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How to get a HVAC technician license in South Carolina

Requirements, license levels, and the issuing authority — sourced from South Carolina's official board.

Two separate boards under LLR depending on residential vs. commercial scope. EPA 608 required for refrigerants.

Issuing authority: South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR): Residential Builders Commission (residential HVAC) and Contractor's Licensing Board (commercial mechanical).. Official page: https://llr.sc.gov/res/Online/HVAC.aspx

License levels in South Carolina

South Carolina HVAC technician licensing at a glance

RequirementsResidential: 1 year of documented supervised experience plus PSI exams (trade + business management & law). Commercial: about 2 years of supervisory experience in the mechanical field within the prior 5 years plus PSI trade and business/law exams. Licensing thresholds: >$200 residential, >$5,000 commercial.
ReciprocityExam exemption for applicants currently licensed as SC Commercial Mechanical Contractors (HVAC) in good standing, applicants licensed in AL, NC, or MS through that state's exam, or holders of a Masters License from the Municipal Association of S.C.
RenewalResidential HVAC licenses renew June 30 of every odd year (2025, 2027, ...). Commercial mechanical contractor licenses renew every 2 years (odd years).
NotesTwo separate boards under LLR depending on residential vs. commercial scope. EPA 608 required for refrigerants.

Questions

Do you need a license to work as a HVAC technician in South Carolina?
Two separate boards under LLR depending on residential vs. commercial scope. EPA 608 required for refrigerants.
What HVAC technician license levels does South Carolina have?
The levels are Residential HVAC (RES), Commercial Mechanical Contractor (COM), HVAC classification.
How do you get licensed as a HVAC technician in South Carolina?
Residential: 1 year of documented supervised experience plus PSI exams (trade + business management & law). Commercial: about 2 years of supervisory experience in the mechanical field within the prior 5 years plus PSI trade and business/law exams. Licensing thresholds: >$200 residential, >$5,000 commercial.
Does South Carolina have HVAC technician license reciprocity?
Exam exemption for applicants currently licensed as SC Commercial Mechanical Contractors (HVAC) in good standing, applicants licensed in AL, NC, or MS through that state's exam, or holders of a Masters License from the Municipal Association of S.C.

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Sources: llr.sc.gov. Always confirm current requirements with the issuing authority.

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