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If your career goal is to become a roofing contractor in South Carolina, you’ll need to earn your roofing license before you can legally perform, bid on, or contract any roofing work. A big part of that licensing includes preparing for the big state licensing exams. 

Whether you apply for your general contractor license with the general roofing sub-classification or the specialty roofing sub-classification, these exams are required. You will also be required to take and pass the South Carolina Business & Law Exam before you can be licensed or start work.

Working with an SC Roofing License

The two types of South Carolina roofing licenses available are the General Roofing Contractor License and the Specialty Roofing Contractor License. Each has its features, requirements, and allowances regarding the types of work that can legally be performed. Before applying for your license, you must decide which type you want.

General Roofing Contractor License

Professionals with this license can install and repair roofs on commercial buildings. They can also install and repair roof decking. Materials they can work with include metal roofing, shingles, clay, slate, concrete tile, wood-shake roofing, and asphalt-rolled roofing.

Specialty Roofing Contractor License

This license allows the bearer to install and repair roofs and decking on the same types of structures that general roofing contractors can work on. They can work with the same materials as well. 

Those with specialty licenses can also work on other types of roofing that use other types of materials not included in the general roofing subclassification.

Requirements for Getting a South Carolina Roofing License

The requirements you must meet to earn your roofing license in South Carolina fall under three general categories:

• Experience
• Finances
• Exams

You must have everything in line as the state dictates to receive your license. 

Experience Requirements

To be eligible for an SC roofing license, you must submit proof that you have at least two years of full-time experience in the field within the last five years. This experience must be in hands-on commercial fieldwork.

Finances

If you self-prepare your GAAP financial statements, you’ll need to provide proof of your net worth, the amount of which varies depending on whether you fall into Group 1 or Group 2 (see the SC Board website for information on groups). 

If you have your financial statement compiled by a PA or CPA, or if it’s audited, you will need to show proof of surety bonds of varying amounts.

Exams

You must take either the General Roofing Exam or the Specialty Roofing Exam as part of your requirements. Both tests have 50 questions, and you must get at least 35 correct to pass. You will have three hours to complete your open-book test.

The Business Management & Law for Commercial Contractors Exam also has 50 questions; you need 35 correct to pass. For this test, you will have 125 minutes. It is an open-book exam.

RocketCert: The Best Exam Prep for SC Roofing License Exams

RocketCert provides all the test prep materials you need to pass the tests required for licensure in South Carolina. We even offer a “no pass, no pay” guarantee. Sign up with RocketCert today and get started preparing for your SC roofing exams.