South Carolina Handyman License: How to Get Certified as a Handyman in SC

Does a handyman need a license in South Carolina?

Yes, South Carolina requires handymen performing work valued over $5K to have a general contractor’s license. For handyman projects valued below $5K, there is no license needed.

The main difference between a handyman and contractor is: 

As a handyman, you are able to complete small residential projects, like home repairs and maintenance. If you want to take on bigger jobs that surpass the $5K value, you’ll need to become a licensed contractor.  

You can register for a general contractor’s license with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulations Contractor Licensing Board (CLB).

By registering for this license, you are able to conduct the following types of handyman work:

• Carpentry
• Drywalling
• Wallpaper
• Painting
• Siding
• Insulation
• Floor covering
• Masonry
• Concrete
• Roofing

Types of handyman licenses in South Carolina

Although a license isn’t always required to perform handyman services in South Carolina, if your work surpasses $5K in value, you may need a general contractor license.

General contractor licenses allow you to perform specific types of specialized or larger work across commercial and residential projects. You can register for these licenses through the Contractor Licensing Board. Here’s an overview of the general contractor license types:

License Type	Description
General Contractor Classifications
Asphalt Paving (AP)	License holders can perform all work related to asphalt paving, including compaction, stabilization, and maintenance methods.
Concrete (CT)	License holders can perform work related to pouring concrete including earthwork, framing, reinforcing, and pouring.
Concrete Paving (CP)	License holders can perform work related to pouring and paving concrete for streets, highways, buildings, and other structures.
General Roofing (GR)	License holders can perform general roofing work including applying substrates on steep and low-slope roofs.
Glass & Glazing (GG)	License holders can perform all work related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of glazed and glass objects.
Interior Renovation (IR)	License holders can install, repair, and modify the interior of buildings.
Masonry (MS)	License holders can install brick, concrete block, gypsum tile, and other masonry products with or without the use of adhesives.
Specialty Roofing (SR)	License holders can install and repair roofs and roof decking with all types of weather-proof materials.
Burglar Alarm	License holders can install alarm systems throughout the interior of residential or commercial buildings.
Fire Alarm	License holders can install alarm systems throughout the interior of residential or commercial buildings.

South Carolina handyman license requirements

Now that you know what licenses you may need to work as a  handyman, you need to understand the requirements to get each one. To qualify for a general or mechanical contractor license in South Carolina, you need to meet the following requirements:

License Type	Requirements
General Contractor Classifications
• Interior Renovation (IR) • Masonry (MS)	Applicants must provide proof of at least 2 years’ experience working or supervising projects for each of the specific classifications they apply for.
• Asphalt Paving (AP) • Concrete (CT) • Concrete Paving (CP) • General Roofing (GR) • Glass & Glazing (GG) • Specialty Roofing (SR)	Applicants must provide proof of at least 2 years’ experience working or supervising projects for each of the specific classifications they apply for. Applicants must also pass the corresponding technical exam for their general contractor classification.
• Burglar Alarm • Fire Alarm	Applicants must file a written application on forms approved by the Board.  Applicants must pass the Burglar Alarm Exam and/or the Fire Alarm Exam, and Alarm Code of Laws.

You can view a comprehensive list of the regulations and requirements for SC general contractor license on the Contractor Licensing Board.

How do I get a handyman license in South Carolina?

The South Carolina CLB outlines the necessary steps you must take to qualify for and become a licensed contractor: 

1. Register as, or on behalf of, a legal business entity recognized in the state of South Carolina. This can include a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, LLC, or corporation.
2. Determine whether your speciality requires an examination. If so, apply for licensure by examination through either the state’s vendor PSI or the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA), if applicable. 
3. Schedule and pass the technical exam. Submit a completed general contractor application to the state board, including all application fees.

All physical forms can be sent to the CLB at the following addresses:

Regular Mail	Overnight Mail
SC Contractors Licensing Board PO Box 11329 Columbia SC 29211-1329	SC Contractors Licensing Board 110 Centerview Drive Columbia SC 29210

Forms can also be sent by email to [email protected] or by fax to (803) 896-4814.

South Carolina handyman license exam

To register as a contractor in South Carolina, you must pass the Business Management and Law Exam, as well as pass a technical exam for specialized work.

The Business Management and Law Exam includes 50 questions, must be completed in 2.5 hours, and has a minimum passing score of 35/50.

The Business Management and Law Exam and the technical exams for the general contractor licenses in South Carolina are handled by either the testing vendor PSI or, in some cases, by the NASCLA.

License Type	Description
General Contractor Classifications
Asphalt Paving (AP)	• 50 questions • 3-hour time limit • Minimum passing score: 35/50
Burglar Alarm	• 50 questions • 3-hour time limit • Minimum passing score: 35/50
Concrete (CT)	• 50 questions • 3-hour time limit • Minimum passing score: 35/50
Concrete Paving (CP)	• 50 questions • 3-hour time limit • Minimum passing score: 35/50
Fire Alarm	• 50 questions • 3-hour time limit • Minimum passing score: 35/50
General Roofing (GR)	• 50 questions • 3-hour time limit • Minimum passing score: 35/50
Specialty Roofing (SR)	• 50 questions • 3-hour time limit • Minimum passing score: 35/50

For more information on the specific questions of each general and mechanical contracting specialty, check out the PSI candidate bulletin.

Does South Carolina reciprocate licenses?

Reciprocal licenses allow certified contractors from certain states to apply directly for the equivalent license in South Carolina, saving them the time of going through the entire licensing process from scratch. 

The state of South Carolina currently reciprocates general contractor license specialities with Utah. These contractors may perform concrete and general roofing work only.

For more information about applying for a reciprocal license in South Carolina, visit the Contractor’s Licensing Board’s website.

South Carolina handyman license costs

The cost of getting your South Carolina contractor license will vary depending on the number of licenses you wish to hold, but you can expect to pay at least $745 for initial licensing.

Here’s an overview of the fees associated with getting your contractor license:

Fee Type	Cost
Application	$300 per license
Exams	$95 per exam
Initial Licensing	$350 per license
Renewal (Biennial)	$135 per exam
Late Payment Penalties	• November = $100 • December = $150 • January = $200
Reinstatement	$350 per license
Inactive License Status	$110 per year

What happens if my license expires? 

If you think your contractor license may be expired, the first thing you need to do is stop all your work valued over $5K. Then, you can go to the CLB’s license look-up page to determine whether your license needs renewal. 

If it does, you can then visit the online license renewal portal.

Working without a contractor license on projects above $5K is a crime in the state of South Carolina; the state code outlines the penalties associated with working under an expired license: 

• $500 penalty for the first offense
• If another offense occurs within a 5-year period, you may face suspension, additional fees, and even jail time.

South Carolina handyman license renewal

General contractor’s licenses are initially issued for a two-year period, with general licenses expiring on Oct 31st of even-numbered years.

If you miss the October 31st deadline, you will have to pay a late fee that starts at $100 and goes up by $50 each month from November to January. After 90 days, you will have to go through the entire process to reinstate your license.

To renew your South Carolina contractor license, you can visit CLB’s online license renewal portal.

Requirements for business owners

Once you’ve gained the necessary experience, submitted the applications, and passed the licensing exams to be a general or mechanical contractor in South Carolina, it’s time to take the next step towards securing your financial future—opening your own handyman business. 

But first, what exactly do you need to do to start a contractor business in South Carolina?

The South Carolina government has online resources that outline what business owners need to do to operate legally, including:

• Write a handyman business plan.
• Research local handyman license requirements.
• Get startup funding for your handyman business.
• Decide which handyman services to offer.
• Define your business’s ideal customers.
• Set prices for your handyman services.
• Register your handyman business.
• Get small business insurance.
• Start marketing your handyman services.
• Plan to offer amazing customer service.
• Hire other handymen as employees.

For an in-depth look at the ins and outs of starting your own handyman business—including getting your financing, buying equipment, and hiring staff—check out our comprehensive guide.

READ MORE: Best apps for handyman businesses

Does a handyman license in South Carolina increase your earning potential? 

While you don’t need a license to be a handyman in South Carolina, a general contractor license can increase your earning potential because you can take on bigger jobs valued over $5K.

Starting out as a handyman in South Carolina, you can expect to earn $40K per year. Over time, this can grow to well over $50K per year as you gain experience.

If you’re interested in learning more about this lucrative, flexible industry and what the financial prospects are across the country, check out our Essential Handyman Salary Guide and identify where you can put this in-demand skill set to use.