Moving to South Carolina as a general contractor: every state's rule

1. 1Trade exam. Pass the destination's trade exam. Building technical exam (PSI): the South Carolina Limited Building exam (80 questions, 5 hours, open book) for Groups 1 to 3, or the NASCLA National Commercial Building Contractor exam (115 questions, 330 minutes, open book), which is required for Groups 4 and 5.
2. 2Law / code exam. Pass a law, rules, or code exam. South Carolina Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors exam (PSI): 50 questions, 125 minutes, open book, 70 percent to pass. Required of every qualifying party..
3. 3Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($75). PSI fee for the Limited Building exam, per attempt.
4. 4Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($116) (if applicable). PSI fee for the NASCLA National Commercial Building Contractor exam, per attempt, instead of the Limited Building exam for an unlimited (Group 4 or 5) license.
5. 5Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($75). PSI fee for the Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors exam, per attempt.
6. 6Other. Primary Qualifying Party/Qualifying Party Initial Application (Doc. 168) with PSI pass sheets (or the NASCLA transcript sent by NASCLA), Work Experience Affidavits, a copy of a government photo ID and Social Security card, a notarized Verification of Lawful Presence and the company acknowledgement affidavit (Doc. 190). The Board lists no separate certification fee..
7. 7License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($350). Non-refundable General Contractor license fee, paid by the business by check or money order payable to SCCLB with the application (Doc. 165); no cash.
8. 8Financial responsibility. Show financial responsibility of at least $10,000. Financial statement with a balance sheet dated within 12 months showing the working capital or net worth for the license group (Group 1 minimum shown: $10,000 working capital or $20,000 net worth). Groups 1 and 2 may use the owner-prepared statement (Doc. 172), Groups 3 and 4 need a CPA-compiled statement and Group 5 an audited balance sheet..
9. 9Surety bond. Post a surety bond ($20,000) (if applicable). Surety bond accepted instead of the financial statement, equal to the group’s net worth figure: $20,000 for Group 1, $60,000 for Group 2, $150,000 for Group 3, $250,000 for Group 4 and $350,000 for Group 5. A bond payable to the Residential Builders Commission is not accepted..
10. 10Business license. Obtain a business license (if applicable). For a corporation, LLC or partnership, a Certificate of Existence (or Good Standing) or Certificate of Authority from the SC Secretary of State, with the articles and proof of ownership; not required for a sole proprietorship.
11. 11Background check. Complete a background check (if applicable). Only if an owner, officer, partner or member answers yes to the criminal conviction question: a criminal background report (SLED for South Carolina, or a state or accredited-agency report for other states) dated within 30 days of the application, with the court disposition.

Published fees on this path total $500, excluding exam-vendor fees, bonds, and insurance.