As Im sitting here watching it a year later. Congratz on passing, its an accomplishment since the test is really design to separate the dumb vs the problem solver. (not trying to be rude but who would trust someone to build them a house if that person cant even pass a test.) The test isn't much about what you learned from your previous experience on a job. The test is really about knowing how to find the answer in the IRC book. The key point if you want to pass the test is to read the entire book, retain as much information as you can, and familiarize yourself with the chapters. During the test, it is best to answer all the questions that you are 100% confident in, skip the ones you dont know. Then at the end, go back and answer the ones that you know where the answer is in the book (use chapters overview and keywords in the index). This way you won't be burning excessive amount of time on one question. Lastly, if you do happen to guess, you have 25% of getting it right, just try your best to make an educated guess.
Thank you so much for this video Sir. I am preparing to take the test and this was very helpful. Sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. Pray for me
Thanks for the helpful video! Just passed my test today and really appreciate the insight. Knowing how much of it is based on the code book was a big help. God Bless! Good luck with your work.
I'm glad for you. I have a story for you. When I first moved to SC from NJ 30 yrs ago, most of my work was in Chesterfield County. I became good friends with the Assistant Building Inspector of Chesterfield and 5 other towns in the area. He was good, real good at his job, knew everything there was to know about the building trade from top to bottom, etc. If you weren't sure about something, just ask him, he knew it all. Then it happened about 10-12 yrs later, sadly the building inspector died of a heart attack. My friend was to become the next building inspector but was told he had to pass the test in Columbia first. He was old school, no such thing as the exemption of the grandfather clause. He has a reading disorder but good in math. Just had a hard time reading and understanding the test. He failed each time he took the test. To make this long story short, he was offered a chance to take the test verbally this time at no cost. He passed the test in flying colors, almost with a perfect. score. Today he has 2 assistants under him. So it can be done if given the chance. Good luck
I have dyslexia and I had to go get tested again for it to show the state I have it. I am not sure if they will give me any accommodations but I hope so. I have been putting this test off for years because of my reading. I appreciate this video. I wish I knew more about the law side of the test but it seems like it was not as hard for you. Congratulations on getting over this hump. I hope soon I can take the test and stop looking over my shoulder
Congrats bro! You can make a great living as a Handyman but you can build an empire with a builder’s license. It will open up far more doors and avenues for profit having your license. From one licensed contractor to another, congratulations!
I'm getting ready to take this test in a couple of days. Your insights have confirmed what I've heard from others about it, that its mostly about the code book. Hope I can do it one and done. Thanks buddy
Great video man, I’ve done a lot of different work under a contractor and just recently decided to study to get my HBL in Alabama. I spend most of my free time, what little I usually have, in the books the state website references for the tests and videos like yours! Thank you for the much needed insight!
Thanks for the courage to document with video. No one can seem to tell me exactly what books I need for the south carolina residential builders exam. I called PSI and SC government so I can get it from the source and no one could tell me
8 hours of exam on a granola bar...the man is motivated! Up here, plumbing and electricity are specialized trades so you can get a builder's license without them and sub out that part of the job. Congrats on passing!!
Thanks for the info in the video… helpful to my husband as he prepares for his test. Question… Did you find the measurements on the house plans to figure out concrete needed for the drive-way, sidewalk and turnaround? Thanks for your help!
Hey! I'm a fellow handyman here in SC, and I would really love some help with making sure I take the right test. The websites are so unclear, haha. Do you have an email or something I can reach out to when you have some time? Thank you!!!
Not necessarily. I do feel like there is a little bit of a stigma around being a handyman. Seems as if people think we aren't as capable and won't ask for as much for our services. I feel like the license will provide 1 more level of credibility. The main reason I got it though is because I would like to have more doors opened. I'm getting older and I hope to be able transition more into general contractor meaning I'd sub out more work. I'd also like to build a house or 2 also
Hey, I’m in SC and wanting to do the same thing. I haven’t figured how though, could you tell me how you went about sending a letter in order to get the interview please? Thank you very much for any info or advice you can give.
Sure. I went to scllr website and printed off the residential builder application. I also sent in info of work experience. They then requested the appearance on front of the builders commission board. I'd be happy to help you anyway I can. Shoot me an email if you'd like. Jmjackson911@yahoo.com
I always tell people to get the IRC book and get very familiar with the index. Find a keyword in the exam question and look for it in the index. That was the biggest advantage I had
Test ain't designed to be easy. I took and passed the electrical and mechanical test, spent a ton of money on books and courses. Took my test in 1995 in NC. I was a electrical contractor in Florida before moving to NC. The Florida test was the worst. Congrats
I'm going to take the test in Michigan. It's by psi too but it states it's closed book. Has anyone taken the Michigan test? Do you have to have the book memorized??? Or is it like math problems???
I passed the michigan test and now moving to SC and prepping for that one. I used MichiganBuildingLicence.com to do the course work. I would say 25% of the questions were from my notes on that course. The rest were either common sense or math. I would recommend that site for your course work.
Man, starting studying for this exam now. I have kind of the same scenario as you, I always worked for myself, OR did framing for someone as a subcontractor type of thing. What kind of questions do they ask you during the interview? What's the name of the training you used?
Mainly about what kind of work I do and for how long I’ve been doing it. I felt like they were just kinda feeling me out to see if I was sincere about my reasons for wanting the license
I can not tell you enough how helpful this video is. Thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time out of your day to make this.
Such an honest and cool guy...
As Im sitting here watching it a year later. Congratz on passing, its an accomplishment since the test is really design to separate the dumb vs the problem solver. (not trying to be rude but who would trust someone to build them a house if that person cant even pass a test.) The test isn't much about what you learned from your previous experience on a job. The test is really about knowing how to find the answer in the IRC book. The key point if you want to pass the test is to read the entire book, retain as much information as you can, and familiarize yourself with the chapters. During the test, it is best to answer all the questions that you are 100% confident in, skip the ones you dont know. Then at the end, go back and answer the ones that you know where the answer is in the book (use chapters overview and keywords in the index). This way you won't be burning excessive amount of time on one question. Lastly, if you do happen to guess, you have 25% of getting it right, just try your best to make an educated guess.
Thank you so much for this video Sir. I am preparing to take the test and this was very helpful. Sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. Pray for me
Thanks for the helpful video! Just passed my test today and really appreciate the insight. Knowing how much of it is based on the code book was a big help. God Bless! Good luck with your work.
I'm glad for you. I have a story for you. When I first moved to SC from NJ 30 yrs ago, most of my work was in Chesterfield County. I became good friends with the Assistant Building Inspector of Chesterfield and 5 other towns in the area. He was good, real good at his job, knew everything there was to know about the building trade from top to bottom, etc. If you weren't sure about something, just ask him, he knew it all. Then it happened about 10-12 yrs later, sadly the building inspector died of a heart attack. My friend was to become the next building inspector but was told he had to pass the test in Columbia first. He was old school, no such thing as the exemption of the grandfather clause. He has a reading disorder but good in math. Just had a hard time reading and understanding the test. He failed each time he took the test. To make this long story short, he was offered a chance to take the test verbally this time at no cost. He passed the test in flying colors, almost with a perfect. score. Today he has 2 assistants under him. So it can be done if given the chance. Good luck
Wow! Thats crazy! Thanks man!
I have dyslexia and I had to go get tested again for it to show the state I have it. I am not sure if they will give me any accommodations but I hope so. I have been putting this test off for years because of my reading.
I appreciate this video. I wish I knew more about the law side of the test but it seems like it was not as hard for you. Congratulations on getting over this hump. I hope soon I can take the test and stop looking over my shoulder
Congrats bro! You can make a great living as a Handyman but you can build an empire with a builder’s license. It will open up far more doors and avenues for profit having your license.
From one licensed contractor to another, congratulations!
Thanks man! Now I just need some help!
Congrats!!! Being a licensed contractor adds a lot of credibility. Great job!!!
I'm getting ready to take this test in a couple of days. Your insights have confirmed what I've heard from others about it, that its mostly about the code book. Hope I can do it one and done. Thanks buddy
Good luck!
How’d it go?
Heeeyy! Hard work and persistence paying off. Well done. Looking forward to seeing your experiences dealing with subs.
Congrats! Im about to take this in VA thank you for the video
Great video man, I’ve done a lot of different work under a contractor and just recently decided to study to get my HBL in Alabama. I spend most of my free time, what little I usually have, in the books the state website references for the tests and videos like yours! Thank you for the much needed insight!
Thank you for the insight! Looking forward to taking my exam!
Congrats man!! I’m about to take it and this was helpful!
Thanks for the transparency. This was really helpful
Thanks for the courage to document with video. No one can seem to tell me exactly what books I need for the south carolina residential builders exam. I called PSI and SC government so I can get it from the source and no one could tell me
Definitely like)). This video is 10% to succeed in the test. Load of very positive information...
Congrats! Hopefully one day soon I'll be taking that same exam
Congrats and best of luck bro!
8 hours of exam on a granola bar...the man is motivated! Up here, plumbing and electricity are specialized trades so you can get a builder's license without them and sub out that part of the job.
Congrats on passing!!
You will get it brother 🙏🙏👊👊
Congrats man! Movin on up!
Thanks pal
💯 that was very helpful information.. 👍
I saw Toms hat man! Your hats are freaking awesome.
Thanks man!
I live in Michigan and I am about to take this test with PSI, so far best information I have gotten. Appreciate it man.
Great info dude! I too have wondered how to get certified with the only experience I have is working solo.
Thanks!
Thanks for the info in the video… helpful to my husband as he prepares for his test. Question… Did you find the measurements on the house plans to figure out concrete needed for the drive-way, sidewalk and turnaround? Thanks for your help!
Congrats on passing
Thanks!
Good luck bro👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
😶
Hey!
Thanks for the video. Do you know anywhere or someone I can buy used books from?
Congrats on passing. What brand of polo shirt is that?
Hey! I'm a fellow handyman here in SC, and I would really love some help with making sure I take the right test. The websites are so unclear, haha. Do you have an email or something I can reach out to when you have some time? Thank you!!!
Hey man what is the list of books you needed to study
Great video, which course did you take?
Congrats man! Aside from being able to take on larger jobs, does the Residential builders license get you anything else?
Not necessarily. I do feel like there is a little bit of a stigma around being a handyman. Seems as if people think we aren't as capable and won't ask for as much for our services. I feel like the license will provide 1 more level of credibility. The main reason I got it though is because I would like to have more doors opened. I'm getting older and I hope to be able transition more into general contractor meaning I'd sub out more work. I'd also like to build a house or 2 also
Hey, I’m in SC and wanting to do the same thing. I haven’t figured how though, could you tell me how you went about sending a letter in order to get the interview please?
Thank you very much for any info or advice you can give.
Sure. I went to scllr website and printed off the residential builder application. I also sent in info of work experience. They then requested the appearance on front of the builders commission board. I'd be happy to help you anyway I can. Shoot me an email if you'd like. Jmjackson911@yahoo.com
I appreciate this video brother! By chance can I pay you to give me some tips one on one on what books I actually need to study and how to tab?
I always tell people to get the IRC book and get very familiar with the index. Find a keyword in the exam question and look for it in the index. That was the biggest advantage I had
Good evening. Do you have an email so I can ask you some questions about the South Carolina residential building exam.
Test ain't designed to be easy. I took and passed the electrical and mechanical test, spent a ton of money on books and courses. Took my test in 1995 in NC. I was a electrical contractor in Florida before moving to NC. The Florida test was the worst. Congrats
What books did you refer to for the business and law test?
Man I’d have to look. Seems like it was specific to South Carolina. I let a friend borrow the books. I check with him
I'm going to take the test in Michigan. It's by psi too but it states it's closed book. Has anyone taken the Michigan test? Do you have to have the book memorized??? Or is it like math problems???
I passed the michigan test and now moving to SC and prepping for that one. I used MichiganBuildingLicence.com to do the course work. I would say 25% of the questions were from my notes on that course. The rest were either common sense or math. I would recommend that site for your course work.
@@fliegenfox did you take it online or in person ?
Hey there, are you still around/active? I’m looking for help setting up my exam - what’s the best way to get in contact? Thank you!
Hey man. Yep, I’m still around. You can email if you’d like. Jmjackson911@yahoo.com
Do you have to pay every time you retake the test?
I really can’t remove
Hey Matt how are you bud how can I order a hat
Hey Steve. You can send me some money through PayPal if you'd like. $20 plus shipping sound fair?
Man, starting studying for this exam now. I have kind of the same scenario as you, I always worked for myself, OR did framing for someone as a subcontractor type of thing. What kind of questions do they ask you during the interview? What's the name of the training you used?
Mainly about what kind of work I do and for how long I’ve been doing it. I felt like they were just kinda feeling me out to see if I was sincere about my reasons for wanting the license
What is the name of the training course company that you said it was good? I'm getting ready for the next year. :)
Contractor training center. Good luck!