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

Do you need a plumbing license in South Carolina?

Yes, the state of South Carolina requires that you have a plumbing license to perform any kind of plumbing work. The South Carolina Residential Builders Commission and the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation oversee residential and commercial plumbing licensing in South Carolina. 

It’s illegal to install sanitary plumbing without a certificate from the local board of plumbing examiners that proves you’re qualified to do so.

Here are the types of work that plumbers need licensing to do:

• Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
• Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets, using hand or power tools.
• Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
• Direct helpers engaged in pipe cutting, preassembly, or installation of plumbing systems or components.

If you don’t have a license, you’ll be limited to unclogging pipes and making small repairs.

Types of plumbing licenses in South Carolina

The type of license you need will depend on the type of work you would like to do. South Carolina offers two licenses: 

• Residential-Only Plumbers License
• Residential Specialty Contractor License

The difference is that the Residential-Only Plumbers License allows you to work exclusively on plumbing systems in residential buildings and projects valued below $5,000.

Meanwhile, the Residential Specialty Contractor License allows you to perform residential and commercial plumbing work valued above $5,000. 

Note: License holders of the Residential Specialty Contractor License in South Carolina must possess a Mechanical Contractor License to perform commercial work valued over $5,000. A Mechanical Contractor License is broader in scope and also allows an individual to perform a wider range of mechanical work beyond just plumbing.

The South Carolina Residential Builders Commission and the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation allow the following work for each plumbing license types:

License Types	Description
Residential-Only Plumbers License	License holders may install and repair plumbing systems in residential buildings only, as well as complete related plumbing work such as installing fixtures, gas piping, water supply lines, and pumps.
Residential Specialty Contractor License	License holders may install, repair, and service plumbing systems in residential buildings, as well as commercial buildings.
Mechanical Contractor License	License holders may perform mechanical work on residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

South Carolina plumbing license requirements

To earn your plumbing license and start working, you need to meet all the requirements listed by the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission and the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. 

Here are the requirements for each type of license:

License Type	Requirements
Residential-Only Plumbers License	• Written and passed a Technical exam and the SC Business Management & Law exam for Commercial Contractors.  • Have at least one year of supervised work experience from a licensed plumber.
Residential Specialty Contractor License	• Written and passed the technical exam and the SC Business Management & Law exam for Commercial Contractors.  • Have at least 2 years of work experience in the last 5 years.

How do I get a plumbing license in South Carolina?

There are two licenses you can get to start working in the South Carolina plumbing industry. Follow these steps to get your desired plumbing license:

Residential-Only Plumbers License: 

1. Complete and document at least one year of work experience. 
2. Write and pass the Technical exam and the SC Business Management & Law exam for Commercial Contractors and pay the exam fee. 
3. Complete and submit the application form and pay the application fee. 

Residential Specialty Plumbers License: 

1. Complete and document at least 2 years of work experience in the last 5 years. 
2. Write and pass the Technical exam and the SC Business Management & Law exam for Commercial Contractors and pay the exam fee. 
3. Complete and submit the application form and pay the application fee. 
4. Complete and submit a credit report.

All forms and documents can be mailed to the following address or online here: 

South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation

Synergy Business Park; Kingstree Building

110 Centerview Dr.

Columbia, South Carolina 29210

South Carolina plumbing license exam

In order to become a licensed plumber in South Carolina, you must complete the following exams: 

1. The Technical exam 
2. The SC Business Management & Law exam for Commercial Contractors

The Technical exam for Commercial Contractors in South Carolina focuses on fields such as electricity, heating/ventilation/air conditioning, and plumbing, while the SC Business Management & Law Exam covers areas such as insurance, labor laws, taxes, and contracts. 

Both exams have 65 multiple-choice questions, and applicants need a score of 44/65 or higher to pass.

More exam information can be found on page 3 of the Candidate Information Bulletin.

There’s also a South Carolina Plumber Exam Course that includes all the information you need to pass the exam and become a certified plumber, including:

• Highlighting Guides
• Practice Exams
• Math and Calculations
• Study Tips
• Licensing Information
• Instructor Support

You can register for your exams here.

Does South Carolina reciprocate plumbing licenses?

If you are licensed as a plumbing applicator in a different state, you may be able to receive a reciprocal license in South Carolina. 

A reciprocity license for plumbers is a type of license agreement between two or more states. It allows licensed plumbers from one state to obtain a license to work in another state without having to go through a second licensing process.

South Carolina currently reciprocates plumbing licenses with these states:

• Alabama
• Georgia
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• North Carolina
• Reading, Pennsylvania (city only)
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah

Find out more about getting your reciprocity license in South Carolina.

How much is a plumbing license in South Carolina?

The cost to become a plumbing applicator in South Carolina depends on the type of licenses you need. You can expect to pay about $210 to get started, and between $110 and $220 for each renewal period.

Here’s how the main costs break down:

License Type	Costs
Residential-Only Plumbers License	• Application fee: $135 • Exam Fee: $75 • Renewal fee: $110-$220*
Residential Specialty Contractor License	• Application fee: $135 • Exam Fee: $75 • Renewal fee: $110-$220*

* Renewal fees are as follows: $220 if the license is issued on or between July 1, even-numbered year to June 30, odd-numbered year. The fee is $110 if the license is issued on or between July 1, odd-numbered year to June 30, even-numbered year. 

Simply: It’s $220 for even-numbered years and $110 for odd-numbered years.

South Carolina plumbing license renewal

South Carolina requires that all plumbing license holders have an up-to-date license status. 

The Residential Specialty Plumbers License and Residential-Only License both expire on June 30th of every odd-numbered year. You have 90 days to renew your license after its expiration.

You can renew your license(s) and find out if the renewal period has ended here.

What happens if my plumbing license expires? 

Working with an expired plumbing license in South Carolina can result in fines between $500–$5,000, one year of probation and community service, or even criminal penalties—depending on the severity of the infraction.

You might also lose your license(s) if you’re found guilty of operating without the requisite licenses.

If you suspect your license has expired, or will expire soon, stop performing any plumbing work and renew your license.

Requirements for business owners

Getting your South Carolina plumbing license is a great first step that will benefit your financial future. To take your career to the next level, you can start your own plumbing business. 

If you’re thinking of starting your business, here are the 12 steps on how to start a business in South Carolina: 

1. Develop an idea

2. Do the research

3. Draft a business plan

4. Secure funding

5. Decide on a legal business entity

6. Register your business

7. Acquire federal and state tax IDs

8. Open business banking and credit accounts

9. Get the necessary licenses and permits

10. Choose a location

11. Get insured

12. Develop an internet presence

Now, you’re ready to start your plumbing career in South Carolina! If you need to, refer back here for more information about plumbing licenses or business support.

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

Yes, a plumbing license in South Carolina can increase your earning potential. On average, plumbers in South Carolina start at ​​$33,119 annually and can climb to $46,105.  

Having a license lets you take on more complex projects and access higher-paying job opportunities. Plus, with higher licensing credentials, you may be able to negotiate better rates with clients.If you want to learn more about your earning potential, check out our Essential Plumbing Salary Guide.