Plumber license requirements in South Carolina.
South Carolina splits plumbing licensing between two bodies under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation: the Contractor’s Licensing Board for commercial work and the Residential Builders Commission for residential. Which one you deal with — and the dollar threshold that triggers it — depends on the kind of work you do.
What South Carolina requires.
Residential Specialty Plumbing Contractor
Issued through the Residential Builders Commission for residential installations and repairs above the statutory threshold.
Commercial Mechanical Contractor (plumbing)
Issued through the Contractor’s Licensing Board for commercial plumbing work above the statutory threshold.
Getting the Residential Specialty Plumbing Contractor
- Residential: pass a technical examination and the Residential Business Management and Law exam, and document one year of experience within the last five years
- Commercial: pass a technical examination and the Business Management and Law exam, and document two years of experience within the last five years
- · Published dollar thresholds for when each license is required vary between sources. Confirm the current figures with LLR before relying on them — the split between residential and commercial boards is the reliable part.
The official board
South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) — Contractor’s Licensing Board and Residential Builders Commission
Visit the boardVerified 2026-08 against the sources below. Licensing rules change — confirm with the board before relying on this page.
South Carolina plumbing licensing FAQ.
Do you need a license to do plumbing work in South Carolina?
Yes, above the statutory dollar thresholds. South Carolina licenses residential plumbing through the Residential Builders Commission and commercial plumbing through the Contractor’s Licensing Board, both under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
What is the difference between residential and commercial plumbing licenses in South Carolina?
They come from different boards. Residential Specialty Plumbing Contractor licenses are issued by the Residential Builders Commission and require one year of experience within the last five. Commercial Mechanical Contractor licenses come from the Contractor’s Licensing Board and require two years within the last five.
What exams does South Carolina require for a plumbing license?
Both tracks require a technical examination plus a business management and law exam — the residential track uses the Residential Business Management and Law exam, and the commercial track uses the standard version.
How much experience do you need for a South Carolina plumbing license?
One year within the last five for the residential specialty license, and two years within the last five for the commercial mechanical contractor license.
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