Real Estate / Home Inspector License / South Carolina
- South Carolina
- Home Inspector
- NHIE + Business & Law
- Updated Oct 2026
How to Get Your South Carolina Home Inspector License
South Carolina home inspectors need 120 hours of approved education and two exams. This page walks through each requirement, both exams and how to apply with the Residential Builders Commission.
Last updated October 28, 2026 from South Carolina Residential Builders Commission requirements
Application fee
Not stated
Submit a notarized application to the Commission
Exam time
5 hrs
NHIE 240 min + Business & Law 120 min
Time to get license
Varies
120 hours of education, then two exams
Continuing ed
Not stated
Check renewal rules with the Commission
Overview
Do you need a South Carolina home inspector license?
Yes. The South Carolina Residential Builders Commission licenses home inspectors. You qualify with approved education and two exams: the NHIE and the South Carolina Residential Business Management and Law exam.
License required when
- You perform home inspections and report on a property’s condition
- You’re at least 18 with a high school diploma or GED
- You’ve completed 120 hours of Director-approved education
Common exceptions
- Our sources don’t list exemptions for South Carolina home inspectors
- Ask the Residential Builders Commission before relying on any exemption
Penalties for unlicensed work
Our sources don’t list specific penalties. The Commission licenses home inspectors and can act against people who inspect without a license, so get licensed before you take paid work.
Your fast-track South Carolina home inspector license checklist
The South Carolina application, one page
- Proof you’re 18 or older
- High school diploma or GED
- Certificate for 120 hours of approved education
- Passing NHIE and Business & Law scores
- Social Security card and driver’s license
- Notarized application
Types
South Carolina home inspector license types and classifications
South Carolina issues one home inspector license. Everyone meets the same education and exam requirements.
HI
Single license
Home Inspector
Inspect homes and report on structure, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, and more.
Exam
NHIE + SC Business & Law
Limit
Statewide
Requirements
South Carolina home inspector license requirements, class by class
Here’s everything the Commission asks for in one place.
| Requirement | Home Inspector |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Pre-licensing education | 120 hours approved by the Director |
| Exams | NHIE and SC Residential Business Management and Law |
| Application | Notarized |
| ID | Social Security card and driver’s license |
| Field experience | Not stated |
Steps
How to get your South Carolina home inspector license, step by step
- Complete 120 hours of approved educationBefore you apply
Coursework must cover heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical, structure, foundations, roof coverings, exterior and interior components, and site conditions. - Get pre-approved to testBefore you book
The testing agency requires pre-approval before you schedule. Contact PSI at (833) 333-4751 or book through PSI. - Pass the NHIEExam day
200 questions in 240 minutes, closed book. You need 500 points or more. - Pass the Business & Law examExam day
50 questions in 120 minutes, open book. You need 34 correct to pass. - Submit a notarized applicationApplication
Apply with the Residential Builders Commission with your Social Security card, driver’s license and proof of education.
Exam
What to expect on the South Carolina home inspector exam
You take two exams. The NHIE covers inspection knowledge and is closed book. The Business & Law exam covers running a business and is open book.
Format
NHIE closed book; B&L open book
Questions
200 + 50
Passing score
500+ NHIE; 34 of 50 B&L
Exam vendor
PSI
Scoring & content
- NHIE: 200 questions, 240 minutes, closed book, 500 points or above
- NHIE topics: site, exterior, roof, structure, ventilation, plumbing and fuel, interior
- Business & Law: 50 questions, 120 minutes, open book, 34 correct to pass
- B&L topics: licensing law, contracts, estimating, insurance and bonding, safety, taxes and liens
- B&L reference: NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Residential Builders (8th ed.)
Retake policy
- Retake rules aren’t stated in our sources
- Pre-approval is required before you schedule
- Ask PSI about waiting periods and fees: (833) 333-4751
Exam references · Varies
The National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) is closed book, but the South Carolina Residential Business Management and Law Exam is open book, so you can bring the approved reference below into that exam. The list covers the Business and Law exam only.
| Book | Edition | Use |
|---|---|---|
| NASCLA Contractor’s Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Residential Builders (South Carolina edition) — Business Management and Law exam | 8th edition | Allowed in exam |
Prep
Best South Carolina home inspector exam prep, compared
We haven’t compared prep courses for this exam yet.
Costs
How much does a South Carolina home inspector license cost?
| Item | Type | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| License application fee | Fixed | Not stated |
| NHIE exam fee | Fixed | Not stated |
| Business & Law exam fee | Fixed | Not stated |
| 120 hours of approved education | Variable | Varies |
| Reference book for the open-book exam | Variable | Varies |
| State fees and exams | Check current fees with the Commission and PSI | Not stated |
Education costs depend on the approved provider you choose.
Reciprocity
Does South Carolina accept out-of-state home inspector licenses?
Our sources don’t list any reciprocity agreements for South Carolina home inspector licenses.
No reciprocity agreements
None are listed in our sources, so plan to apply as a new applicant and meet the education and exam requirements.
Local
Do South Carolina cities and counties have their own home inspector licensing rules?
Home inspector licensing is handled at the state level in South Carolina. Local governments still handle the usual business rules.
State handles
- Home inspector licenses
- Approval of the 120 hours of education
- Exam requirements, including Business & Law
City & county handle
- Local business licenses, where your city or county requires one
- Zoning rules for your office location
Governance
Who regulates home inspectors in South Carolina
Oversight responsibilities
- Issues home inspector licenses
- Sets the 120-hour education requirement and its topics
- Requires the NHIE and the Residential Business Management and Law exam
- Reviews notarized applications
Maintenance
How to renew your South Carolina home inspector license and keep it active
Our sources don’t cover renewal cycles, fees or continuing education for South Carolina home inspectors. Check with the Residential Builders Commission before your license comes up for renewal.
Renewal cycle
Not stated
CE hours
Not stated
Renewal fee
Not stated
Late penalty
Not stated
FAQ
South Carolina home inspector license FAQs
What exams do South Carolina home inspectors take?
Two: the National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) and the South Carolina Residential Business Management and Law exam.
Is the Business & Law exam open book?
Yes. It has 50 questions, a 120-minute limit, and you need 34 correct. The NHIE is closed book.
How many hours of education do I need?
120 hours of education approved by the Director, covering systems like heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical, structure and roofing.
How old do I have to be?
At least 18, with a high school diploma or GED.
How do I apply?
Send a notarized application to the Residential Builders Commission with your Social Security card, driver’s license, education and exam results. Call 803-896-4696 with questions.
Is continuing education required?
Our sources don’t say. Check with the Residential Builders Commission before you renew.
Sources
Official sources for the South Carolina home inspector license
- South Carolina Residential Builders Commission
- PSI, home inspector exam scheduling
- National Home Inspector Examination (NHIE) content outline
- NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, Residential Builders, 8th Edition
Last updated October 28, 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.