FAQs
Most all of the questions you might have are listed below. If you still have a question after reviewing this page, feel free to contact me using the form on my contact page.
How do I get a contractor's license?
If you want to get your contractor's license you should start by downloading either the Residential or Commercial Candidate Information Bulletin from the link on my Resources page. This will give you all of the information you'll need to know before taking the contractor's license exam, including tips for preparing for your exam, a description of the exam and a content outline, scheduling procedures and exam site locations. The exam is given by computer, using a mouse and keyboard, in a semiprivate testing station at the exam site of your choosing. Before starting the exam, you will be given time to complete a tutorial of the test process on the computer; this will not count against your exam time.
After you read the bulletin, if you have more questions you can call the appropriate licensing board number below, depending on the license you're interested in, or Paul.
Commercial Licensing Board: 803-896-4686
Residential Licensing Board: 803-896-4696
Paul Calvo: 803-917-1193
What are the requirements for getting a contractor's license?
You can find links to the test requirements for getting your contractor's license and the state requirements on the resources page of my website. The requirements are different depending on whether you're interested in residential or commercial, and whether you want to get an SC Contractor's license, or one in Georgia or North Carolina. If you have questions, you can call the licensing board at one of the numbers listed below, or Paul:
Commercial Board: 803-896-4686
Residential Board: 803-896-4696
Paul Calvo: 803-917-1193
What should I bring to the contractor's exam prep class?
When you come to class, please bring highlighted books, a few extra color highlighters, tabs, a red ink pen, and a simple calculator. We will go over both commercial business & law and the technical portions of the exams, so you only need to take one class.
Is the Business and Law test prep included?
Yes, each class includes all of the test prep you'll need for the business and law portion of the test, in addition to the contractor's exam.
Do you have study guides available?
The contractor's exams are open book, and during the class I will set your books up where you can find the answers quickly during your exam.
The books are not included in the class price. Each class page has a link to the bookstore with the required books selected, and you can purchase them directly from the book store.
Are the books included in the cost of the class?
No, the books are not included in the price of the class. You will need to purchase the books in advance of the class. A link to the bookstore page that lists all of the required books for each class is included on the class page.
When should I schedule the test?
You should wait until after you come to class before you schedule the test.
We will spend 8 hours on law and technical during class, and set your books up so that you can find the answers quickly during the test. The recommended study time is about 20 hours, but some folks need more or less time than that, depending on experience.
What books do I need for ...?
Each class requires different books. Please refer to the exam prep class description page for a link to the required books for your specific class. You can also purchase books through this link.
Should I take the Residential or Limited contractor class?
You need a contractor to sign an affidavit that you have 1 year of residential experience in the past 5 years to be eligible to take the residential builder exams.
To be licensed as a commercial general contractor you have to have a contractor sign an affidavit that you have 2 years of experience within the past 5 years with commercial work only. The board will not take residential experience, it has to be commercial work only.
You can contact the license board in Columbia directly if you have further questions, their number is (803) 896-4300 and their office hours are 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
What if I don't pass the exam?
If you don't pass the exam, you may take the course again, within six months of your initial class, at no charge. You must bring your scorecard to your repeated class.
Because the PSI exams change regularly, after six months you will have to register again to retake the class. Contact us for a $100 coupon code if retaking the test after the 6 month deadline.
The class I want isn't on your schedule, what should I do?
Specialty contractor classes are available by request for a special fee. Contact me through my website contact form with the class you'd like to take and I'll make arrangements to put it on the schedule.
What is your cancellation policy?
You may reschedule up to 6 months in advance without penalty, however, we charge a $35 cancellation fee for classes cancelled more than 7 days prior to the scheduled class. This covers the fees we are charged for processing payments. Read more about our cancellation policy.