To become an electrician in South Carolina, you technically don’t need a license. However, many are encouraged to obtain a journeyman or master certification through the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC). If you would like to bid on commercial projects valued over $5,000, you must have a mechanical contractors license which can be obtained from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (SCLLR).
Similar to becoming a plumber in South Carolina, the journey to becoming an electrician starts with an apprenticeship, moves on to journeyman work, then onto a master certification. If you wish to become a mechanical contractor in South Carolina, there are additional requirements. However, this article will focus on the requirements for journeyman and master licenses at the local level.
South Carolina Electrical License Reciprocity
South Carolina offers a reciprocal agreement with the following states:
- Alabama;
- Georgia;
- Mississippi;
- North Carolina ;
- Ohio;
- Pennsylvania;
- Texas (master electrician only);
- Utah (master electrician only);
South Carolina Master Electrician License Requirements
In South Carolina, master electricians can repair, install, and alter electrical fixtures, appliances, and apparatus. There are two types of master licenses: a master electrician license and a master residential electrician license. It’s important to note that residential certificates allow electricians to only perform electrical work in one-, two-, or three-family homes. To become a master or master residential electrician, you must have:
- Four years of experience;
- Journeyman title;
- Documented proof of experience.
You must also fill out an application for the master electrician license and submit it, along with your documented work hours, to the MASC. There is also a $25 application fee that accompanies it.
Master Electrician Exam
The master exam is four hours long with 100 multiple-choice questions. It is administered by PSI Exams online, is open-book, and has a $100 exam fee. Reference materials include the National Electric Code, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, and the American Electricians Handbook.
South Carolina Journeyman Electrician License Requirements
There are two types of journeyman electrician licenses: a journeyman electrician license and a residential journeyman electrician license. A journeyman electrician is able to perform all electrical work under supervision while a residential journeyman can only perform work in residential homes under supervision. Both require a $25 application fee. To become a journeyman, you must:
- Work two years (4,000 hours) as an apprentice
- OR earn an associate’s degree from a technical college and work one year (2,000 hours).
A journeyman license requires the same application as a master license, and should also be submitted to the MASC.
Electrical Journeyman Exam
In order to receive the journeyman certification, you must pass the journeyman exam. This exam is three hours long, consists of 70 multiple choice questions, and is open-book. The exam fee totals $100 and is taken online through PSI Exams. Reference materials include the National Electric Code.
South Carolina Electrical Insurance Requirements
Insurance is not required for you Electrical License in South Carolina. Although it may not be required, insurance is highly recommended when operating an electrical license in South Carolina. As an electrical contractor, your trade can be extremely dangerous. When any hazardous profession, it is always best to protect yourself, your business, your employees, and your clients.
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Electrician Apprenticeship Requirements
While there are no specific requirements for apprenticeships in South Carolina, generally, applicants must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma.
South Carolina Electrical Apprentice Jobs
There are a few resources that can help pair people with apprenticeships. These include:
- Glassdoor;
- Indeed;
- Apprenticeship Carolina;
- Carolina’s Electrical Training Institute;
- And the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Chapter 776.
Electrical Trade Schools in South Carolina
Those who enroll in trade schools are able to learn the latest technology and techniques in the industry. Luckily, there are a few options for people looking to take this route:
Northeastern Tech
1201 Chesterfield Highway
Cheraw, SC
(800) 921-7399
Midlands Tech
316 South Beltline Boulevard
Columbia, SC 29205
(800) 922-8038
Horry Georgetown Technical College
2050 US-501
Conway, SC 29526
(843) 347-3186
TriCounty Technical College — Easley Campus
1774 Powdersville Road
Easley, SC 29642
(864) 220-8888
(866) 269-5677
Aiken Tech
2276 J. Davis Highway
Graniteville SC 29829
(803) 508-7244
Piedmont Tech
620 North Emerald Road
Greenwood, SC
(800) 868-5528
Trident Tech
7000 Rivers Avenue
North Charleston, SC 29406
(843) 574-6111
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
3250 St. Matthews Road
Orangeburg, SC 29118
(803) 536-0311
(800) 813-6519
TriCounty Technical College — Pendleton Campus
7900 Highway 76
Pendleton, SC
(864) 646-1500
(866) 269-5677
York Tech
452 S. Anderson Road
Rock Hill, SC
(800) 922-TECH
South Carolina Professional License Search
The SCLLR provides a license search to verify contractors in South Carolina. Users can search by license type, company name, contractor name, and license number.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become an Electrical Contractor in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in South Carolina, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
- South Carolina General Contractor License Requirements
- How to Become a Plumber in South Carolina
- South Carolina Handyman License Guide
- South Carolina Welding Schools and Career Guide
- How to Get an HVAC License in South Carolina
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