Licensing Guides
South Carolina HVAC License: How to Become an HVAC Contractor in South Carolina
HVAC, SC
March 3rd, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in South Carolina
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in South Carolina?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an HVAC License in South Carolina?
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in South Carolina?
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in South Carolina
Does My South Carolina HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in South Carolina
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in South Carolina?
Learning a trade requires hard work and determination. You can’t rush the process, but the time you put into learning how to be an HVACR technician or contractor can lead to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. There are 425,200 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and South Carolina employs 6,370 of them. Employment is projected to grow 8% from 2024 to 2034 throughout the country, adding 34,500 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In South Carolina, that growth rate also is expected to be at 8%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
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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 industry employment in South Carolina in July 2025 totaled 124,300, an increase of 6,200 (5.2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 17,600 (16%) from February 2020. If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
A large part of what HVAC contractors and technicians do is replace and repair existing systems. As more emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and reducing pollution, HVAC systems need to be retrofitted, upgraded, or replaced entirely to remain compliant with these new standards. Licensing requirements for HVAC contractors vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. South Carolina has statewide licensure requirements for commercial and residential HVAC contractors.
Licensing Requirements for HVAC Contractors in South Carolina
Is a license required to work as an HVAC/mechanical professional in South Carolina? Yes, but only if you are an HVAC contractor. The state does not license HVAC technicians, but they must work for a licensed contractor.
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation oversees the Contractor’s Licensing Board which licenses commercial contractors, and the Residential Builders Commission, which licenses residential contractors.
In addition, contractors must check with the cities or counties where they plan to work to ensure they meet local business licensing or permitting requirements.
Types of HVAC Licenses in South Carolina
What are the different types of HVAC/mechanical licenses in South Carolina? There are two types of HVAC contractor licenses.
Mechanical Contractor License — A mechanical contractor is an entity that offers, performs, or supervises the installation, replacement, or repair of mechanical work. Mechanical Contractor License subclassifications include:
Air Conditioning
Electrical
Heating
Lightning Protection Systems
Packaged Equipment
Plumbing
Pressure and Process Piping
Refrigeration
Residential Specialty HVAC Contractor License — A residential specialty contractor is an independent contractor who contracts with a licensed residential builder, general contractor, or individual property owner to perform work related to the license specialty.
HVAC work includes the installation, replacement, alteration, or repair of heating and cooling systems, ventilation systems, liquid fuel piping and tanks (except liquid propane gas), water and gas piping from service and heating circuits and air handling systems, including gas-fired furnaces and space heaters, and factory assembled single-package units and split-type direct expansion equipment, including heat pumps.
Specific requirements must be met to qualify for licensure.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Designate a Primary Qualifying Party (PQP) for each license subclassification. The PQP must have at least two years of work experience or completed an apprenticeship program from the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) Academy of North Carolina.
The PQP for each subclassification must schedule, take, and pass the South Carolina Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors exam and technical exam with PSI. The business management and law exam costs $75. A technical exam costs either $60 or $75, depending on the exam.
Submit a mechanical contractor license application to the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board. Submit the following with your application:
Verification to conduct business from the South Carolina Secretary of State (not required for a sole proprietorship).
Financial statement or surety bond for the requested group limitation. There are five groups, each with limits on bid and job cost, working capital, net worth/total equity, and surety bond requirement. These figures are found under the “license group limits” tab on the contractor licensure page.
Completed PQP initial application and exam pass sheets.
The $350 initial license fee.
Residential Specialty HVAC Contractor License
Have at least one year of experience in HVAC work.
Submit a residential specialty contractor application to the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission. Submit the following with your application:
A copy of your credit report.
The $100 application fee.
Schedule, take, and pass the exam with PSI. The exam cost is $100.
After you pass the exam, submit your test results, a $10,000 surety bond (if the total cost of work exceeds $5,000), and the $220 license fee.
Steps to Get an HVAC License in South Carolina
To become a commercial mechanical contractor, designate a Primary Qualifying Party (PQP) for each license subclassification. The PQP must have at least two years of work experience or completed an apprenticeship program from the Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) Academy of North Carolina.
The PQP for each subclassification must pass the South Carolina Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors exam and technical exam with PSI.
Submit a mechanical contractor license application to the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board.
With the application, submit a verification to conduct business from the South Carolina Secretary of State (unless you are a sole proprietor), a financial statement or surety bond for the requested group limitation, a completed PQP initial application, exam pass sheets, and the $350 initial license fee.
Receive mechanical contractor license.
Renew license by Oct. 31 in odd-numbered years. Renewal cost is $135.
To become a residential HVAC contractor, have at least one year of work experience in HVAC.
Submit an application to the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission.
With your application, submit a copy of your credit report and the $100 application fee.
Schedule, take, and pass the residential HVAC exam with PSI.
After you pass the exam, submit your test results, a $10,000 surety bond (if the total cost of work exceeds $5,000), and the $220 license fee to the Residential Builders Commission.
Receive your residential HVAC contractor license.
Renew the license by June 30 in odd-numbered years. Renewal cost is $220.
Benefits of Getting an HVAC License in South Carolina
There are many benefits to getting your South Carolina HVAC contractor license.
Most importantly, South Carolina law requires commercial and residential HVAC contractors to obtain a license to perform heating, ventilation, and air conditioning work.
A South Carolina HVAC contractor license is proof to homeowners of your experience and skill.
Only licensed HVAC contractors can operate a business and advertise HVAC services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, and 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.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an HVAC Technician in South Carolina?
The annual mean wage for HVAC mechanics and installers in South Carolina is $55,010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An HVAC technician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median HVAC technician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.44% for entry-level workers, 3.46% for intermediate level, 3.62% for senior level HVAC professionals, and 3.53% for supervisors. In South Carolina, those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $51,200
Intermediate (2-4 years): $62,200
Senior (4-7 years): $73,000
Supervisor (>7 years): $85,900
The meaning of a “mean” and “median salary” can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
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. If you choose to start an HVAC business, this blog can give you an idea of what you can expect to make and what factors will influence that number.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an HVAC technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one HVAC 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 average tickets.
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 an HVAC License in South Carolina?
The cost to become an HVAC technician or contractor in South Carolina is fairly low. If you start as an apprentice, programs have different tuition costs, books fees, and tool fees, but much of the costs are absorbed by your employer or union. The state does not require licenses for HVAC apprentices or techs.
The application and initial license fee for commercial HVAC contractors is $350. There are additional fees for the Primary Qualifying Party, such as PSI exam fees. It costs $75 for the business management and law exam and $60 or $75 for each technical exam.
The residential specialty contractor application fee is $100. The exam with PSI costs $100. The license fee is $220. In addition, both commercial and residential contractors will have additional costs relating to obtaining a surety bond and other business requirements.
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How to Get an HVAC License in South Carolina
An HVAC career path refers to your advancement as you develop your HVAC skills and experience. In South Carolina, becoming an HVAC contractor isn’t fast, but it is straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: The work experience varies based on the type of contractor license. A commercial mechanical contractor license requires the primary qualifying party (PQP) for each subclassification to have two years of work experience. A residential specialty contractor must have at least one year of work experience.
TAKE COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR LICENSING EXAM: If you are applying for a commercial mechanical or general contractor license, the PQP must schedule, take, and pass the business management and law exam and the technical exam for their specific subclassification. Cost is $75 for the business management and law exam and $60 or $75 for the technical exam, depending on the type of exam. The Contractor’s Licensing Board provides exam information in its “How to Schedule an Exam” tab on its contractor licensure page.
APPLY FOR COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE: After the PQP passes the appropriate exams, submit a mechanical contractor license application to the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board. Submit the following with your application:
Verification to conduct business from the South Carolina Secretary of State (not required for a sole proprietorship).
Financial statement or surety bond for the requested group limitation. The board lists extensive information about these requirements under its “License Group Limits,” “Financial Statements,” and “Surety Bonds” tabs on its contractor licensure page.
Completed PQP initial application and exam pass sheets.
The $350 initial license fee.
APPLY FOR RESIDENTIAL SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR LICENSE: If you are applying for a residential specialty HVAC contractor license, submit an application to the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission online or download and complete a paper application. Submit a copy of your credit report and the $100 application fee with the application.
TAKE RESIDENTIAL HVAC EXAM: Once your application is approved, schedule, take, and pass the residential HVAC exam with PSI. The exam cost is $100. The commission provides more information about exams on its residential HVAC contractor instruction page. PSI also provides a candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
APPLY FOR RESIDENTIAL HVAC CONTRACTOR LICENSE: After you pass the exam, submit your test results, a $10,000 surety bond (if the total cost of work exceeds $5,000), and the $220 license fee.
The Contractor’s Licensing Board has a FAQ page with answers to questions about mechanical contractor licensing. The Residential Builders Commission provides a FAQ page with answers to frequently asked questions about becoming licensed as a residential HVAC contractor.
Check out our blog post to learn about the 11 Key HVAC Skills Every Technician Should Have. If you choose to pursue owning your own business, you’ll need to stay on top of the changing regulations.
How Long Does it Take to Get an HVAC Contractors License in South Carolina?
The state does not license HVAC technicians, so there are no minimum work experience requirements for techs. However, if you start as an HVAC apprentice, it typically takes four to five years to complete an apprenticeship. To become a contractor, the amount of work experience depends on the type of license. It takes one year of experience to become a residential HVAC contractor and two years of work experience to become the primary qualifying party for a commercial HVAC contractor.
The great news is that if you start as an apprentice, you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own HVAC business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want.
South Carolina HVAC Training Programs and Schools
Since the state of South Carolina does not have HVAC tech requirements, you may not choose to get a postsecondary degree.
There are currently two main organizations that approve HVACR programs and schools nationwide: HVAC Excellence and the Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA). HVAC Excellence has two accredited programs in South Carolina, Central Carolina Technical College in Sumter and Greenville Technical College in Greenville. PAHRA does not have any accredited programs in South Carolina.
Niche provides a list of the best trade schools with HVAC and refrigeration engineering technician degrees in South Carolina.
Tuition: Tuition at South Carolina Community Colleges is assessed based on residency and class load. Costs vary based on the community college’s tuition schedule. In-state tuition ranges from $175 to $257 per credit hour and out-of-state tuition ranges from $217 to $423 per credit hour.
Apprenticeship: Many apprenticeship program opportunities for HVACR work exist in South Carolina. The state offers pre-apprenticeships to help applicants succeed in apprenticeships, including an HVAC technician/service installer apprenticeship.
Other apprenticeship opportunities include:
Apprentice positions on job listing sites such as Indeed or ZipRecruiter
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about HVAC school options in South Carolina, check out our Ultimate Guide to HVAC Schools in South Carolina.
South Carolina HVAC Mechanical Licensing Exam Details
In South Carolina, the primary qualifying party for commercial mechanical contractors and residential HVAC contractors must pass exams. The exams are administered by PSI and are open book with approved references.
The primary qualifying party for commercial mechanical contractors must schedule, take, and pass exams before applying for the license. The contractor must have a primary qualifying party for each subclassification. The business management and law exam costs $75. The cost for technical exams for HVAC-related subclassifications include:
Air conditioning: $60
Heating: $75
Packed equipment: $60
Pressure and process piping: $75
Refrigeration: $75
The commercial exams may be taken only two times in a 12-month period. After that, they may be taken once every six months.
Residential HVAC contractors must first submit an application and obtain approval before scheduling and taking the exam. The residential HVAC contractor exam costs $100. The exam is open book with approved references. Candidates are allowed three attempts to pass within a 12-month period.
How Can I Prepare for the HVAC License Exam in South Carolina?
The Contractor’s Licensing Board provides exam information on its “How to Schedule an Exam” tab on its contractor licensure page. The Residential Builders Commission provides information about exams on its residential HVAC contractor instruction page.
PSI also provides detailed information in its commercial contractor candidate information bulletin and its residential specialty exam candidate information bulletin with detailed exam information.
For commercial mechanical contractors, the air conditioning exam consists of 80 questions and a four-hour time limit. A passing score is at least 56 correct answers. Subject areas include:
General piping
General tubing
Pipe assembly
Piping systems
Drain piping
Valves
Piping specialties
Pumps
Piping insulation
Hangers and supports
Mechanical sound, vibration, and seismic control
Water treatment for mechanical systems
Heating and cooling principles
Refrigerants
Load calculations
Heating and cooling equipment
Air compressors
Testing, adjusting, and balancing
HVACR control fundamentals
Control schematics and wiring diagrams
HVACR control systems
Machine room
Air conditioning systems
Heat pumps
Furnaces/warm air heating equipment
Specialized heaters
Chimneys, flues, vents, and vent connectors
Combustion air
General fuel knowledge
Natural gas
LP gas
General duct systems knowledge and principles
Duct conversions/equivalencies
Mechanical sheet metal devices/systems
Duct system components
Metal ducts
Fiberglass ducts
Filtering systems
Ventilation, equipment, and devices
Exhaust systems
Safety
The heating exam has 50 questions and a three-hour time limit. A passing score is at least 35 correct answers. Subject areas include:
Code compliance
Heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation (HARV) general
HARV controls
HARV load calculation
Fuel gas systems
Piping
Ducts
Boilers, low pressure
Boilers, high pressure
The packaged-equipment exam has 80 questions and a four-hour time limit. A passing score is at least 56 correct answers. Subject areas include:
General piping
General tubing
Pipe assembly
Piping systems
Drain piping
Valves
Piping insulation
Hangers and supports
Mechanical sound, vibration, and seismic control
Heating and cooling principles
Refrigerants
Load calculations
Heating and cooling equipment
Testing, adjusting, and balancing
HVACR control fundamentals
Control schematics and wiring diagrams
HVACR control systems
Machine room
Air conditioning systems
Heat pumps
Furnaces/warm air heating equipment
Chimneys, flues, vents, and vent connectors
Combustion air
General Fuel Knowledge
Natural gas
General duct systems knowledge and principles
Duct conversion/equivalencies
Mechanical sheet metal devices/systems
Duct system components
Metal ducts
Fiberglass ducts
Filtering systems
Ventilation equipment and devices
Exhaust systems
General electrical knowledge
Requirements for electrical installations
Electrical/electronic fundamentals
Safety
Fire rated construction
General plan reading
The pressure and process piping exam has 50 questions and a two-hour time limit. A passing score is at least 35 correct answers. Subject areas include:
Joining methods
Pipe fitting
Safety
Reading drawings
Codes
Materials and components
Process equipment
Insulation
Pipe supports
Line labeling
The refrigeration exam has 50 questions and a three-hour time limit. A passing score is at least 35 correct answers. Subject areas include:
Code compliance
Heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, and ventilation (HARV) general
HARV maintenance
HARV controls
Piping, general
Piping, dimensioning, and design
Safety
The residential HVAC examination consists of 80 questions and a 240-minute time limit. A passing score is at least 52 correct answers. Subject areas include:
Insulation
Hangers and supports
Sound, vibration, and seismic control
Heating and cooling principles
Refrigerants
Load calculations
Testing, adjusting, and balancing
Controls
A/C and heat pump equipment
Furnaces and heaters
Chimneys, flues, and vents
Combustion air
Ducts
Ventilation and exhausts
Safety
Fuel gas
LP gas
Fuel oil
Piping
For the commercial mechanical contractor license, the business management and law has 50 questions and a 125-minute time limit. A passing score is at least 35 correct answers. For the residential HVAC contractor license, the time limit is 120 minutes and a passing score is 34 correct answers.
Subject areas for both licenses include:
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
Who Issues HVAC Licenses in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board issues licenses for commercial contractors, including mechanical contractors. The South Carolina Residential Builders Commission issues licenses for residential and residential specialty contractors, including residential HVAC contractors. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation oversees the board and commission.
The Contractor’s Licensing Board may be contacted by phone at (803) 896-4686 or by email at Contact.CLB@llr.sc.gov. The Residential Builders Commission may be reached by phone at (803) 896-4696 or by email at Contact.RBC@llr.sc.gov. The address for both is 110 Centerview Drive, Columbia SC 29210.
Does My South Carolina HVAC License Work in Any Other State?
No. However, if you hold a commercial South Carolina Mechanical Contractor License, you may be eligible for a technical exam waiver in certain states. The following states accept these South Carolina technical exams:
Alabama: Air conditioning and heating
Louisiana: Air conditioning and heating
North Carolina: Air conditioning, heating, and packaged equipment
Ohio: Packaged equipment
Tennessee: Air conditioning and refrigeration
Texas: Air conditioning, heating, packaged equipment, and refrigeration
In addition, those who passed the master mechanical exam with the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) also may obtain a technical exam waiver for air conditioning, heating, refrigeration, and packaged equipment exams.
You’ll still need to follow the state’s licensing process and meet licensing requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an HVAC License in South Carolina?
Those with an HVAC or mechanical contractor’s license in the states listed above may be eligible for a technical exam waiver for a mechanical contractor license in South Carolina.
The Residential Builder’s Commission has reciprocal agreements with Alabama, North Carolina, and Mississippi for the South Carolina Residential HVAC License. This means if you hold a license in these states you may be eligible for a technical exam waiver. In addition, those who passed the master mechanical exam with the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) also may obtain a technical exam waiver
Applicants will still need to pass the South Carolina business management and law exam and follow the application process.
HVAC Specific Requirements: EPA Certification
Throughout the country, including in South Carolina, federal-level EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require that technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified. EPA Section 608 HVAC Certification is required for any professional who conducts refrigerant line-pressure tests or handles or adds refrigerant to existing air conditioning systems.
Most training programs can direct you to how and where to get that certification, or your employer will require you to get it before handling refrigerant. You can also go to EPA.gov and key in 608 Certification in the search bar to find out which institutions in your state offer certification programs. All apprenticeships will include this preparation and testing.
Take Certification Exam: You must acquire your EPA Certification from an approved organization. A list of these organizations can be found on the EPA’s website. There are four types of EPA Certifications for Refrigerants. They allow for different levels of certification for different scopes of work.
Type I – For servicing small appliances containing five pounds of refrigerant or less.
Type II – For servicing high-pressure units that contain five pounds or more of refrigerant (including most small commercial and residential systems).
Type III – For servicing or disposing of low-pressure appliances.
Universal – For servicing all systems and appliances covered under Types I, II, and III. Generally, this is more useful than targeting any one specific certification.
Core Exam
For all certifications, you must pass the “Core Section” of the EPA certification exam. It covers the following topics:
Ozone depletion
Clean Air Act and the Montreal Protocol
Section 608 regulations
Substitute refrigerants and oils
Refrigeration
The Three R’s (Recover, Recycle, Reclaim)
Recovery techniques
Dehydration evacuation
Safety
Shipping
National HVAC Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. North American Technical Excellence (NATE) certification, ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers) certification, and other professional certifications are not required but add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Other Requirements Unique to South Carolina
The Contractor’s Licensing Board provides all the information on how to apply for a commercial mechanical license on its contractor licensure page. The Residential Builders Commission provides all the information on how to apply for a residential HVAC contractor license on its applications and forms page.
South Carolina laws and regulations for general and mechanical contractors may be found in South Carolina Code of Laws Title 40, Chapter 11 and South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 29. Laws and regulations for residential contracting may be found in South Carolina Code of Laws Title 40, Chapter 59 and South Carolina Code of Regulations Chapter 106.
Are There HVAC Scholarships in South Carolina?
Yes, there are HVACR scholarships in South Carolina. HVAC or trade school scholarship opportunities include:
South Carolina WINS scholarship program (includes HVACR)
In addition, the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Educational Foundation teams up with industry partners to provide scholarships to students pursuing a career in the plumbing, heating, and cooling industry. The application period runs from January until May 1, after which the scholarship committee selects the winners.
How Can Someone Verify My HVAC License in South Carolina?
Potential clients or employees may verify your South Carolina license on the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation’s licensee search page. Search commercial contractors or residential builders by:
Company name
Individual name
License number
License type or license classification
City
When Can an HVAC License Be Suspended in South Carolina?
A suspended HVAC license means that the licensee is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. A contractor’s license may be suspended or revoked in South Carolina for many reasons, including:
Fraud or deceit in obtaining a license.
Gross negligence, performing substandard work, incompetence, or misconduct.
Abandonment of a contract or refusal to perform after submitting a bid on work without a legal excuse.
False, misleading, or deceptive advertising where a member of the public may be misled and injured.
Failure to maintain the net worth, working capital, or surety bond requirements for licensure.
Contracting or offering to contract for work exceeding the limitations of a group or outside the license the classification or subclassification.
Violation of laws and regulations.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about HVAC license regulations, refer to South Carolina Code of Laws.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed HVAC Work in South Carolina?
Performing work as a commercial or residential contractor in South Carolina without a license is illegal. Those who violate regulations will be subject to a cease-and-desist order and administrative penalties, which are separate from civil or criminal penalties.
Administrative penalties for commercial contractors include:
First violation: Up to a $500 fine.
Second violation: Up to a $1,000 fine.
Third and subsequent violations: Referred to the Contractor’s Licensing Board for further action.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about HVAC license regulations, refer to South Carolina Code of Laws.
Continuing Education
There are no continuing education requirements in South Carolina for commercial or residential HVAC contractors.
Those with commercial mechanical contractor licenses must renew their license before Oct. 31 in odd-numbered years. Before renewing online, mechanical contractors must submit a financial statement or a surety bond/surety bond continuation certificate. Once the board accepts the documentation and you receive an email, you may renew online. The mechanical contractor license renewal fee is $135.
Residential HVAC contractors must renew before June 30 in odd-numbered years. A surety bond must be on file with the commission before renewing online.The license renewal fee is $220.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all HVAC industry news several ways:
Check top HVAC blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top HVAC podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
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