Occupational licensing · South Carolina · burden rank #37 of 51
South Carolina Occupational Licensing Requirements
South Carolina's licensing burden varies by profession. This registry brings together education hours, initial and renewal fees, exams, background checks and reciprocity notes for 97 professions. Its source trail records the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) compilation and responsible boards. Use the table to compare occupations, then verify the current rule with the responsible state board before applying.
South Carolina sits in the low-burden band (#37 of 51). Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Professional Geologist; Veterinarian; Mortgage Loan Originator; Psychologist. Nearest burden-rank peers: Kentucky; Arkansas; Oklahoma; Iowa. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology. Compare a named license or a peer state rather than reading the rank alone.
- Professions licensed
- 97
- Burden rank
- #37 of 51
- Avg education hours
- 1,716
- Avg initial fee
- $101
South Carolina vs all states by licensing burden score
Where this state's Institute for Justice License to Work composite sits among every state and D.C. Lower score = heavier documented barriers.
57 Among the freest more restrictive than 24% of 51 states
States and D.C., banded by IJ License to Work composite burden score (low = heavy)
Each bar is a band; taller bars hold more states. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count and share, and where it sits relative to this entry.
Source Institute for Justice License to Work · 2026
Highest education-hour licenses here: Psychologist; Electrician; Elevator Installer; Plumber. Highest initial-fee licenses here: Professional Geologist; Veterinarian; Mortgage Loan Originator; Psychologist. Nearest burden-rank peers: Kentucky; Arkansas; Oklahoma; Iowa. Category coverage starts with Agriculture; Animal Care; Construction; Cosmetology.
Education-hour spotlight 1
Psychologist
In South Carolina, Psychologist lists 5,432 education hours with an exam and a $186 initial fee. Compare the same license in Kentucky on the burden ladder.
Education-hour spotlight 2
Electrician
In South Carolina, Electrician lists 4,865 education hours with an exam and a $78 initial fee. Compare the same license in Kentucky on the burden ladder.
Initial-fee spotlight 1
Professional Geologist
Professional Geologist is among South Carolina's higher initial fees at $200 . Open Arkansas for a peer-state fee shape.
Initial-fee spotlight 2
Veterinarian
Veterinarian is among South Carolina's higher initial fees at $186 after 4,432 education hours. Open Arkansas for a peer-state fee shape.
Compare South Carolina against peer states
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Opens the live compare tool with both states and the profession already selected. Browse all comparisons.
Nationwide jurisdictions with similar burden or fee shape
Two peer sets for South Carolina: IJ composite burden rank and average confirmed initial license fee, distinct from the inline burden neighbors above.
Similar licensing burden rank
Nearest nationwide jurisdictions by Institute for Justice composite burden (#37 of 51 here; #1 = most restrictive).
Agriculture in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arborist / Tree Surgeon
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Pesticide Applicator (Commercial)
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
| Water Well Driller
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 3 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
Animal Care in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Breeder
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
| Farrier / Horseshoer
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| Veterinarian
Same license also board-reviewed in Nevada and Ohio.
| 4,432 | Yes | $186 | $165 | 2 yrs | vs Nevada · vs Ohio |
| Veterinary Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 1,716 | Yes | $93 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
Construction in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| 4,865 | Yes | $78 | $63 | 1 yr | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Elevator Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and Tennessee.
| 4,865 | Yes | $115 | $104 | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs Tennessee |
| Fire Sprinkler Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| General Contractor
Same license also board-reviewed in Georgia and Kentucky.
| - | Yes | $167 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Georgia · vs Kentucky |
| Glazier
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| HVAC Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| 2,865 | Yes | $63 | $52 | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
| Land Surveyor
Same license also board-reviewed in Tennessee and Wisconsin.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Tennessee · vs Wisconsin |
| Locksmith
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Mobile Home Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Dakota and Tennessee.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs North Dakota · vs Tennessee |
| Painter (Contractor)
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Pest Control Applicator
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 9 | Yes | $63 | $57 | 3 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Plumber
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| 4,865 | Yes | $88 | $78 | 1 yr | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
| Roofer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Utah.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Utah |
| Security Alarm Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Septic System Installer
Same license also board-reviewed in Arkansas and Georgia.
| - | Yes | $150 | - | 2 yrs | vs Arkansas · vs Georgia |
Cosmetology in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barber
Same license also board-reviewed in Colorado and Idaho.
| 1,108 | Yes | $62 | $37 | 2 yrs | vs Colorado · vs Idaho |
| Body Piercer
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Cosmetologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,130 | Yes | $67 | $39 | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Electrologist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Hampshire and Oklahoma.
| 332 | Yes | $63 | $52 | 2 yrs | vs New Hampshire · vs Oklahoma |
| Esthetician
Same license also board-reviewed in Oklahoma and Utah.
| 420 | Yes | $55 | $36 | 2 yrs | vs Oklahoma · vs Utah |
| Funeral Director / Embalmer
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Hair Braider
Same license also board-reviewed in Iowa and Michigan.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Iowa · vs Michigan |
| Massage Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Wisconsin and Colorado.
| 475 | Yes | $75 | $45 | 2 yrs | vs Wisconsin · vs Colorado |
| Nail Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Kentucky and Mississippi.
| 269 | Yes | $51 | $31 | 2 yrs | vs Kentucky · vs Mississippi |
| Tattoo Artist
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 1,500 | Yes | $75 | - | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Design in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior Designer
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Landscape Architect
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| - | Yes | $145 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
Education in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Childcare Center Director
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| 26 | No | $63 | $52 | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Elementary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $81 | $60 | 5 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| School Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $92 | $71 | 5 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
| School Librarian / Media Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Secondary School Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $81 | $60 | 5 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
| Substitute Teacher
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 2,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 5 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
Engineering in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Engineer (PE)
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| - | Yes | $167 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Professional Geologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Michigan and New Hampshire.
| - | Yes | $200 | - | 2 yrs | vs Michigan · vs New Hampshire |
Finance in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alaska and District of Columbia.
| - | Yes | $147 | $126 | 2 yrs | vs Alaska · vs District of Columbia |
| Debt Collector
Same license also board-reviewed in Missouri and New York.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Missouri · vs New York |
| Insurance Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Maryland and Nebraska.
| 33 | Yes | $70 | $59 | 2 yrs | vs Maryland · vs Nebraska |
| Mortgage Loan Originator
Same license also board-reviewed in Rhode Island and Washington.
| 20 | Yes | $186 | $132 | 1 yr | vs Rhode Island · vs Washington |
| Tax Preparer
Same license also board-reviewed in Vermont and Alaska.
| - | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Vermont · vs Alaska |
Food & Hospitality in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bartender / Alcohol Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Food Handler / Food Safety Certification
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Healthcare in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athletic Trainer
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 2,716 | Yes | $93 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Certified Nurse-Midwife
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Dental Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Dental Hygienist
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 2,716 | Yes | $134 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Dietetic Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Mississippi and New Mexico.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Mississippi · vs New Mexico |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 137 | Yes | $57 | $52 | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Hearing Aid Specialist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| Home Health Aide
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Same license also board-reviewed in South Dakota and West Virginia.
| 1,108 | Yes | $102 | $72 | 2 yrs | vs South Dakota · vs West Virginia |
| Medical Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Virginia and Arizona.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Virginia · vs Arizona |
| Medical Lab Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Alabama and Delaware.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Alabama · vs Delaware |
| Occupational Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Dakota.
| 3,216 | Yes | $124 | $113 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Dakota |
| Optician (Dispensing)
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Optometrist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 4,216 | Yes | $167 | $145 | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
| Paramedic
Same license also board-reviewed in New Mexico and Pennsylvania.
| 1,373 | Yes | $93 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs New Mexico · vs Pennsylvania |
| Pharmacist
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 4,324 | Yes | $154 | $143 | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Pharmacy Technician
Same license also board-reviewed in Montana and North Carolina.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Montana · vs North Carolina |
| Phlebotomist
Same license also board-reviewed in Idaho and Maine.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Idaho · vs Maine |
| Physical Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Arizona and Florida.
| 3,216 | Yes | $134 | $124 | 2 yrs | vs Arizona · vs Florida |
| Physician Assistant
Same license also board-reviewed in Massachusetts and Nevada.
| 3,324 | Yes | $165 | $154 | 2 yrs | vs Massachusetts · vs Nevada |
| Radiologic Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Maine and Montana.
| 1,951 | Yes | $93 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Maine · vs Montana |
| Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist
Same license also board-reviewed in Utah and Alabama.
| - | Yes | $104 | $93 | 2 yrs | vs Utah · vs Alabama |
| Registered Nurse
Same license also board-reviewed in Florida and Kansas.
| 2,216 | Yes | $113 | $77 | 2 yrs | vs Florida · vs Kansas |
| Respiratory Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| 1,716 | Yes | $93 | $82 | 2 yrs | vs Pennsylvania · vs Virginia |
| Speech-Language Pathologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Indiana and Massachusetts.
| 3,216 | Yes | $134 | $113 | 2 yrs | vs Indiana · vs Massachusetts |
| Surgical Technologist
Same license also board-reviewed in Delaware and Indiana.
| 1,000 | Yes | $100 | - | 2 yrs | vs Delaware · vs Indiana |
Legal & Security in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armed Security Guard
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Vermont.
| 24 | No | $74 | $48 | 2 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Vermont |
| Court Reporter / Stenographer
Same license also board-reviewed in Oregon and Vermont.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Oregon · vs Vermont |
| Notary Public
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Private Investigator
Same license also board-reviewed in Connecticut and Illinois.
| 1,329 | Yes | $126 | $115 | 2 yrs | vs Connecticut · vs Illinois |
| Process Server
Same license also board-reviewed in Louisiana and Missouri.
| - | Yes | $75 | - | 4 yrs | vs Louisiana · vs Missouri |
Mental Health in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| 3,216 | Yes | $113 | $102 | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Licensed Professional Counselor
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| 2,716 | Yes | $101 | $90 | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
| Marriage and Family Therapist
Same license also board-reviewed in Kansas and Minnesota.
| 2,716 | Yes | $124 | $113 | 2 yrs | vs Kansas · vs Minnesota |
| Psychologist
Same license also board-reviewed in West Virginia and California.
| 5,432 | Yes | $186 | $165 | 2 yrs | vs West Virginia · vs California |
Miscellaneous in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amusement Ride Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Ohio and Texas.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Ohio · vs Texas |
| Athletic Agent
Same license also board-reviewed in Minnesota and New Jersey.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Minnesota · vs New Jersey |
| Auctioneer
Same license also board-reviewed in North Carolina and South Dakota.
| 106 | Yes | $84 | $63 | 2 yrs | vs North Carolina · vs South Dakota |
| Casino/Gaming Dealer
Same license also board-reviewed in California and Hawaii.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs California · vs Hawaii |
| Sign Language Interpreter
Same license also board-reviewed in Texas and Wyoming.
| - | No | $50 | - | 2 yrs | vs Texas · vs Wyoming |
Real Estate in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Inspector
Same license also board-reviewed in District of Columbia and Iowa.
| 75 | Yes | $126 | $104 | 2 yrs | vs District of Columbia · vs Iowa |
| Real Estate Agent / Salesperson
Same license also board-reviewed in Washington and Arkansas.
| 70 | Yes | $88 | $76 | 2 yrs | vs Washington · vs Arkansas |
| Real Estate Broker
Same license also board-reviewed in Nebraska and North Dakota.
| 105 | Yes | $126 | $109 | 2 yrs | vs Nebraska · vs North Dakota |
Transportation in South Carolina
| SC profession | SC edu hrs | SC exam | SC initial $ | SC renew $ | SC cycle | Peer board |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chauffeur / Limousine Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in Hawaii and Louisiana.
| 9 | Yes | $48 | $37 | 4 yrs | vs Hawaii · vs Louisiana |
| Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
Same license also board-reviewed in Wyoming and Connecticut.
| 195 | Yes | $59 | $37 | 4 yrs | vs Wyoming · vs Connecticut |
| School Bus Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New Jersey and Oregon.
| 57 | Yes | $48 | $37 | 4 yrs | vs New Jersey · vs Oregon |
| Taxi/Ride-Share Driver
Same license also board-reviewed in New York and Rhode Island.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs New York · vs Rhode Island |
| Tow Truck Operator
Same license also board-reviewed in Illinois and Maryland.
| - | Yes | $50 | - | 4 yrs | vs Illinois · vs Maryland |
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
What to do with this
South Carolina ranks #37 of 51 jurisdictions on composite licensing burden (Below median) -- here's how to use that.
- Compare South Carolina directly against another state, side by side. Compare states
- Before relocating or entering a profession, compare its education hours, fees, and exam requirements across states. Browse all professions
- Check whether your license transfers under an interstate compact before assuming you need to start over. Reciprocity guide
Burden scores are compiled from Institute for Justice License to Work research and NCSL board coverage; always confirm current rules with the licensing board before relying on any single row.
Related for South Carolina
NCSL and state-board extracts for South Carolina. Burden peers on this ladder include Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Iowa; verify current rules with the named boards before applying.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential state file (current as of May 15, 2026) aggregates 4,947 licensing requirement records; see the methodology.
Every figure on PlainCredential is rendered directly from NCSL and state occupational- licensing board data, no number is typed in by an editor. Figures for South Carolina render from NCSL and state licensing board rows; no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.