to qualify for the General contractor (Groups 1 to 5) in South Carolina?
2 years by this site's count. The qualifying party submits at least two years of work experience within the past five years and passes the technical exam and the South Carolina Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors exam (70% on each). Groups 1 to 3 need the limited building or unlimited general contractor exam; Groups 4 and 5 need the unlimited exam. Group limits and net worth: Group 1 up to $100,000 per job ($20,000 net worth or $10,000 working capital), Group 2 $400,000, Group 3 $1,000,000, Group 4 $3,000,000, Group 5 unlimited ($350,000 or $250,000); a surety bond of the same amount can replace the financial statement.
Does South Carolina have general contractor license reciprocity?
The South Carolina sources read name no reciprocity agreement for this trade.
What are the South Carolina general contractor license fees?
General contractor (Groups 1 to 5): initial license $350.
Sources and last checked
| What | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board, Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) | 2026-10-21 |
| GC requirements | SC LLR Contractor's Licensing Board, Licensure with the Board | 2026-10-21 |
| Law cited | S.C. Code §§ 40-11-30, 40-11-230, 40-11-260 | 2026-10-21 |
This page summarises what the South Carolina source said on 2026-10-21. It is general information, not legal advice; the board's own page and the statute are the authority and can change. Confirm with South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board before applying. The free official route is the board itself: its page, application forms and staff answer eligibility questions.