Construction / Plumber License / South Carolina
- South Carolina
- Plumber License
- Residential Specialty
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your South Carolina Residential Plumbing License
South Carolina licenses residential plumbing contractors through the Residential Builders Commission. This page covers who needs the license, the experience and bond you’ll need, both exams and how to apply.
Last updated October 27, 2026 from South Carolina Residential Builders Commission requirements
Application fee
$135
Plus $220 license fee and $94 PSI exam fee
Exam time
5 hrs
3 hrs trade + 2 hrs Business & Law
Time to get license
~1 yr
1 year of experience within the last 5 years
Continuing ed
Not required
No CE before renewal
Overview
Do you need a South Carolina plumber license?
Yes, if you bid on or do residential plumbing work over $5,000. South Carolina calls it a Residential Specialty Plumbing license, and you get it by passing a trade exam and a Business & Law exam.
License required when
- You bid on residential plumbing work worth more than $5,000
- You install, alter or repair water and natural gas piping in homes
- You work on sewage systems or water filter, purification and conditioning systems
- The building has 16 units or less and is no more than 3 stories tall
Common exceptions
- Residential plumbing jobs of $5,000 or less
- Buildings over 16 units or over 3 stories, which this license doesn’t cover
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our source doesn’t list penalty amounts. In general, the Residential Builders Commission can discipline licensees and act against people who contract without the required license, so get licensed before you bid on work over $5,000.
Your fast-track South Carolina plumber license checklist
The South Carolina application, one page
- 1 year of experience within the last 5 years
- Passing score on the Residential Plumbing exam
- Passing score on Business & Law
- $10,000 original surety bond (jobs over $5,000)
- Application and license fee
Types
South Carolina plumber license types and classifications
There’s one residential plumbing license for contractors in South Carolina. It covers homes and small residential buildings up to 16 units and 3 stories.
RES
Residential
Residential Plumbing Contractor
Install, alter and repair water and natural gas piping, sewage systems, and water filter, purification and conditioning systems, with related fixtures, vents and devices.
Exam
Trade + Business & Law
Limit
16 units, 3 stories
Requirements
South Carolina plumber license requirements, class by class
Here’s what you need for the residential plumbing license. The bond only applies if your jobs go over $5,000.
| Requirement | Residential Plumbing Contractor |
|---|---|
| Experience | 1 year under a residential builder or plumbing contractor, within the last 5 years |
| Trade exam | 65 questions, 44 correct to pass |
| Business & Law exam | 50 questions, 34 correct to pass |
| Surety bond | $10,000 original bond if construction cost exceeds $5,000 |
| Continuing ed | Not required |
| Minimum age | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your South Carolina plumber license, step by step
- Get your experienceBefore you apply
Work at least 1 year under a residential builder or plumbing contractor. It has to fall within the last 5 years. - Schedule your exams with PSIBefore you apply
Book the Residential Plumbing exam and the Residential Business Management & Law exam at PSI or call 855-340-3701. - Pass both examsExam day
The trade exam is 65 questions in 3 hours and you need 44 correct. Business & Law is 50 questions in 2 hours and you need 34 correct. - Get your surety bondAfter the exams
If your jobs exceed $5,000, buy a $10,000 surety bond. Send the original, signed by you, with the power of attorney attached and your name as principal. - Apply to the CommissionAfter you pass
Submit your application, license fee and bond to the Residential Builders Commission. Questions? Call 803-896-4696.
Exam
What to expect on the South Carolina plumber exam
You take two exams: the Residential Plumbing trade exam and Business Management & Law for Residential Contractors. Both are open book, so you can tab and highlight the approved references.
Format
Open book
Questions
65 + 50
Passing score
44 of 65; 34 of 50
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- Trade exam: 65 questions, 180 minutes, 44 correct to pass
- Trade topics: piping, valves and controls, fixtures, water supply, drain, waste and vent, isometrics, safety
- Business & Law: 50 questions, 120 minutes, 34 correct to pass
- Business & Law topics: licensing laws, estimating, contracts, insurance and bonding, liens, tax and labor laws
- References may be tabbed and highlighted
Retake policy
- Waiting period between attempts: Not stated
- Retake fee: Not stated
- Reschedule or retake through PSI at 855-340-3701
- You need a passing score before you submit your application
Exam references · Open book
The South Carolina Residential Plumbing exam and the Residential Business & Law exam are open book, and the approved references can be tabbed, highlighted and used during the test. The list below covers both exams.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| International Plumbing Code (IPC) | 2021 | Allowed in exam |
| International Residential Code (IRC) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings | 2018 | Allowed in exam |
| OSHA 1926 Construction Industry Regulations | Not stated | Allowed in exam |
| NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Residential Builders (South Carolina edition) — Business & Law exam | 8th edition | Allowed in exam |
Prep
Best South Carolina plumber exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a South Carolina plumber license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | Fixed | $135 |
| License fee | Fixed | $220 |
| PSI exam, both portions (trade + Business & Law) | Fixed | $94 |
| PSI exam, one portion only | Fixed | $78 |
| $10,000 surety bond (jobs over $5,000) | Variable | Premium varies |
| Code books for the open-book exams | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Both exam portions; excludes bond premium and code books | $449 |
Fees from the Residential Builders Commission fee schedule and the PSI candidate bulletin, checked October 2026.
Reciprocity
Does South Carolina accept out-of-state plumber licenses?
South Carolina has a reciprocity agreement for this license with one state. Confirm what it covers with the Commission before you apply.
North Carolina — reciprocity agreement
South Carolina lists a reciprocity agreement with North Carolina for residential plumbing. Ask the Residential Builders Commission which exams or steps it waives.
All other states — no agreement
Apply as a new applicant and pass both exams.
Local
Do South Carolina cities and counties have their own plumber licensing rules?
Your state license covers residential plumbing work across South Carolina, but cities and counties still handle permits and inspections.
State handles
- Residential plumbing licenses
- Exams, through PSI
- Surety bond requirements
- Discipline of licensees
City & county handle
- Plumbing permits
- Inspections
- Local business licenses
Governance
Who regulates plumbers in South Carolina
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues residential specialty licenses, including plumbing
- Reviews experience, exam results and bonds
- Renews licenses
- Disciplines licensees
Maintenance
How to renew your South Carolina plumber license and keep it active
South Carolina doesn’t require continuing education before you renew. The renewal fee is $220, with a $50 late fee. Check renewal timing with the Commission.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not required
Renewal fee
$220
Late penalty
$50
FAQ
South Carolina plumber license FAQs
Do I need a license for a small plumbing job in South Carolina?
Not for residential plumbing work of $5,000 or less. Above $5,000, you need a Residential Specialty Plumbing license.
How much experience do I need?
1 year working under a residential builder or plumbing contractor, within the last 5 years.
Are the South Carolina plumbing exams open book?
Yes. You can tab and highlight the approved references. You need 44 of 65 correct on the trade exam and 34 of 50 on Business & Law.
Do I need a bond?
Yes, if your jobs exceed $5,000. It’s a $10,000 original surety bond with the power of attorney attached, sent with your license fee after you pass.
Is continuing education required?
No. South Carolina doesn’t require CE before you renew this license.
Does South Carolina accept a North Carolina license?
South Carolina has a reciprocity agreement with North Carolina for this license. Ask the Residential Builders Commission what it waives.
Sources
Official sources for the South Carolina plumber license
- South Carolina Residential Builders Commission
- PSI, South Carolina licensing exams
- SC Residential Builders Commission, Licensure fees
- PSI, SC Residential Builders and Residential Specialty Candidate Information Bulletin (PDF)
Last updated October 27, 2026. Spot something out of date? Tell us.
Exam Insiders is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission.