South Carolina General Contractor License
A general contractors license is required in South Carolina if you are performing commercial construction over $10,000. An SC general contractors license allows a contractor to perform commercial and residential work.
Benefits Of Having A Contractor's License In South Carolina
There are many benefits of having your general contractors license in South Carolina. From following the law to building your reputation – a general contractors license is a wise choice for those looking to build in South Carolina. Discover how we can help get you there.
Regulations
Did you know that there are significant fines and penalties for performing unlicensed construction work in South Carolina? A general contractor’s license keeps you in good standing with the licensing board.
Client Confidence
By obtaining a general contractor’s license in South Carolina, you can build confidence with your future clients. A general contractor’s license demonstrates that you are qualified to perform the work.
High Value Construction Projects
A South Carolina general contractor’s license allows you to take on higher-value projects. This enables you and your company to earn more in revenue and fees.
South Carolina And The NASCLA Exam
NASCLA Exam
At PassTheNASCLAExam.com, we offer comprehensive training to help you successfully pass the NASCLA exam. The NASCLA exam is recognized in 17 states, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. South Carolina is one of the states that accepts the NASCLA exam. Because of its broad acceptance, transferring your license becomes much easier if your business expands or you relocate. Explore the advantages of obtaining your contractor’s license in South Carolina—and how the NASCLA exam can help you achieve that goal.
The Process
SC General Contractor Application Requirements
You should familiarize yourself with the application and testing process before you attempt to obtain your South Carolina contractor’s license. Visit the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board to review the official guidelines. Here are a few important details to keep in mind as you get started.
1. SC Contractors License Eligibility Requirements
- Be at least 18 years or older
- Be legally allowed to work in the United States
- Meet the South Carolina contractor financial requirements
2. Financial Requirements
In South Carolina the contractors license groups are split into Groups 1-5. Each group has a different net worth requirement, working capital requirement, and project value limitation. See the table below to understand what group fits you best. Doc 172 is used to include your financial information on your South Carolina contractor’s license application.
| Group | Bid and Job Limitation | Working Capital | Net Worth / Total Equity | Surety Bond Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group #1 | $100,000 | $10,000 | $20,000 | $20,000 |
| Group #2 | $400,000 | $40,000 | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| Group #3 | $1,000,000 | $100,000 | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Group #4 | $3,000,000 | $175,000 | $250,000 | $250,000 |
| Group #5 | Unlimited | $250,000 | $350,000 | $350,000 |
Group 1
- Project limit up to $100,000
- Minimum working capital of $10,000, or
- Net worth Of $20,000, or
- Surety bond of $20,000
Group 2
- Project limit up to $400,000
- Minimum working capital of $40,000, or
- Minimum net worth of $60,000, or
- Surety bond of $60,000
Group 3
- Project limit up to $1,000,000
- Minimum working capital of $100,000, or
- Minimum net worth of $150,000, or
- Surety bond of $150,000
Group 4
- Project limit up to $3,000,000
- Minimum working capital of $175,000, or
- Minimum net worth of $250,000, or
- Surety bond of $250,000
Group 5
- Unlimited project size
- Minimum working capital of $250,000, or
- Minimum net worth of $350,000, or
- Surety bond of $350,000
3. Complete Work Experience Affidavit
In South Carolina, you will need to complete Doc. 167 which shows your work experience. You may also submit notarize reference letters ilo this form.
- Some Items Included On The SC Contractors License Work Experience Affidavit Include:
- Previous project name
- Project start and end dates
- Your role
- Customer contact information
- Description of the work performed
- The Work Experience Affidavit form is to show that the Primary Qualifying Party (PQP) is experience to become a licensed general contractor in South Carolina
4. Pass The Required Exams
1. Trade Exam (Classification-Specific)
Applicants must pass a trade exam corresponding to their desired license classification, such as Building, Residential, or Highway. Each classification has its own examination tailored to the specific skills and knowledge required.
2. Business and Law Exam
In addition to the trade exam, applicants are required to pass the South Carolina Business and Law exam. This exam assesses knowledge of business practices, construction law, and project management relevant to contracting in South Carolina.
3. NASCLA Accredited Exam
Alternatively, applicants can choose to take the NASCLA Accredited Examination for Commercial General Building Contractors. This exam is accepted in multiple states and can be used in place of the South Carolina trade exam. However, even if you take the NASCLA exam, you’ll still need to pass the South Carolina Business and Law exam.
At PassTheNASCLAExam.com, we’re dedicated to helping future contractors succeed on the NASCLA exam. So, why do we recommend it? Because it’s widely accepted—currently recognized by 17 states. With this broad reciprocity, the NASCLA exam makes it easier to expand your license if you move or grow your business. Skipping the hassle of retaking technical exams is a major advantage. That’s why we highly recommend the NASCLA exam as your trades exam to your South Carolina general contractor’s license.
5. Submit Your SC Contractor's Application
After passing the required exams submit your application with all of the required documents.
1
Study For Your Exams
Study for the NASCLA exam and the Business, Law and Project Management exam. At passthenasclaexam.com we offer NASCLA exam prep to get you prepared to pass on the first try.
2
Pass Your Exams
Pass the NASCLA exam and submit your transcript to the Board. Pass the Business, Law and Project Management exam.
3
Submit Your Application
Submit your general contractor’s license application to the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board, get approved and receive your license.
Our NASCLA Prep Plans
NASCLA Practice Exam
For students already well prepared for the NASCLA
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Two attempts on a timed NASCLA practice exam
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Answer key
NASCLA Full Course
For students looking for the best all around NASCLA prep
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Tutorial Videos
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Study guides and test taking tips
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Practice quizzes for each book
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Time practice exams
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1,200+ question bank
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Unlimited quiz and exam attempts
NASCLA Book Tabs
Yes, tabbing is allowed and encouraged!
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Pre-printed book tabs for each chapter and each book
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Additional 'Index' printed tabs
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Additional blank tabs
Learn More
About PassTheNASCLAExam.com
At passthenasclaexam.com we are dedicated to providing the tools you need to pass the NASCLA exam and obtain your contractor’s license.
SC Contractor License FAQ
Do you have questions about getting your contractor’s license in South Carolina? Check if we have your questions answered here. If not, reach out to our team! We are excited to help you on your journey.
An unlicensed contractor can only perform commercial construction up to $10,000 for a project in South Carolina. For any project $10,000 or more, a general contractors license is required.
The contractor license fee in South Carolina is $350.00. This is stated on the application cover page.
The NASCLA exam fee is $130.00.
The registration fee for the South Carolina Business, Law and Project Management is exam is $75.00.
The South Carolina general contractor application has selection boxes for audited balance sheet, reviewed financial statement, compiled financial statement, owner prepared financial statement, or surety bond to use for your financial documentation. The Contractor Group that you decide to be determines which option you select.
Yes, the NASCLA serves as the trades exam for a general contractor’s license. This license covers both commercial and residential construction.
If a contractor has four or more employees in South Carolina he/she will need to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Yes, after passing the NASCLA exam you will need to take the Business, Law and Project Management exam. This familiarizes you with the state specific rules and regulations.
There are 50 questions on the South Carolina Business, Law and Project Management exam.
Yes! The NASCLA exam is a very challenging exam. And studying 24 books on your own will take a significant amount of time. Our course will cut your study time down tremendously and provide you the material you need to pass on the first attempt.
You certainly can. We do not offer a course for the South Carolina Business, Law and Project Management exam and feel that students can prepare for this single book, open book exam on their own. If you have passed the NASCLA exam, you are already familiar with the NASCLA Business, Law and Project Management book. This book has a lot of similar information as the South Carolina book. If you study up and highlight the state specific rules and regulations we have confidence that you can pass this without a course.
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