Do you want to start a career in the HVAC industry? There are certain requirements you should know. It will enable you to make your current goal come true. For the start, you will need a South Carolina HVAC license. So, what should you know about the licensing?
Before you get your license, there are a number of certificates you should get. For getting these certificates you will have to issue separate applications. Remember that there is only one main type of South Carolina HVAC license.
There are also three levels of certificates that give you different career opportunities.
The residential HVAC certificate gives a wide range of opportunities in the work in residential areas.
With the journeyman unlimited certificate, you will be able to work on HVAC units. With this certificate, you will have to work under supervision.
If you prefer to work unsupervised, you will have to get a master’s certificate.
The salary usually depends on the license and certificate type.
You have to meet a number of SC HVAC license requirements. To get a journeyman certificate, you will need to participate in a two-year vocational program. You can also have a two-year experiences as an apprentice. It’s only then that you can give the exams to get your license as an HVAC contractor.
The examination process begins with submitting an application for SCLRR. If you get the approval you will be able to participate in an exam. The fee for the exam is $100. The exam is comprised of about 80 questions. The minimum passing grade of the exam is 65%.
The questions of the exam consist of topics like safety, insulation, load calculation, ducts, heating, and cooling, etc.
Who issues the HVAC license and certificates? The HVAC certificates are issued by the MASC (Municipal Association of South Carolina). The contractor license is issued by the SCLRR (SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation).
The average tuition payment at a college varies from $4,000 to $5,000 per year. It is also possible to start as an apprentice. It is less costly. The annual payment will not exceed $2500. Besides, as an apprentice, you will also get a salary.
This is not all.
Municipal Association of South Carolina Certificate costs $25 for an application and $100 for the exam.
For the General and Mechanical Contractor’s License, the payment can vary. It starts from $175 and reaches up to $350. The cost mostly depends on the application period.
For the Residential HVAC exam, you will have to pay $100.
Having an HVAC Contractor license in South Carolina has many advantages:
The law requires the professionals of the fields to have a license. To act within the law is safe and beneficial.
Usually, you will have to wait about a month for the Board to approve your license. Furthermore, you will get your HVAC License online. The process usually takes 2-3 weeks. However, sometimes it may take a little longer.
Generally, the HVAC License is renewed every two years in SC.