South Carolina Real Estate License Requirements

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina

How to Get a Real Estate License in South Carolina

The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) requires all prospective agents to complete the following steps to become a licensed real estate agent. Follow the steps below to get started with your real estate career.

1. Complete the Required 90 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education

Prospective real estate agents must
complete 90 hours of Pre-Licensing education
from a real estate school approved by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

The required education consists of two courses: a 60-hour Unit I Salesperson Pre-licensing course and a 30-hour Unit II Advanced Real Estate Principles course.

You must complete the 60-hour Unit I Salesperson Pre-licensing course before you can apply to take the South Carolina Salesperson real estate exam. The 30-hour Unit II Advanced Real Estate Principles course can be taken after passing the exam but must be completed before you can apply for your Salesperson License.

2. Pass the Final Exams for Your Course

Once you’ve completed each Pre-Licensing course, you must pass the course final exam. You must receive a score of at least 70% to pass, but each exam can be taken as many times as necessary. These exams must be taken in the presence of a proctor.

3. Apply to Take the South Carolina Salesperson Real Estate Exam

Next, you’ll need to apply to take the state licensing exam. You can apply online
through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission’s website or by completing a paper application form and returning it to the SCREC by mail. Some students take Exam Prep courses to increase the likelihood of passing the test on their first attempt.

4. Complete a Background Check

You will also need to complete a criminal background check with fingerprints. You will receive further instructions once the South Carolina Real Estate Commission has received your application. The background check requirements changed effective 7/1/2022. For more information,
visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission’s website.

5. Pass the South Carolina Salesperson Real Estate Exam

When your exam application is approved, you will receive an examination eligibility letter. You have one year to pass the exam before your eligibility expires.

The exam, which is administered by PSI, consists of a National portion and a State portion. You will have 120 minutes to complete the 80-question National section and 80 minutes to complete the 40-question State section. For more information about the exam and how to register to take the exam, read
PSI’s state Candidate Information Bulletin.

Some students prepare for the South Carolina exam by purchasing an
Exam Prep program.

6. Select a Sponsoring Broker

To begin working as a real estate agent in South Carolina, you must be sponsored by an active South Carolina real estate Broker.

Choosing the right Broker to work with is a key factor to becoming a successful South Carolina real estate agent, so it’s important to find a good fit.

When searching for a sponsoring Broker, here are some questions to consider:

• Do they have a good reputation, locally and nationally?
• Are they looking for a specific type of Real Estate Agent?
• What kind of education and training do they offer?
• What does their fee and commission structure look like?
• What kind of benefits do they offer?

7. Complete and Submit Your Salesperson License Application

Once you’ve completed all the requirements, it’s time to complete your license application!

Quick Facts:

• To get a Salesperson License in South Carolina, you must complete 90 hours of Pre-Licensing education.

• For additional information about real estate licensure in South Carolina, read
  the South Carolina Real Estate Commission’s FAQ page.

• To learn more about the South Carolina Salesperson licensing exam, read
  PSI’s state Candidate Information Bulletin.

Common Questions About Getting Your South Carolina Real Estate License

1. How much does it cost to get your real estate license in South Carolina?

The cost of getting a real estate license in South Carolina can vary considerably, but you can typically expect to pay between $737 and $987. There could be additional costs, including a fee for the criminal background check.

2. How long does it take to get a real estate license in South Carolina?

The amount of time that it will take to get a real estate license in South Carolina can vary considerably, but one of the major factors is how long it takes you to complete your 90 hours of required Pre-Licensing education.

3. If I get a real estate license in South Carolina, where else can I work?

If you hold a real estate license in another state and want to get your Salesperson License in South Carolina, you must apply for and take the South Carolina portion of the real estate exam. With your exam application, you’ll need to submit certifications of licensure from any jurisdiction in which you have held a real estate license in the past five years. You must have been licensed within six months prior to submitting your South Carolina application.

If you have a license from another jurisdiction but have lived in South Carolina for more than 6 months, you’ll need to take the 30-hour Unit II Advanced Real Estate Principles course.

For more information, visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission’s website.

4. How much money can I make as a South Carolina real estate agent?

According to Indeed.com, the average salary for a South Carolina real estate agent is $93,918.

South Carolina Real Estate Continuing Education Requirements

South Carolina requires that real estate
Salespersons take 10 hours of Continuing Education
every two years to renew their license.