Required Books
The references listed below are permitted to be taken into the examination. These references may be tabbed (with permanent index tabs) and highlighted. They are available for purchase from our online contractor’s bookstore or by calling our office at 1-800-992-1910.
As of 10/1/2020, only the 2018 edition of the code can be used.
Add All Required Books to Cart ($975.80)
Additional Services
Please note that the South Carolina Business and Law exam as well as the South Carolina HVAC Packaged Equipment r exam is required to be passed to obtain your contractors license.
Financial requirements:
All licenses that fall under the category of General Contractor are divided in five financial categories based on net worth:
- Group 1 – Allows for jobs of $17,500 or less, applicants must submit a self-prepared financial statement showing a net worth of at least $3,500.
- Group 2 – Allows for jobs of $50,000 or less, applicants must submit a self-prepared financial statement showing a net worth of at least $10,000.
- Group 3 – Allows for jobs of $100,000 or less, applicants must submit a financial statement that has been compiled or reviewed by a CPA showing a net worth of at least $20,000.
- Group 4 – Allows for jobs of $200,000 or less, applicants must submit a financial statement that has been compiled or reviewed by a CPA showing a net worth of at least $40,000.
- Group 5 – There are no financial limits on the size of job allowed, applicants must submit an audited financial statement that has been prepared by a CPA showing a net worth of at least $200,000.
- Experience required: Within the past five years, a contractor must show two years of actual work experience as a full-time employee in the desired classification. Only commercial experience is accepted.
The South Carolina HVAC Packaged Equipment license covers the installation, replacement, alteration, or repair of air conditioning equipment and systems which consist of a number of components necessary to produce conditioned air for environmental heating or cooling, or both.
This includes the installation, alteration and repair of ventilation systems, including duct work, air filtering devices, water treatment devices, pneumatic or electrical controls, or control piping; thermal and acoustical insulation, vibration isolation materials and devices, liquid fuel piping and tanks, water and gas piping from service and heating circuits and air handling systems, including gas-fired furnaces and space heaters; and factory assembled single package units and split type direct expansion equipment, including heat pumps. This license does not cover hot water or steam heating systems or components.
The first step in the licensing process is to pass the exams. A completed application should then be submitted to the state licensing board with documentation of your experience, financial information and your passing test scores.
To apply, contact the South Carolina Contractors Licensing Board at (803) 896-4686. The licensing fee for all commercial licenses is $350.
Important Contacts
South Carolina currently has a reciprocity agreement with Texas and Utah for this license.
There are currently no continuing education requirements for this license.
American Contractors offers a one day course to prepare for the South Carolina HVAC Packaged Equipment examination. We also offer preparation for the South Carolina Commercial Business Law exam which is necessary to obtain this license. Please contact us at 1-800-992-1910 for additional information.
