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If you consider becoming an electrician in South Carolina, this is the perfect guide to get you started!
You’ll first need to train for a period of time, and then obtain a license from The Municipal Association of South Carolina.
You even have the option of running your own business, if you obtain a license from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation.
Article Table of Contents
Training
The mandatory training for an electrician is either one of the following:
- 4,000 hours documented experience supervised by a journeyman or master level electrician
- An Associate degree and 2,000 hours experience supervised by a journeyman or master level electrician
Technical Schools
Enrolling in a technical school is the way to obtain an associate’s degree in electrical technology.
Internships are usually part of these training programs, and they can transform into full-time employment after graduation.
Some of the topics you will study are:
- Electrical Theory
- National Electrical Code
- First Aid/Safety/OSHA
- Blueprint Reading
- AC/DC Currents
- Motors and Transformers
- Electrical Basics, Tools and Panels
- Conduit Work
- Grounding and Wiring
- Electrical Boxes, Receptacles, and Switches
- Installing Lighting, Ceiling Fans, and Appliances
- Commercial and Residential 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
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| South Carolina Technical College | 1201 Chesterfield Hwy., Cheraw, SC 29520 |
| South Carolina Technical College | 738 S Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607 |
| South Carolina Technical College | 1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia, SC 29170 |
| South Carolina Technical College | 2276 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC 29829 |
Apprenticeship Programs
Union apprenticeship programs are generally the preferred route to enter this trade.
Local JATCs, or Joint Apprenticeship &Training Committees, are the ones making these programs available, with the help of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).
Non-union apprenticeship programs are also available through merit shops.
Being accepted in either program means meeting certain criteria, and becoming a member of the union for those applying to a union training program.
Become a Journeyman
In South Carolina, journeymen get certified by the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC), if they pass an exam.
Conditions:
- Complete the apprenticeship
- Fill out the exam application
The exam is organized through PROV, Inc, and candidates have 3 hours to solve 70 multiple-choice questions.
Candidates can consult the National Electric Code and the American Electrician’s Handbook are allowed during the exam.
The topics cover:
- Wiring Methods and Materials
- Communication Systems
- Equipment for General Use
- General Electrical Theory and Principles
- Motors and Controls
- Plan Reading
- Special Conditions
- Special Equipment
- Special Occupancies
- Wiring & Protection
Master Electrician Certificate
The master electrician certificate is only mandatory for those who plan on getting a license as an electrical contractor.
Requirements:
- 4 years of experience as a journeyman electrician
- Fill out the exam application
The master electrician exam lasts for 4 hours, has 100 multiple-choice questions, and is open-book.
The following books are allowed in the examination room:
- 2014 National Electric Code
- 2012 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code
- American Electrician’s Handbook
The questions cover the following topics:
- Equipment for General Use
- General Electrical Knowledge
- Motors & Controls
- Plan Reading
- Special Conditions, Equipment, and Occupancies
- Wiring & Protection
- Wiring Methods & Materials
- Low Voltage Communication Systems
Independent Electrical Contractor
The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation (DLLR) offers 2 types of contracting licenses for electricians:
- Mechanical – can work on commercial buildings
- Residential – can work on residential properties, under 3 stores tall and less than 16 units
Mechanical Contracting License
Requirements:
- Pass a technical exam
- Pass a business and law exam
- 2 years of experience in your field, in the last 5 years
- A financial statement balance sheet
The Department of Labor has more information related to the exams, including the study materials.
Those who want to bid on jobs up to $30,000 have to fill in a financial statement balance sheet form, while those who want to bid on jobs over this value will have to consult with an accountant.
Residential Contractor License
Requirements:
- 1 year of work experience
- Fill out the application
- Pass the technical and the business and law exams
The Department of Labor has more information related to the exams, including the study materials.
Salary
The experience of a South Carolina electrician will greatly influence how much they’ll earn.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $46,192 |
| Columbia | $45,684 |
| North Charleston | $46,192 |
| Mount Pleasant | $46,192 |
| Rock Hill | $47,878 |
| Greenville | $47,457 |
| Summerville | $45,988 |
| Goose Creek | $46,124 |
| Sumter | $43,495 |
| Hilton Head Island | $45,174 |
License Renewal
The journeyman license has to be renewed every year.
The master electrician certificate, mechanical contracting license, and residential contracting license have to be renewed every 2 years.
Read the full guide: How to Become an Electrician
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Electrician Schools by State