Residential Electrician License
Individuals interested in becoming a Licensed Residential Electrician in South Carolina must meet the specific application, experience, and examination requirements as established by the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission. These requirements ensure that all Electricians possess the practical experience and professional competence necessary to protect the public and uphold the standards of the profession.
Residential electrical work exceeding $500 requires a license. If you intend to perform commercial electrical work that exceeds $10,000, please see the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board for information about licensure.
Individuals seeking to obtain licensure by taking the SC Residential Electrical exam must first apply for licensure through the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission. Applicants must complete and submit the appropriate application, with all required documentation and fees, to the Commission. Once received, the Commission will review the application to determine eligibility.
Work experience must be verified and approved before you are made eligible for the exam. If approved, additional information about examination eligibility and completing the post exam application process will be sent to all approved applicants. Applicants should ensure their email address on file with the Commission is current to receive all notifications.
Individuals seeking to obtain licensure by exam waiver must first complete and submit the appropriate application, with all required documentation and fees, to the Commission. Once received, the Commission will review the application to determine eligibility.
The Residential Electrician license may be obtained without the required technical portion of the examination, if the applicant meets one of the requirements below. Work experience requirements and the Business Management and Law portion of the exam are still applicable:
- Is a currently licensed SC Mechanical Contractor with the Electrical (EL) classification. Mechanical Contractor applicants must have a license in good standing that has been active for one year or longer and was obtained by examination. Commission staff will verify this information internally as part of the application process. '
- Has a current license in the eligible state that must have been obtained by examination for one year or longer. Grandfathered licensees do not qualify for an exam waiver. A Verification of Licensure should be sent directly to the SC Residential Builders Commission via mail or email from the issuing state.
- North Carolina, Mississippi
- Has passed the NASCLA Residential Electrical Contractors exam within the past 3 years. A copy of your exam transcript should be included with your application.
- Has a current Master Residential Electrician Certification or Master Electrician Certification that was issued by examination between December 1990 and December 2025 by the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC), or issued after January 1, 2026, by Carolinas AGC (CAGC). After January 1, 2026, trade certification applicants should contact CAGC to obtain a certification verification letter.
Individuals seeking to reinstate a lapsed or expired Residential Electrician license in South Carolina must meet all requirements set by the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission.
If you have a license that has been lapsed for less than three years, you may apply for reinstatement. If your license has been lapsed for more than three years, you will need to apply for a license as a new applicant, which requires reexamination.
Reinstatement for Residential Electrical License Application
| Residential Electrician License (RBE) Fees | |
| Fee Type | Current Fee Amount |
| Application Fee | $135 |
| License Fee | $220 |
| Renewal Fee | $220 |
| Renewal Late Fee | $50 |
| Reinstatement Fee | $480 |