Beginning January 1, 2025, the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCLLR) will introduce a significant change to the Non-Structural Renovation license requirements. Previously, applicants only needed to pass the Business & Law exam, but starting in 2025, a trade exam will also be required. Both exams are open-book, allowing contractors to refer to their resources during the test. This change is part of the state's effort to ensure contractors possess the necessary technical knowledge for non-structural renovations.
License Scope
The Non-Structural Renovation license covers a variety of interior and exterior non-structural building activities, including: installing, remodeling, renovations, and finishes of acoustical ceiling systems and panels, load-bearing and nonload-bearing drywall partitions, lathing and plastering, flooring (excluding carpet) and finishing, interior recreational surfaces, window and door installation, and installation of fixtures, cabinets, and millwork; and which also includes fireproofing, insulation, lining, painting, partitions, sandblasting, interior and exterior wall covering, and waterproofing.
It’s important to note that this license does not authorize alterations on load-bearing portions of a structure.
Updated Examination Requirements
To obtain the Non-Structural Renovation license after January 1, 2025, applicants must pass both the Business & Law exam and the new Trade exam.
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Business, Management & Law Exam (Open-Book)
- Number of Questions: 50
- Passing Score: 35 correct answers
- Time Allowed: 125 minutes
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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
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Trade Exam (New Requirement, Open-Book)
- Total Questions: 60
- Passing Score: 70% correct
- Time Allowed: 150 minutes
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Topics Include:
- Plan Reading and Estimating
- Windows and Doors
- Associated Trades (including insulation, moisture control, flooring, and general finishing)
- Rough Carpentry
- Finish Carpentry
- Siding
- Drywall
- Metal Stud Framing
- OSHA Safety
Preparing for the New Requirements
At 1 Exam Prep, we’re committed to helping you stay ahead of these upcoming changes. While our Non-Structural Renovation trade exam prep and book packages are coming soon, you can get started right now with our Business, Management, & Law Exam Prep and Exam-Ready NASCLA Contractors Guide to Business, Law and Project Management, South Carolina Commercial Contractors, 9th Edition Book. Our self-paced, online courses, and exam-ready books are designed by industry experts to help you succeed on your first attempt.
Don’t wait—get started with your Business, Management & Law exam prep today, and be prepared for the new trade exam requirements. Visit our website or contact us for more information on how we can help you navigate South Carolina’s updated licensing requirements.