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If you’re interested in becoming a residential builder in South Carolina, you will need to fulfill several obligations and meet some requirements first. Every residential building contractor must earn a professional license from the state before they can work or bid on any jobs. In addition, you will need to take and pass two tests: the state’s Residential Building Contractor exam and the Business and Law exam. 

Permissible Work with the South Carolina Residential Builder Contractor License

Residential building contractors can construct or supervise (or offer to construct or supervise) projects that involve the construction, repair, or improvement of residential buildings. There are limits to these buildings, however.

A residential building contractor in South Carolina cannot work on buildings or structures that are over three floors in height or those that have more than 16 units in a single building when the cost of the project is more than $5,000.

Requirements for Obtaining Your Residential Builder License in South Carolina

Before you take the required exams to obtain your license, you’ll need to apply to the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission for approval to take the tests. After you gain approval and take the tests, you will need to supply some information before you receive your professional license.

You must submit proof of one year of experience working under a licensed building contractor or residential builder, and you must have completed the work within the last five years. In addition, you will be required to provide an original surety bond along with a license fee after you pass the examination.

The surety bond you provide must be the original document. Photocopies are not accepted, and the bond must be signed by the applicant along with the power of attorney attached to it. It must also list the individual’s name as the principal.

It should be noted that South Carolina has reciprocity agreements with Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, Utah, and Alabama. The state of South Carolina does not require continuing education credits in order to renew your license.

The Residential Builder Exams

Make sure that you thoroughly prepare for the two contractor exams. You can schedule them by visiting www.psiexams.com.

The Residential Contractor Business and Law Exam has 50 questions on it, and you will need a minimum of 34 correct to pass. You will have two hours to complete this test, and it is open book.

Some of the topics covered include estimating and bidding, business management, labor laws and employment regulations, liens, environmental laws and regulations, and financial management.

The Residential Building Contractor Exam contains 110 questions, and to pass you will need to answer at least 77 of those questions correctly. You will be allowed six hours (360 minutes) to complete the exam, and like the Business and Law Exam, this one is also open book.

A few of the topics covered in this test include residential electrical, residential HVAC, residential plumbing, and general building.

Make sure you are fully prepared for your residential contractor exams in South Carolina.

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