Moving to South Carolina as a master plumber: every state's rule

1. 1Trade exam. Pass the destination's trade exam. South Carolina Plumber exam (PSI): 80 questions, 4 hours, open book, 70 percent to pass. A current CAGC or MASC Master Plumber certification issued by examination is accepted instead..
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.
3. 3Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($75). PSI fee for the South Carolina Plumber exam, per attempt.
4. 4Exam fee. Pay the exam fee ($75). PSI fee for the Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors exam, per attempt.
5. 5Other. Primary Qualifying Party/Qualifying Party Initial Application (Doc. 168) with PSI pass sheets, Work Experience Affidavits (or the PHCC Academy certificate), a copy of a government photo ID and Social Security card, a notarized Verification of Lawful Presence and the company acknowledgement affidavit. The Board lists no separate certification fee..
6. 6License fee. Pay the license or certificate fee ($350). Mechanical Contractor license fee, non-refundable, paid by the business with the General and Mechanical Contractor application (Doc. 165).
7. 7Financial responsibility. Show financial responsibility. Financial statement with a balance sheet dated within 12 months showing the working capital or net worth for the license group: Group 1 (jobs to $35,000) $3,500 or $7,000; Group 2 ($100,000) $10,000 or $15,000; Group 3 ($200,000) $20,000 or $30,000; Group 4 ($400,000) $40,000 or $60,000; Group 5 (unlimited) $200,000 or $300,000. Groups 1 and 2 may use the owner-prepared statement (Doc. 172); higher groups need a CPA-compiled or audited statement..
8. 8Surety bond. Post a surety bond ($7,000) (if applicable). Surety bond accepted instead of the financial statement, from $7,000 for Group 1 to $15,000 for Group 2, $30,000 for Group 3, $60,000 for Group 4 and $300,000 for Group 5.
9. 9Business license. Obtain a business license (if applicable). For a corporation, LLC or partnership, a certificate of existence (or good standing) or of authority from the South Carolina Secretary of State; not required for a sole proprietorship.
10. 10Background check. Complete a background check (if applicable). A criminal background report dated within 30 days (SLED for South Carolina) is required only from applicants who answer yes to a background question on the application.

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