South Carolina Plumbing License: How to Become a Certified 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:

• Pipe assembly: Assemble pipe sections, tubing, or fittings using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing, or welding equipment.
• Installation of plumbing components: Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances such as dishwashers or water heaters, or fixtures such as sinks or toilets using hand or power tools.
• Leak detection: Fill pipes or plumbing fixtures with water or air and observe pressure gauges to detect and locate leaks.
• Supervision of helpers: 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 plumbing repairs.

Types of plumbing licenses in South Carolina

The type of license you need will depend on the cost of the projects you’re working on. South Carolina offers two licenses: 

• Residential Specialty Contractor Plumbing License
• Mechanical Contractor License

The Residential Specialty Contractor Plumbing License allows you to perform residential and commercial plumbing work valued up to $10,000. 

License holders of the Residential Specialty Contractor Plumbing License in South Carolina must possess a Mechanical Contractor License to perform commercial work valued over $10,000. 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:

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 state license:

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 Specialty Contractor Plumbing License: 

• Complete and document at least one year of work experience in the last 5 years under the supervision of a licensed plumber. 
• Write and pass the Technical exam and the SC Business Management & Law exam for Commercial Contractors and pay the exam fee. 
• Complete and submit the application form and pay the application fee. 

Mechanical Contractor: 

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

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

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: 

• The technical plumbing exam 
• The SC Business Management & Law exam for Commercial Contractors

The technical exam for plumbers in South Carolina focuses on fields such as general plumbing knowledge, water supply and distribution, storm piping, pipe assembly, valves, and plumbing regulations. There are 80 questions on the exam and you need to answer at least 56 questions correctly to pass (70%).

The SC Business Management & Law Exam covers areas such as financial management, insurance, labor laws, taxes, environmental regulations, and contracts. It has 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 35 correctly to pass (70%).

More exam information can be found in 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.

READ MORE: How to price plumbing jobs: An easy formula to create fast estimates

Does my South Carolina plumbing license work in any other states?

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 $135 to get started with an application, and  between $220-$350 for obtaining your license and for each renewal period moving forward.

Here’s how the main costs break down:

South Carolina plumbing license renewal

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

The Residential Specialty Contractor Plumbers License and Mechanical Contractor License need to be renewed every two years.  You have 90 days to renew your license after its expiration or you run the risk of requiring reinstatement, which comes with a higher fee.

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.

READ MORE: 40 best professional plumbing tools for all jobs (with prices)

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.

Originally published in May 2023. Last updated on November 4, 2024.