Residential HVAC Installer and Repairer License
Individuals interested in becoming a Licensed Residential HVAC Installer and Repairer 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 HVAC Installers and Repairers possess the practical experience and professional competence necessary to protect the public and uphold the standards of the profession.
Residential HVAC work exceeding $500 requires a license. If you intend to perform commercial HVAC 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 HVAC 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 HVAC Installer and Repairer 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 either the Air Conditioning (AC) classification or Packaged Equipment (PK) 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. You may complete the Residential HVAC Installer and Repairer Experience Affidavit to self-report your experience under your own license.
- 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. You may complete the Residential HVAC Installer and Repairer Experience Affidavit to self-report your experience under your own license. Eligble states are:
- Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina
- Has a current HARV (Master Mechanical) Certification that was issued by examination between September 7, 2013, 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 HVAC Installer and Repairer 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.
| Residential HVAC Installer and Repairer License (RBH) Fees | |
| Fee Type | Current Fee Amount |
| Application Fee | $135 |
| License Fee | $220 |
| Renewal Fee | $220 |
| Renewal Late Fee | $50 |
| Reinstatement Fee | $480 |