HVAC Contractor License South Carolina

To get a HVAC contractor license in South Carolina, choose your scope: residential (Residential HVAC Installer & Repairer, RBH) or commercial (Mechanical Contractor with AC classification). The Residential Builders Commission (RBC) and the Contractor’s Licensing Board (CLB) set different exams, fees, bonds, and renewal dates—outlined below.

Requirements last verified: 2026-10-19

How to get a HVAC contractor license in South Carolina

1. Decide your scope: residential RBH vs. commercial CLB Mechanical (AC). If you’ll do both, you’ll need both credentials. See the RBC HVAC page and CLB licensure page.
2. Document experience (Residential). Gather 1 year of experience within the last 5 years and have supervisors complete the Experience Affidavit; include W‑2/1099 copies. RBH application package.
3. Apply for exam eligibility. Submit the online RBH application and fee ($135). Wait for your PSI eligibility letter. RBC HVAC fees; RBC exam page.
4. Pass required exams. Residential: PSI Technical HVAC (80 Q, 65% pass) and Business Management & Law (scaled 68). Commercial: PQP must pass SC Business Law & Project Management plus AC technical exam. RBC exam details; CLB exams.
5. Post-exam licensing. Residential: pay the $220 license fee. Commercial: file CLB application, designate a Primary Qualifying Party, and pay the $350 license fee. RBC HVAC page; CLB fees.
6. Meet financial/bond rules. Residential: file a $10,000 surety bond before taking projects over $5,000. Commercial: meet Group net worth/working capital or submit an equivalent surety bond (Groups 1–5). RBC bond form; CLB bond form.
7. Renew on time. Residential: biennial renewal ($220; prior cycle deadline June 30, 2026). Commercial: Oct 31 of odd years ($135; late fees escalate). RBC renewal notice; CLB renewal/late fees; CLB renewal timeline.

South Carolina HVAC contractor license: residential vs. commercial

South Carolina splits HVAC contracting between two regulators. Residential jobs over $500 fall under the RBC’s RBH license, with specific PSI exams, a one‑year experience minimum, and a $10,000 bond once your project value exceeds $5,000. Commercial projects over $10,000 require a CLB Mechanical license with AC classification and separate financial or bonding thresholds. See the official rules here: RBC HVAC, RBC exams, CLB licensure, and Title 40, Chapter 11.

Exact RBH exam and waiver pathways

The RBC requires two PSI exams for RBH: HVAC Technical (80 questions; 65% passing) and Business Management & Law (scaled 68). You may waive the technical exam if you hold a SC Mechanical AC/PK license, an eligible state license (AL, MS, NC) for 1+ years by exam, or a HARV/CAGC certification (per 2026 transition). Sources: RBC exams; RBC HVAC.

Commercial mechanical AC classification: groups, bonds, and renewal

CLB mechanical licenses are grouped by project size and financial capacity. You may satisfy §40‑11‑260 net worth/working capital via a surety bond in the same amount—Group 1 $7,000; Group 2 $15,000; Group 3 $30,000; Group 4 $60,000; Group 5 $300,000. Mechanical licenses expire Oct 31 in odd years; late fees apply after the deadline. Sources: CLB bond form; CLB fees; CLB licensure.

Costs to budget for when getting a South Carolina HVAC license

Budget line items typically include the RBH application ($135), RBH license issuance ($220), PSI exam fees (paid to PSI), your $10,000 residential bond (if projects exceed $5,000), books/training, and—if you go commercial—the CLB license fee ($350) plus any required surety bond. For a deeper cost breakdown tailored to South Carolina, see our analysis of HVAC contractor costs in South Carolina.

Compliance tips that prevent rework

• List your licensed qualifying party correctly (PQP for CLB), or your application will stall. CLB licensure.
• Do not start residential jobs over $5,000 until your $10,000 bond is on file with RBC. RBH instructions.
• If your business plans include investigative services (e.g., surveillance of mechanical rooms for asset protection), review South Carolina’s separate licensing framework; our guide to the SC Private Investigator License (2026) explains LLR’s parallel processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both residential and commercial HVAC licenses in South Carolina?

Only if you plan to work in both scopes. Residential work over $500 falls under RBC’s RBH license; commercial work over $10,000 requires a CLB Mechanical license with AC classification. You can hold both if your business model requires it. RBC HVAC; CLB overview.

What are the exact RBH exam passing scores?

Technical HVAC exam: 80 questions with a 65% passing score. Business Management & Law exam: 50 questions with a scaled passing score of 68. Both are administered by PSI after the Commission issues your exam eligibility. RBC exam page.

Can I waive the residential HVAC technical exam?

Yes, if you hold a SC Mechanical Contractor license with AC or PK classification, have a qualifying AL/NC/MS license held 1+ year by exam, or possess a HARV (MASC)/CAGC trade certification (per 2026 transition). Business & Law and experience still apply. RBC HVAC page.

What bond do I need for residential HVAC work?

Before performing or offering residential projects over $5,000 (labor + materials), you must have a $10,000 surety bond on file with the RBC. The bond need not accompany your initial application but must be filed before taking larger jobs. RBH instructions.

How often do South Carolina HVAC licenses renew?

RBH licenses renew biennially (recent cycle ended June 30, 2026) with a $220 fee; late fee is $50. CLB Mechanical licenses renew in odd-numbered years by October 31; renewal fee is $135 with escalating late penalties. RBC renewal notice; CLB fees.

Ready to move forward? License Navigator can help you pre-check eligibility, assemble the exact RBC/CLB forms, and keep your bond and renewal dates on track—so you pass once and start booking jobs faster.