Browse South Carolina Contractor Classifications
Exam prep for the SC Contractor's Licensing Board (LLR).
South Carolina Commercial General Building Contractor (NASCLA) Exam Prep
Choose your access term:
Choose Plan & EnrollGetting your South Carolina contractor license? Contractor Pathway offers an original, exam-focused study guide and four full-length practice exams for every South Carolina classification that requires a state board exam — currently 4 courses across Electrical, HVAC / Mechanical and Building / General Contractor. Choose your classification below and study with 30-, 60-, or 90-day access at $99, $129, and $169. Many South Carolina classifications also require passing a separate Business & Law exam — and that course is included free with any trade course in your cart for the matching term.
Who licenses contractors in South Carolina
These are the South Carolina classifications we build exam prep for, each licensed by its responsible board:
| Trade area | Licensing authority | Exam basis |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board | National Electrical Code (NEC) |
| HVAC / Mechanical | South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board | Mechanical & fuel-gas codes, EPA 608 |
| Building / General Contractor | South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board | Adopted building code (IBC / IRC) |
Always confirm the current code edition, experience requirements, fees, and passing score with the board and testing vendor before you schedule. Contractor Pathway is an independent exam-prep provider and is not affiliated with any South Carolina board or testing vendor.
How to get licensed in South Carolina
- Meet the experience requirement. Each classification requires documented on-the-job hours (and, for senior licenses, time as a licensed journeyman). A registered apprenticeship is a common path.
- Apply to the board for your trade, submit fees and proof of experience, and get approved to test.
- Pass the exam. South Carolina trade exams are typically open book against the adopted code, with a passing score commonly around 70%. Speed at finding and applying the right code section is what separates passers from re-testers.
- Hold and renew the license on its cycle, including any continuing-education and code-update hours.
Choose your South Carolina classification
Each course includes a comprehensive 5,000-plus-word study guide — worked calculations, code-section breakdowns, common exam traps, a glossary, and a 30/60/90-day study plan — plus four full-length practice exams matched to the topic weightings of the South Carolina test.
South Carolina contractor licensing — FAQ
Who licenses contractors in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) – through the Contractor’s Licensing Board for commercial work and the Residential Builders Commission for residential work.
What exams does South Carolina require?
Two PSI exams: the SC Business Management and Law exam (50 questions, 140 minutes) plus a trade exam for your classification (for example, the Building trade exam is 115 questions over 330 minutes). The passing score is 70% on each.
Are the South Carolina exams open book?
Yes. The commercial contractor exams are open book – you may bring, highlight, and index the references listed in the exam bulletin. The NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management (South Carolina edition) is the primary reference for the Business and Law exam.
How much do the South Carolina exams cost and can I retake them?
Each PSI exam part is $110, paid on the day of testing. A failed part can be retaken individually after a 30-day waiting period for a new $110 fee, so first-attempt preparation saves both time and money.
How long should I study for the South Carolina exam?
Most candidates do well on a 30-, 60-, or 90-day plan depending on experience, which is why we offer access at all three terms ($99 / $129 / $169). Each guide includes a day-by-day study plan.