Examination Information
All entities applying for licensure must designate a primary qualifying party (PQP) who is employed full-time with the licensure applicant in a responsible management position. The PQP must pass any required technical examination and be able to document two (2) years of experience within the last 5 years for the classification(s) or subclassification(s) of work in which they are applying.
Prior to application submission:
The qualifying party or primary qualifying party must take the required exam(s) for the license they wish to obtain. Some classifications may not require a technical exam, however, all must take the Business Management & Law for Commercial Contractor’s exam prior to application submission.
The easiest way to register to take an exam is through PSI's website, www.psiexams.com and look for South Carolina information. If an applicant experiences difficulty in reaching PSI on the telephone due to call volume, the best time to call is between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. EST.
All study materials are provided by the testing provider, PSI, on page three (3) the PSI Candidate Information Bulletin. Contact PSI at 855-746-8173 or visit the website: psiexams.com.
There are two (2) national exams that we offer for those desiring to become licensed in multiple states/jurisdictions: the National Commercial Building Contractor exam, and the NASCLA Accredited Trade Examination for Electrical Contractors. See the NASCLA Accredited Examination Program for more information.
Some technical exams may be waived by reciprocity exam waiver agreements and some only require two (2) years of experience.
The following classifications require passing both a technical exam and the SC Business Management & Law exam for Commercial Contractors.
General Contractor Classifications:
Limited Building
Unlimited Building
Asphalt Paving
Concrete Paving
Boiler Installation *
Concrete
General Roofing
Specialty Roofing
Glass & Glazing
Grading
Marine
Pipelines
Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
Public Utility Electrical
Structural Framing
Swimming Pools
Water & Sewer Lines
Water Sewer Plants
Wood Frame Structures
*The Boiler Installation classification can also be obtained without a technical exam if the qualifier of the company holds the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) “S” stamp, or holds the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBPVI) “R” stamp. A copy of the stamp must be submitted with your application.
The following classifications require passing only the SC Business Management & Law exam for Commercial Contractors.
General Contractor Classifications:
Boring & Tunneling
Highway Incidental
Railroad
Interior Renovation
Masonry
Structural Shapes
The following classifications require passing both a technical exam and the SC Business Management & Law exam for Commercial Contractors.
Mechanical Contractor Classifications:
Air Conditioning
Electrical
Heating
Lightning Protection
Packaged Equipment
Plumbing
Process Piping
Refrigeration
SC RECIPROCITY/WAIVER STATES & INFORMATION
If you qualify for a technical examination waiver based on the chart below, please find more information related to applying for a license in: “How to Apply for a License by Reciprocity.”