Licensing Guides
South Carolina Plumbing License: How to Become a Plumber in South Carolina
Plumbing, SC
Table of Contents
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in South Carolina
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in South Carolina
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in South Carolina
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in South Carolina?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in South Carolina?
Does My South Carolina Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in South Carolina?
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in South Carolina?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in South Carolina?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and South Carolina employs 5,480 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 plumbers to the ranks across the country. In South Carolina, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is 5% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in South Carolina in August 2024 totaled 124,300, an increase of 6,200 (5.2%) from August 2023 and an increase of 17,600 or 16% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. South Carolina has strict, statewide standards for working in the plumbing business beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in South Carolina
Is a license required for plumbers in South Carolina? Yes.
To work as a commercial or residential plumbing contractor in South Carolina, you must hold a state license. However, you don’t need a license when you start out as an entry-level plumber’s helper. You just need to work for a licensed plumbing contractor.
The state issues plumbing contractor licenses through two entities. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) oversees both. Its Contractor’s Licensing Board licenses commercial contractors, while the Residential Builders Commission licenses residential plumbers.
Types of Plumbers Licenses in South Carolina
What are the types of plumber licenses in South Carolina?
There are two statewide license classifications for plumbing contractors in South Carolina.
Commercial Mechanical Contractor: This license is required for anyone performing commercial plumbing over $5,000 and is issued by the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board. To qualify, you must pass a technical examination and Business Management and Law exam and document two years of experience within the last five years.
Residential Specialty Plumbing Contractor: This license is required for anyone performing residential installations and repairs that exceed $200. It is issued through the Residential Builders Commission. To qualify, you must pass a technical examination, Residential Business Management and Law exam, and document one year of experience within the last five years.
There are also certifications you can earn through the Municipal Association of South Carolina, but they do not satisfy the statewide licensing requirement. Some municipalities, however, may require these. These include the Journeyman and Master Plumber certifications. Note: You can’t work independently on commercial projects over $5,000 or residential projects over $200 without a state-issued contractor’s license. However, you can work under the supervision of a licensed contractor with a certification.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Commercial Mechanical Contractor License
Submit proof of at least 2 years of full-time work experience, performed within the past 5 years. If you don’t have the experience, you must employ a Qualifying Party who meets the experience requirements.
Register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Submit a financial statement detailing your net worth and total equity prepared by a CPA, or obtain a surety bond.
You or your Qualifying Party must pass the Commercial Contractor Plumbing exam and Business Management and Law exam via PSI. Note: A Master Plumber certification waives the exam portion of the application process.
Pay the $75 exam fee for each exam.
Pay $350 license fee by check or money order to the SCCLB.
Submit the license application.
Residential Specialty Plumbing Contractor License
Must have a driver’s license and Social Security card.
Register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Submit proof of at least one year of experience working for a plumbing contractor.
Must submit a notarized Verification of Lawful Presence form.
Submit a financial statement detailing your net worth and total equity prepared by a CPA, or obtain a surety bond.
Pass the Residential Plumbing exam and Business Management and Law exam via PSI. Note: A Master Plumber certification waives the exam portion of the application process.
Pay the $75 exam fee for each exam.
Pay $220 license fee by check or money order to the SCRBC.
Submit the license application.
Journeyman Plumber Certification
Obtain two full years of on-the-job plumbing experience. A two-year technical college degree in plumbing can count as one year.
Pass the licensing exam via Prov Exams.
Pay the $100 exam fee.
Complete the certification application.
Pay the $35 application fee.
Master Plumber Certification
Must obtain a Journeyman license and obtain four years of work experience.
Pass the licensing exam via Prov Exams.
Pay the $100 exam fee.
Complete the certification application.
Pay the $35 application fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in South Carolina
There is no age requirement in South Carolina to get started as a plumber. Nor is there a high school diploma or GED required for licensing, but you will need these if you choose to pursue a secondary degree or certificate.
Gain work experience through an entry-level position, earn a certificate or diploma through a community or technical college program, or join an apprenticeship program.
Register your business with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
Pass the Trade exam and Business Management and Law exam.
For either of the state-level licenses, you must demonstrate financial stability through either submitting a financial statement or surety bond.
Pay all application, exam, and license fees.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbers License in South Carolina
There are many benefits to getting your South Carolina plumbing license:
Most importantly, it is required by law in South Carolina to be licensed through the state to perform any residential plumbing work valued over $200 or commercial work valued over $5,000.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Plumber in South Carolina?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in South Carolina is $55,390, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In South Carolina those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $66,200
Senior (4-7 years): $71,700
Salaries can vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a plumbing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one plumbing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in South Carolina?
The cost to get started as a plumber is fairly low. Most people simply gain entry-level employment with a local plumbing company, and you’ll have the opportunity to earn while you learn. There are application and exam fees for licensing.
Commercial Mechanical Contractor: License fee: $350 | Examination fee: $150
Residential Specialty Plumbing Contractor: License fee: $220 | Examination fee: $150
Journeyman Plumber Certification: Certification fee: $35 | Examination fee: $100
Master Plumber Certification: Certification fee: $35 | Examination fee: $100
Advanced education is not required in the state, though it can count toward a portion of the experience requirement for certification. You may choose to attend a trade school before pursuing a plumbing certificate. Community College Review shows tuition at South Carolina community colleges on average is $5,692 per year for in-state students and $10,568 for out-of-state students.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in South Carolina
Follow these steps to obtain a plumbing license or certification in South Carolina.
GAIN WORK EXPERIENCE: First, gain the education and experience required for licensure. You can start in an entry-level job with an employer who will train you from scratch, or you can enroll in a certificate or degree program to prepare for the job market.
To apply for the Residential Plumbing license, you must show at least one year of work experience within the last five years. To apply for the Commercial Mechanical Contractor license, you must show at least two years of work experience within the last five years.
If you pursue certification through the Municipal Association of South Carolina to earn your Journeyman and eventually Master certification, because you don’t plan to work independently as a contractor, you must also meet minimum experience requirements.
For the Journeyman certification, submit documentation of two full years of plumbing experience. You may substitute one year of experience with a two-year degree from an accredited technical college. For Master testing, you must already hold a Journeyman certification and submit documentation of four full years of plumbing experience. If you can document 10 years of experience in the trade, you may waive the Journeyman requirement entirely and apply for a Master license.
APPLY FOR YOUR LICENSE: After you’ve met the work experience requirements, you can apply for your specific license.
Commercial Mechanical Contractor application - $350 fee
Residential Specialty Plumbing Contractor application - $220 fee
Master Plumber certification application - $35 fee
PROVIDE FINANCIAL STATEMENT: If pursuing a state-issued Contractor license, you must submit a financial statement prepared by a CPA. You also have the option to obtain a surety bond in place of a prepared financial statement.
REGISTER BUSINESS: Contractor applicants must also register their business with the South Carolina Secretary of State. Sole proprietors are exempt from this step.
TAKE EXAM: Contractor applicants must pass both the Trade and Business Management and Law Exams via PSI. Certificate candidates must pass a plumber exam via Prov Exams. You can find more information about the certificate exams in the Candidate Information Bulletin.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in South Carolina?
South Carolina has one of the fastest routes to a plumbing license. If you plan to work only on residential projects, you can apply for your state Residential Specialty Contractor License after only one year of work experience. To apply for the Commercial Mechanical Contractor license, you must show at least two years of work experience within the last five years.
To qualify for a Journeyman certificate, you need two years of work experience. Master candidates need four years of work experience. As a reminder, you can’t work independently with a certificate and must work for a licensed contractor.
South Carolina Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for a lot more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses, so they must know more than just the mechanics. They must know local plumbing regulations and the International Plumbing Code.
The two contractor licenses in South Carolina only require on-the-job experience. However, you can substitute one year of training for a plumbing certificate if you complete a two-year degree from a technical college or trade school.
There are several programs in South Carolina that offer plumbing certificates, as well as many other training programs to get the training you need to become a licensed plumber.
Some of the top training schools include:
Midlands Technical College in Columbia
Technical College of the LowCountry in Beaufort
Florence-Darlington Technical College in Florence
Apprenticeship: The SC Works program maintains a list of registered apprenticeships to help you gain experience. You can also gain experience by working for local employers or training with trade associations or unions, such as UA Local 412 in Charleston.
Any program should cover OSHA safety training, detailed instruction in chemistry, mathematics, physics, blueprint reading and drafting, project management, in-depth examination of state codes, and advanced training about water supply systems, sanitary drainage systems, water heaters, pipe assembly, appliances, backflow prevention, and plumbing fixtures.
Tuition: Apprenticeships may have some upfront costs of tuition and book fees, but the apprentice will be paid a percentage of the journeyman wage rate and will receive periodic wage increases as they meet program requirements. The cost of tuition at a vocational school or college depends on the program you choose, but can range from $2,000 at a community college to $40,000 at a state or private school for an associate degree or bachelor degree in engineering.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have some mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options in South Carolina, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in South Carolina.
South Carolina Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
The Residential Builders Commission administers the Residential Plumbing exam and the Business Management and Law exam. Both exams are administered by PSI and cost $75 each.
The Business Management and Law exam has 50 questions and a time limit of 120 minutes. It covers:
Business management
Licensing laws and rules
Estimating and bidding
Contracts and agreements
Project management
Insurance and bonding
Safety recordkeeping and reporting
Labor laws and employment regulations
Financial management
Tax laws
Liens
Environmental laws and regulations
The Residential Plumbing exam has 65 questions and a time limit of 180 minutes. It covers:
General plumbing knowledge and regulations
Piping, valves, and controls
Fixtures and equipment
Water supply
Drain, waste and vent and sewers
Isometric analysis
Safety
Specialty applications
The Contractor’s Licensing Board offers the Commercial Mechanical Contractor exam and the Business Management and Law exam.
The Contractor exam has 50 questions and a time limit of 125 minutes. It covers:
Business management
Estimating and bidding
Contracts and agreements
Project management
Insurance and bonding
Safety recordkeeping and reporting
Labor laws and employment regulations
Financial management
Tax laws
Liens
Environmental laws and regulations
The Plumber exam has 80 questions and a time limit of four hours. It covers:
ADA accessibility
General plumbing knowledge
General plumbing regulations
Hangers and supports
Materials
Joints and connections
Fixtures and equipment
Water heaters
Water supply and distribution
Backflow prevention
Sanitary drainage systems
Cleanouts
Indirect and special waste
Sanitary venting
Traps and interceptors
Storm piping systems
Plumbing - developed length
DWV isometric analysis (isometric based)
Water supply isometric analysis
Roof drain isometric analysis
Pipe assembly
Prov Exams administers the Municipal Association of South Carolina exams. The Candidate Information Bulletin explains the testing and application process for certification. The exams are based on the International Plumbing Code 2015, International Fuel Gas Code 2015, and Plumbing Basics for Contractors, 3rd Edition. The Master Plumber exam includes 100 questions and lasts four hours. The Journeyman Plumber exam also has 100 questions, but you have three hours to finish. Each exam costs $100.
Who Issues Plumbers Licenses in South Carolina?
Plumbing licenses are issued by the state through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. The Contractor’s Licensing Board licenses commercial contractors; the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission issues licenses for all residential work. The Municipal Association of South Carolina issues plumbing certifications.
Does My South Carolina Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
Yes. Both Tennessee and Ohio reciprocate the South Carolina Mechanical Contractor license.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in South Carolina?
South Carolina maintains reciprocal agreements with Ohio and Tennessee for the Mechanical Contractor license. Additionally, the Municipal Association of South Carolina Master Plumber certification also waives the state license examination requirement.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications), and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to South Carolina
You must renew your Residential Specialty Contractor license every two years for $160 and your Commercial Mechanical Contractor’s license every two years for $350.
The Municipal Association of South Carolina charges $20 annually to renew a Journeyman certification and $50 every two years to renew a Master certification. MASC sends a renewal notice 60 days before your certification card expires.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in South Carolina?
Yes, there are plumbing scholarships available in South Carolina. Options include:
Mechanical Contractors Association of South Carolina: Offers scholarships for students pursuing careers in trades, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical.
South Carolina Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship: This scholarship helps cover tuition, fees, and course-related materials for students enrolled in targeted workforce programs, including plumbing, at South Carolina technical colleges.
In addition to this scholarship, plumbing students in South Carolina can explore financial aid opportunities by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Submitting the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants like the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and work-study programs—all of which can help cover tuition, tools, and other training costs. Many South Carolina community colleges and trade programs also use FAFSA data to award institutional aid or state-based grants.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in South Carolina?
Your state licenses can be verified via the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation online portal. Click here for Residential and here for Commercial licenses.
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in South Carolina?
A suspended plumber’s license means that the plumber is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that a South Carolina plumbing licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Criminal convictions
Aiding unlicensed individuals
Failure to comply with regulations
Practicing on a lapsed license
Willful or repeated violations of regulations governing plumbing professionals
Licensees can also face disciplinary action if they fail to report changes in business or personal information to the board or fail to respond to an investigation or complaint.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about South Carolina plumbing license regulations you can refer to the South Carolina Code of Laws.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in South Carolina?
Performing plumbing work that requires a state-issued license can result in a fine up to $500 for a first violation and $1,000 for a second violation in five years.
The state may issue cease-and-desist orders, and violators can face disciplinary proceedings or even revocation or denial of licensure.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information about South Carolina plumbing license regulations you can refer to the South Carolina Code of Laws.
Continuing Education
There are no continuing education requirements for licensed plumbers in South Carolina at this time.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all Plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s Toolbox for the Trades podcast.
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