State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in South Carolina

Table of Contents

1. Roofing License Requirements in South Carolina

2. Types of Roofing Licenses in South Carolina

3. Steps to Get a Roofing License in South Carolina

4. Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in South Carolina

5. What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in South Carolina?

6. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in South Carolina?

7. How to Get a Roofing License in South Carolina

8. How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in South Carolina?

9. South Carolina Roofer Training Programs and Schools

10. South Carolina Roofing Licensing Exam Details

11. Who Issues Roofing Licenses in South Carolina?

12. Do I Need to Renew My South Carolina Roofing License?

13. Continuing Education

14. Does South Carolina Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

15. Does My South Carolina Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

16. National Roofing Certifications

17. Other Requirements Unique to South Carolina

We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require solid insurance to back up that essential work. 

There are 135,140 roofers nationwide, according to the  Bureau of Labor Statistics, and South Carolina employs 970 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in South Carolina is 2%.

If you’re thinking about starting a roofing business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the licensing and regulation requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started. 

Roofing License Requirements in South Carolina

A General Contractor’s license is required for contractors performing more than $10,000 of construction work in the regulated classifications listed in  Title 40, Chapter 11, Section 40-11-410, an act to regulate the practice of general and mechanical contracting in South Carolina.

Residential roofers or those completing projects less than $10,000 need a Residential Specialty registration from the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission. 

Types of Roofing Licenses in South Carolina

There are different classifications of General Contractor licenses for commercial work in South Carolina. Roofing requires a General Contractor license with the specialty subclassification of Roofing. Note: There are no longer separate General Roofing and Specialty Roofing exams.

Those with the Unlimited General Contractor or Limited Building Contractor license types are also qualified to complete roofing work, among other contracting trades, like residential building, concrete paving, and asphalt paving. The requirements for these license types are more stringent than the Roofing subclassification.

A separate Mechanical Contractor License is required for any HVAC or electrician work.

Steps to Get a Roofing License in South Carolina

The licensing process in South Carolina includes the following steps:

1. Pass the appropriate  PSI exams. For the Roofing subclassification, this includes a Business Management and Law exam and the Roofing trade exam.

2. Apply for a Primary Qualifying Party certification. This requires two years of work experience in the last five years outlined on a work experience affidavit. Include the following in your license application packet:

   1. Exam scores

   2. Work experience affidavit

   3. Copy of driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, or military ID

   4. Copy of Social Security card

   5. Notarized verification of lawful presence form

3. Apply for a General Contractor license. The application requires:

   1. Pay a $350 license fee.

   2. Provide a financial statement prepared by a CPA or provide a surety bond (Requirements, including for net worth, vary based on license Groups 1 through 5. See more here.).

   3. Register with the Secretary of State.

Completed applications may be submitted to: the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board at PO Box 11329, Columbia, SC 29211; by email to contact.clb@llr.sc.gov; or delivered in person at 110 Centerview Dr., Columbia, S.C., 29210.

For residential registration, the steps include:

1. Fill out application.

2. Include the following: 3 reference letters that support one year of experience in the last five years; credit report; $100 registration fee; copy of driver’s license or state-issued ID; copy of Social Security card; notarized verification of lawful presence form.

3. Submit application online or via mail.

Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in South Carolina

There are many benefits to obtaining a roofing contractor license in South Carolina.

• First, and most important, it is illegal to perform roofing work or do any kind of structural or remodeling work without a license. A license is required under South Carolina law.

• Being a licensed contractor is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.

• Only licensed roofing contractors can: operate a business and advertise roofing 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.

• Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.

• It also increases your earning potential.

What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in South Carolina?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $43,090 for those in South Carolina. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience.

According to Indeed.com, the average wage for a roofer in South Carolina is $21.13 per hour with $6,375 of overtime per year, or $49,273 for a full-time roofer per year.

Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including 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 roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly. 

ServiceTitan features:

• 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 Roofing License in South Carolina

Getting started in the roofing field in South Carolina is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job. The two required exams cost $75 each, and the application fee to the S.C. Contractor’s Licensing Board is $350. The residential license fee is $100.

There is also the expense of securing the various types of insurance required for licensure, but that is primarily done by the contracting company, so this will only affect you if you open your own business.

How to Get a Roofing License in South Carolina

The licensing process in South Carolina requires passing the following  PSI exams: 

• Business Management and Law exam 

• Roofing trade exam

In addition, applicants must apply for a Primary Qualifying Party certification, which requires two years of work experience in the last five years outlined on a work experience affidavit.

Next, you must apply for a General Contractor license, which requires a $350 license fee, financial statement prepared by a CPA or surety bond, and registration with the Secretary of State.

Completed applications may be submitted to: the South Carolina Contractor’s Licensing Board at PO Box 11329, Columbia, SC 29211; by email to contact.clb@llr.sc.gov; or delivered in person at 110 Centerview Dr., Columbia, S.C., 29210.

Residential registration requires an additional application.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in South Carolina?

To meet the experience requirements for a South Carolina commercial contractor license for roofing, it will take at least two years. The residential registration requires one year of experience.

South Carolina Roofer Training Programs and Schools 

If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher education options throughout the Palmetto State that offer these types of programs.

Here are some options:

Horry-Georgetown Technical College | Conway AAS Construction Management — 5 semesters

Midlands Technical College | Columbia AAS Building Construction Technology — 5 semesters Carpentry Career Certificate — 3 semesters

Trident Technical College | Charleston Construction Management Certificate — 1 semester 

York Technical College | Rock Hill Residential/Commercial Carpentry Certificate — 2 semesters | AAS Building Construction Management — 4 semesters

South Carolina Roofing Licensing Exam Details

Applicants can schedule and take their exams directly through PSI. The required exams for a roofing license are the South Carolina Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors exam and the Roofing exam. Each exam costs $75. To avoid paying a retake fee, look into exam prep courses or books.

Who Issues Roofing Licenses in South Carolina?

Commercial roofing licenses are issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation Contractor’s Licensing Board. Residential registration is granted by the Residential Builders Commission.

Do I Need to Renew My South Carolina Roofing License?

Commercial licenses and residential registrations must be renewed every two years. There are no continuing education requirements for license renewal. 

Does South Carolina Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?

License holders in good standing in states with reciprocating exams can qualify for a technical exam waiver in South Carolina, though they still have to pass the Business Law Exam. The only state with a reciprocity agreement for roofing is North Carolina. 

Does My South Carolina Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?

South Carolina and North Carolina have a reciprocity agreement for roofing licensing. In addition, South Carolina license holders can waive the technical exam in the following states: Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and all states administering the NASCLA Accredited Exams for Building.

National Roofing Certifications

Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. You can also learn more about certification and roofing in South Carolina through the  Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association.

Other Requirements Unique to South Carolina

Asbestos was banned nationwide in 1989 because of the health hazard posed by the material. It is often found in old roofing materials like shingles, roofing felt and tar, and siding and panels.

Prior to beginning a renovation or demolition operation at any South Carolina facility, the facility owner and/or owner’s representative must facilitate an asbestos building inspection. If asbestos-containing materials are found, the project must follow Standards of Performance for Asbestos Projects. Note, this doesn’t apply to private residences. 

Resources

You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:

• Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.

• Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.

• Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.