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How to get a plumber license in South Carolina

Hours, exam, fees, renewal and continuing education for South Carolina plumbing licenses, pulled from official SC sources and checked .

Quick answer
  • Licensing body: South Carolina Residential Builders Commission (LLR) — residential plumber; Contractor’s Licensing Board for commercial mechanical
  • State journeyman license: No (South Carolina does not issue a statewide journeyman plumber card. The Residential Builders Commission licenses Residential Plumbers (RBP). Commercial mechanical/plumbing contractors are under the CLB.)
  • Residential Plumber (RBP): At least one year of Commission-approved experience under a licensee in the plumbing trade before exam eligibility. Apply to the Commission first; work experience must be verified before PSI eligibility.
  • Exam: see below, via PSI (after Commission eligibility letter)
  • Code edition: Residential plumber technical exam (65 questions, 67.7% to pass) plus Business Management and Law (scale 68). Confirm PSI bulletin references after Commission approval.

Requirements by license

Residential Plumber (RBP)

ExperienceAt least one year of Commission-approved experience under a licensee in the plumbing trade before exam eligibility. Apply to the Commission first; work experience must be verified before PSI eligibility.Source: llr.sc.gov · as of · License page: llr.sc.gov
ExamPSI (after Commission eligibility letter). Two parts: plumbing technical (65 MC, 67.7%) and Business Management and Law (50 MC, scale 68). Exam fees paid to PSI. Technical exam may be waived for eligible NC/MS licenses, SC mechanical PB, or MASC/CAGC master plumber certification paths — Business & Law still required.Source: llr.sc.gov · as of
Fees
  • Application fee: $135
  • License fee: $220
  • Renewal fee: $220
  • Renewal late fee: $50
  • Reinstatement fee: $480
Source: llr.sc.gov · as of
RenewalBiennial (Commission schedule). Renew for $220; late fee $50. Lapsed under 3 years: reinstatement; over 3 years: reapply and retest. Confirm the exact odd/even year deadline on your wallet card / LLR portal.Source: llr.sc.gov · as of
CE to renewNo fixed CE-hour requirement listed on the Residential Plumber license/fee pages we checked. Confirm with the Commission when you renew.Source: llr.sc.gov · as of

License types in South Carolina

  • Residential Plumber (RBP)
  • Commercial mechanical contractor – plumbing (CLB)
  • Municipal Association / CAGC master plumber certifications (exam-waiver paths)
Source: llr.sc.gov · as of

Reciprocity (licensed in another state?)

Technical exam waiver paths include qualifying licenses from North Carolina or Mississippi (and other listed paths on the plumber page). Business Management and Law exam and experience still apply.Source: llr.sc.gov · as of

What we couldn't confirm yet

We only publish what we can tie to an official source. These items aren't published anywhere we could verify, so ask the office listed:

FAQ

Does South Carolina have a statewide journeyman plumber license?

No. The Residential Builders Commission licenses Residential Plumbers (RBP). Commercial plumbing over $10,000 goes through the Contractor’s Licensing Board.

What experience does an SC residential plumber need?

At least one year of Commission-approved experience under a licensee, then PSI technical + Business & Law exams.

Already licensed? See South Carolina plumber license renewal & CE requirements.

Other states

Compare every state side by side: license requirements by state · renewal & CE by state.