South Carolina Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Get Licensed
Everything you need to know about the South Carolina electrician license: requirements, exam format, fees, and how to prepare
Note: Our practice questions are based on NEC 2023. The exam format details below are specific to South Carolina.
NEC Edition Notice: South Carolina currently tests on NEC 2020. Questions on this platform are based on NEC 2023. Some provisions added in 2023 (like expanded GFCI/AFCI requirements) may not appear on your exam. Heads up: a state's building code can adopt a different NEC edition than the one its licensing exam tests on, so if this page mentions both, the exam edition shown here is the one that matters for test prep. Always confirm the current exam edition with the South Carolina licensing board before your exam date.
Quick Answer
For the South Carolina electrician license exam, expect 80 questions with a limit of 180 minutes, 70% to pass, open book, aligned to NEC 2020. The exam is delivered by PSI and the fee is $100. South Carolina electricians earn about $47,190 per year ($22.69 per hour), per the BLS.
Last verified: March 26, 2026 • Sources: South Carolina Licensing Board
Exam Format
Journeyman Electrician
- Vendor:PSI
- Questions:80
- Time Limit:180 minutes (3 hours)
- Passing Score:70%
- Exam Fee:$100
- Format:Open-book (NEC reference allowed)
What's Covered on the Exam
- Grounding & Bonding (NEC Article 250)
- Wiring Methods (Conduit, Cable, Raceways)
- Load Calculations (Article 220)
- Motors & Controllers (Article 430)
- Box Fill & Conduit Fill
- Overcurrent Protection (Article 240)
- Special Occupancies (Hazardous Locations)
- Services & Feeders (Article 230)
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South Carolina Electrician License Overview
South Carolina licenses electrical contractors through the South Carolina Contractor's Licensing Board (SCCLB) under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). South Carolina does not issue a statewide journeyman electrician license, the state licenses contractors. Some South Carolina municipalities issue their own local journeyman cards. South Carolina's construction market is driven by Charleston's port and industrial growth, Greenville-Spartanburg's manufacturing sector (BMW, Michelin, Boeing), and the coastal tourism and real estate market.
South Carolina Electrician License Types
Electrical Contractor, Unlimited
Unrestricted contractor license for all types and sizes of electrical work.
Requirements: 4+ years of electrical experience. Pass the SCCLB Unlimited trade exam (PSI, NEC-based, 70% passing score). Meet insurance and financial requirements.
Electrical Contractor, Limited
Contractor license for residential and light commercial electrical work.
Requirements: 2+ years of residential electrical experience. Pass the SCCLB Limited trade exam.
Local Journeyman License
Some SC municipalities (Charleston, Columbia) issue local journeyman cards.
Requirements: Varies by jurisdiction. Contact the local building department.
Experience & Education Requirements
Journeyman Requirements
South Carolina does not issue a statewide journeyman license. Local cards (where available) typically require 8,000 hours of supervised OJT.
Master Requirements
The SCCLB Unlimited Contractor license functions as the master-level credential. Requires 4+ years of qualifying electrical experience.
Apprenticeship Programs
South Carolina has IBEW apprenticeship programs in Charleston (IBEW Local 776), Columbia (IBEW Local 382), and Greenville (IBEW Local 558). ABC of the Carolinas also operates programs.
License Reciprocity
South Carolina participates in reciprocity arrangements with some neighboring states. Contact the SCCLB at llr.sc.gov to confirm current eligibility.
License Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
2 years (biennial)
Continuing Education
Verify current CE requirements at llr.sc.gov
Renewal Fee
Approximately $75–$150 biennial renewal (verify at llr.sc.gov)
Important Notes
SCCLB licenses renew biennially. CE is required, verify current hours before your renewal date.
South CarolinaElectrician Salary & Job Outlook
Average Salary
$47,190/year
$22.69/hr
Salary Range
Entry-level: $31,240 (10th percentile)
Experienced: $66,210 (90th percentile)
South Carolina employs approximately 13,000 electricians. Charleston's port expansion, Greenville-Spartanburg's automotive manufacturing (BMW, Volvo), Boeing facility work, and coastal residential construction are all driving significant demand.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
How to Register for Your Exam
- Confirm Your Eligibility: Check with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation for current requirements (work experience, education, etc.)
- Submit Your Application: Apply through the state licensing board
- Schedule Your Exam: Once approved, register with PSI
- Prepare: Use GetLicenseReady to practice with South Carolina-aligned questions
- Pass Your Exam: Show up confident and ready on exam day
Official Resources
South Carolina Electrician License FAQ
Does South Carolina have a statewide journeyman license?
No. South Carolina licenses electrical contractors through the SCCLB but does not issue a statewide journeyman license for individual electricians. Some cities issue local journeyman cards, verify with your local building department.
Is the South Carolina electrical contractor exam open book?
Yes. SCCLB exams are open book and administered by PSI. The passing score is 70%.
How much do electricians make in South Carolina?
The statewide average is about $47,190/year. Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg area electricians earn more, with experienced commercial electricians earning $55,000–$66,000+.
Does South Carolina have reciprocity with North Carolina or Georgia?
Yes, South Carolina participates in reciprocity arrangements with several neighboring states. Contact the SCCLB to confirm current terms.
Can I work in South Carolina with just a contractor license from another state?
South Carolina participates in reciprocity with some states. Verify eligibility with the SCCLB before assuming your out-of-state license transfers.
Common Questions About the South Carolina Electrician License
How much does the South Carolina electrician license exam cost?
The South Carolina electrician exam fee is $100, paid to PSI when you register.
Who administers the South Carolina electrician license exam?
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation oversees electrician licensing in South Carolina, and the exam is delivered by PSI.
How much do electricians make in South Carolina?
South Carolina electricians earn about $47,190 per year ($22.69 per hour). Entry level pay is around $31,240 (10th percentile) and experienced electricians earn up to $66,210 (90th percentile). Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not issue a statewide journeyman license. Local cards (where available) typically require 8,000 hours of supervised OJT.
Does South Carolina have electrician license reciprocity?
South Carolina participates in reciprocity arrangements with some neighboring states. Contact the SCCLB at llr.sc.gov to confirm current eligibility.
Compare Exam Requirements
See how South Carolina's electrician exam compares to nearby states:
Exam Prep Guides
South Carolina Electrician License: Requirements, Exam & How to Apply (2026)
SC LLR requirements, PSI exam, fees, biennial renewal, and CE hours.
What to Expect on the Electrician License Test
Exam format, NEC topics covered, passing scores, and how to prepare.
How to Pass the Electrician Exam on Your First Try
The 10 most-tested NEC topics and a proven 8-week study plan.
NEC Code Study Guides
Deep-dive guides on the NEC articles tested most on the South Carolina exam.
NEC Article 110, Electrical Installations
Working space clearances (Table 110.26), temperature ratings (110.14), interrupting ratings, and workmanlike execution.
NEC Article 210, Branch Circuits
GFCI, AFCI, circuit ratings, outlet spacing, and the continuous load rule.
NEC Article 220, Load Calculations
Step-by-step residential standard and optional methods with worked examples.
NEC Article 230, Services
Overhead clearances, 6-disconnect rule, minimum 100A service, and disconnect location.
NEC Table 310.16, Wire Sizing & Ampacity
Temperature columns, correction factors, adjustment factors, and NEC 240.4(D).
NEC Article 430, Motors
Conductor sizing, SCGF protection at 250%, overload protection, and disconnect rules.
NEC Article 240, Overcurrent Protection
Standard breaker ratings, 240.4(D) small conductors, and the 10-foot and 25-foot tap rules.
NEC Article 250, Grounding & Bonding
Grounding electrode system, bonding jumpers, and equipment grounding conductors.
NEC 314.16, Box Fill Calculations
Five volume categories, cubic-inch table, and exam-style worked examples.
NEC Chapter 9, Conduit Fill
Tables C1–C12, 40% fill rule, and how to size conduit for mixed wire bundles.
Electrician Exam Math: Complete Formula Guide
Ohm's Law, power wheel, voltage drop, three-phase power, and transformer calculations with worked examples.
NEC Article 300, Wiring Methods
Physical protection, burial depths, 6-inch free conductor rule, boxes at splices, and plenum wiring.
NEC Articles 404 & 406, Switches & Receptacles
15A vs 20A receptacle rules, tamper-resistant requirements, wet/damp location covers, and snap switch grounding.
NEC Article 334, NM Cable (Romex)
Permitted uses, 4½-foot support intervals, 12-inch box rule, 1.25-inch edge clearance, and where Romex is prohibited.
NEC 2023 vs NEC 2020, Key Changes
What changed between editions: new AFCI/GFCI locations, EV charging rules, and 2023-specific exam prep notes.
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