Licensing Guides
South Carolina Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in South Carolina
Electrical, SC
Table of Contents
License and Certification Requirements for Electricians in South Carolina
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in South Carolina
How Much Does It Cost for Electrician Certification in South Carolina?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Certification in South Carolina?
Does My South Carolina Electrical License Work in Any Other State?
Electricians play such an important part in our society. We would quite literally be in the dark without them. Once trained, there are so many employment opportunities — from working in new construction to maintaining facilities to owning your own business. Electricians earn a good income and there's job security because customers will always need skilled trade professionals to install and service electrical systems in their homes and businesses.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 762,600 electricians nationwide and 7,320 work in South Carolina. The national number is predicted to grow 7% from 2021 to 2031, adding almost 50,000 to the ranks. That growth rate is expected to be much higher in South Carolina — projected at 13%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Many contractors nationwide are trying to find skilled tradesmen. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, 2020 AGC-Autodesk Workforce Survey, 60% of firms in the U.S. had unfilled hourly craft positions like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians. So, if you get the training you need you will have a lot of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
The process of becoming an electrician takes time, but you get paid while you learn and gain experience!
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License and Certification Requirements for Electricians in South Carolina
Is a state license required to be an electrician in South Carolina? Yes.
South Carolina has specific laws pertaining to electrician licensing and regulation. The Municipal Association of South Carolina issues voluntary journeyman and master electrician certifications. These certifications are essential if you plan to obtain an electrical contractor license.
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation issues electrical contractor licenses. The State of South Carolina offers two different license types for electrical contractors: mechanical and residential.
Steps to Get Electrician Certification in South Carolina
Gain the necessary experience.
Become a journeyman electrician.
Earn master electrician certification.
Become an independent electrical contractor
How to Become an Electrician in South Carolina
GAIN THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE: In order to earn journeyman certification in the state of South Carolina, you must have two years (4,000 hours) of work experience under the supervision of a certified journeyman electrician or master electrician. Otherwise, you must complete a two-year associate degree program through a technical school and obtain one year (2,000 hours) of work experience under the supervision of a certified journeyman electrician or master electrician.
You can obtain the necessary hours of experience through an apprenticeship program. Union apprenticeships are available through local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the Electrical Training Alliance. Apprenticeship information is also available through the Carolinas Electrical Training Institute. Non-union apprenticeships, such as those through Watson Electrical, are also available.
BECOME A JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN: The Municipal Association of South Carolina is responsible for certifying journeyman electricians. After meeting the necessary work experience requirements, you can fill out an application to take the journeyman exam. After passing the exam, you must renew your journeyman certification every year.
EARN MASTER ELECTRICIAN CERTIFICATION: The Municipal Association of South Carolina is also responsible for certifying master electricians. After working as a certified journeyman electrician for four years, you can fill out an application and take the master electrician exam. After passing the exam, you must renew your master electrician certification every two years.
BECOME AN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR: South Carolina offers two types of electrical contractor licenses: mechanical and residential. Mechanical electrical contractors work on commercial properties while residential electrical contractors work on residential properties.
In order to obtain a mechanical license, you must pass a technical exam, a business and law exam, and submit the appropriate application. Depending on the value of the jobs you will bid on, you may have to submit a financial statement. Mechanical contractors also need to maintain surety bonds. Some cities and counties have other contractor licensing requirements, so be sure to check with your local municipal association or licensing board for more information. Mechanical licenses require renewal every two years.
Residential contractors can work on residential homes or apartment buildings that are three stories or less with no more than 16 total units. Some cities and counties have additional contractor licensing requirements, so be sure to check with your local municipal association or licensing board for more information. Residential licenses require renewal every two years.
Types of Electrical Licensure in South Carolina
South Carolina offers several types of electrician certifications and licenses.
Journeyman Electrician Certification: Specifies 4,000 hours of electrical trade work experience, or 2,000 hours of electrical trade work experience plus a two-year associate degree from a qualified trade school.
Master Electrician Certification: Requires four years of experience as a certified journeyman electrician. A master electrician can work on electrical systems and has knowledge of regulations and the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Mechanical Electrical Contractor: Licensure requires passing a technical exam, a business and law exam, and demonstrating two years of related work experience within the past five years. A mechanical electrical contractor works on commercial properties.
Residential Electrical Contractor License: Licensure requires passing a technical exam, a business and law exam, and demonstrating one year of related work experience.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in South Carolina
There are many benefits from pursuing South Carolina electrician certification and licensing:
Most importantly, you need a license to work as an electrical contractor in the state of South Carolina, or a certification to perform electrical work as a journeyman or master electrician. Properly trained electricians throughout the United States are well-versed in fire prevention measures, as well as electrical distribution systems.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only certified electrical contractors can: operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
A license protects your company and customers.
Licensure gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrician in South Carolina?
The annual mean wage for electricians in South Carolina is $55,360 per year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience, according to Indeed.com.
Electrician Apprentice: The average salary for an electrician apprentice is $19.05 per hour in South Carolina and $6,000 overtime per year.
Electrician: The average salary for an electrician apprentice is $24.64 per hour in South Carolina and $9,438 overtime per year.
Master Electrician: The average salary for an electrician apprentice is $31.34 per hour in South Carolina.
Salary 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 an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician 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 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 for Electrician Certification in South Carolina?
Yearly tuition at many South Carolina technical schools costs between $5,000 and $6,000 per year for in-state students, plus the costs of books and other study materials. There are also exam fees and licensing fees. These fees vary depending on the license or certification.
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How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Certification in South Carolina?
It takes two years or 4,000 hours of electrical trade work experience to qualify for journeyman certification. After working as a journeyman for four years, you are eligible to become a certified master electrician. Becoming a licensed electrical contractor takes additional time.
South Carolina Electrician Training Programs and Schools
South Carolina is home to several community colleges, trade schools, and technical and vocational schools offering the training you need to become an electrical professional in South Carolina. Training is available all over the state, including cities such as Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville.
Training at technical or trade schools typically includes:
Electrical Theory
National Electric Code (NEC)
First Aid/Safety/OSHA
Blueprint Reading
AC/DC Currents
Motors and Transformers
Welding
Electrical Basics and Tools
Electrical Panels
Conduit Work
Grounding and Wiring
Wiring Protection Devices
Electrical Boxes, Receptacles and Switches
Wiring a Residence
Installing Lighting, Ceiling Fans, and Appliances
Commercial Wiring & Installation
Project Layout and Planning
Thinwall Conduit Raceway Systems
Rigid Conduit Raceway Systems
Motor Control Center Installation
Installing, Splicing and Terminating Wires and Cables
Testing and Troubleshooting Feeders, Motors, and Branch Circuits
Installing Instrumentation and Process Control Systems
Safety Awareness
Some South Carolina electrical schools include:
Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood offers an electronic engineering technology certificate program.
Greenville Technical College in Greenville offers an electrical certificate program.
Midlands Technical College in West Columbia offers a basic electrical wiring certificate program.
Program Prerequisites: Program prerequisites vary. Most programs, however, require you to be 18 years old, have a high-school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, and pass an aptitude test.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will gain an understanding of electrical standards, as well as math and scientific principles. Electricians need keen eyesight and good hand-eye coordination, as well as proper time management skills. They also have to have good customer service skills, be able to work independently, have good physical endurance, and use logical problem-solving techniques. Electricians also learn how to read blueprints, circuit diagrams, and other technical documents.
South Carolina Electrician Certification Exam Details
The Municipal Association of South Carolina is responsible for certifying journeyman electricians. You can schedule your journeyman certification exam online through Prov. There is a $100 exam fee for all applicants. Candidate information bulletins are available to help applicants prepare for testing. The open-book test features 70 questions and you have three hours to pass the test. You may use the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the American Electricians’ Handbook.
Exam topics include:
Communication Systems
Equipment for General Use
General Electrical Theory & Principles
Motors & Controls
Plan Reading
Special Conditions
Special Equipment
Special Occupancies
Wiring & Protection
Wiring Methods & Materials
Prov also administers the South Carolina master electrician exam. There is a $100 exam fee for all applicants. The open-book test features 100 questions and you have four hours to pass the test. You may use the National Electrical Code (NEC), the American Electricians’ Handbook, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code Handbook, and the OSHA 29 Handbook.
Exam topics include:
Equipment for General Use
General Electrical Knowledge
Motors & Controls
Plan Reading
Special Conditions
Special Equipment
Special Occupancies
Wiring & Protection
Wiring Methods & Materials
Low Voltage Communication Systems
In order to receive either a residential or mechanical electrical contractor license, you must pass a technical exam and a business and law exam. PSI administers both exams and provides Candidate Information Bulletins.
The technical electrician exam contains 80 questions, and you have five hours to score at least 70%. Exam topics are similar to those on the journeyman and master electrician exams. PSI’s website includes a list of acceptable reference materials.
The business and law exam contains 50 questions, and you have 125 minutes to score at least 70%. During the exam, you may reference the “Business Management and Law for Commercial Contractors Reference Book,” as well as the “NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management – South Carolina Commercial Contractors.”
Exam topics include:
Business Management
Estimating and Bidding
Contracts and Agreements
Project Management
Insurance and Bonding
Safety Recordkeeping and Reporting
Labor Laws and Employment Regulations
Financial Management
Tax Laws
Liens
Environmental Laws and Regulations
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in South Carolina?
The Municipal Association of South Carolina issues journeyman and master electrician certifications. The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation issues licenses for electrical contractors.
Does My South Carolina Electrical License Work in Any Other State?
Yes! South Carolina maintains reciprocity agreements with Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and the city of Reading, Pennsylvania.
National Electrician Certifications
While optional, national certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency in certain aspects of the electrical trade to potential employers and clients, which often translates into more job opportunities and higher pay.
These include the Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) distinction, certification through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), among dozens of additional electrician certifications available.
Electrician Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s Toolbox for the Trades podcast.
