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Professionals who want to perform residential plumbing work in South Carolina must earn their license before setting out on their own. A license is required for anyone who wants to work on plumbing projects that are valued at more than $5,000.

Several requirements must be met to qualify for licensure, including experience requirements, financial requirements, and passing two different tests. 

What Do You Need an SC Residential Plumbing License For?

Professionals who hold this type of license in South Carolina are legally permitted to perform repairs, installations, changes to, and replacements of various plumbing systems in certain dwellings. These systems include:

• Sewage systems
• Water filters
• Water purification systems
• Water conditioning systems
• Natural gas piping systems
• Water piping systems

In addition, they may work on all related vents, devices, and fixtures that are typically used in the residential building industry. However, they are restricted to performing work on buildings that have fewer than 16 units and are three stories in height or less.

What Are the Requirements for Getting a Residential Plumbing License in South Carolina?

To get this type of professional license, you will need to furnish an original surety bond that you sign, with your name listed as the principal and the power of attorney attached. This bond must be in the amount of $10,000.

You are required to furnish proof of at least one year of experience you’ve had within the last five years. The experience must have been completed under the supervision of a plumbing contractor or residential builder.

Another main requirement for getting your South Carolina residential plumbing license is passing two exams: the South Carolina Residential Plumbing Contractor Exam and the Residential Business Management & Law Exam.

What Are the Tests for SC Plumbing Licenses Like?

Both exams are open-book tests, but there are still certain materials and online courses you cannot access while taking the tests. However, you can highlight, tab, and use many other sources during the exams.

The South Carolina Residential Plumbing Contractor Exam

This exam has 65 questions on it, and you must answer at least 44 of them correctly to pass. You will have three hours to finish this test. Some of the topics covered in this exam include the following:

• Water supply
• Isometric analysis
• General plumbing knowledge
• Piping, valves, and controls
• Fixtures and equipment
• Drain, waste, and vents
• Sewers

In addition, some questions apply to specialty applications you must be familiar with.

The Business Management & Law for Residential Contractors Exam

This business exam has 50 questions on it, and 34 of them must be answered correctly for you to receive a passing score. You will have two hours to complete the exam. Topics covered include the following, among others:

• Licensing laws
• Bidding and estimating
• Project management
• Labor laws
• Tax laws
• Environmental laws
• Contracts and agreements

The two exams make up a substantial part of the requirements you need to fulfill to get your license. 

Let RocketCert Help You Prepare

Make sure to sign up with the best exam prep provider, RocketCert, and get going on your test preparation for your SC residential plumbing license today.