How to Get Your Real Estate License in South Carolina (2026)
Get your South Carolina real estate license in 4 steps. 60 education hours, pass the 120-question exam (70%), and apply with SCREC. Free practice test included.
Getting your real estate license in South Carolina requires 60 hours of pre-licensing education, a passing score of 70% on the South Carolina real estate exam, and an application to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC). SCREC regulates all real estate licensing activity in the state, enforcing education standards, examination requirements, and professional conduct rules for salespersons and brokers. The process follows four steps: complete your pre-licensing education, pass the state exam, submit your license application, and activate your license with a sponsoring broker. Most candidates earn their South Carolina real estate license within 2-4 months.
South Carolina Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
South Carolina requires all real estate salesperson candidates to meet these requirements before receiving a license.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | 60 hours of approved pre-licensing courses |
| Exam | 120 questions, 70% passing score |
| Exam Fee | ~$63 |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based |
| Regulatory Body | South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) |
Each requirement must be completed in sequence. Your pre-licensing education must be finished before you can register for the exam, and you must pass the exam before submitting your application to SCREC.
Step 1 — Complete 60 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
South Carolina requires 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education from a state-approved school before you can sit for the real estate exam. SCREC maintains a list of approved providers offering both classroom and online courses. Coursework covers property ownership, contracts, agency law, real estate finance, and South Carolina-specific regulations.
Full-time students typically complete the 60-hour requirement in 4-8 weeks. Part-time students working through the material on evenings and weekends should plan for 2-3 months. Online programs offer self-paced flexibility, while classroom programs provide structured schedules with instructor interaction.
Verify your school appears on the SCREC-approved list before enrolling. Courses from non-approved providers will not satisfy the South Carolina real estate license requirement. Upon completing your education, you receive a certificate of completion needed for exam registration. South Carolina’s 60-hour requirement is close to the national average, making the education phase manageable for most candidates.
Step 2 — Pass the South Carolina Real Estate Exam
After completing your education requirements, schedule the South Carolina real estate exam through PSI. Registration is available online at the PSI website or by phone. Bring two forms of valid identification to the testing center — one must be a government-issued photo ID. The exam is computer-based with results provided immediately upon completion.
South Carolina exam structure and topics
The South Carolina real estate exam has two sections with 120 total questions. The national section contains 80 questions covering general real estate principles. The state section contains 40 questions on South Carolina-specific laws and regulations. You need a score of 70% on each section to pass.
National Section (80 Questions)
| Topic | Questions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Property Ownership | 6 | 8% |
| Land Use Controls and Regulations | 4 | 5% |
| Valuation and Market Analysis | 6 | 7% |
| Financing | 8 | 10% |
| General Principles of Agency | 10 | 13% |
| Property Disclosures | 5 | 6% |
| Contracts | 14 | 17% |
| Leasing and Property Management | 2 | 3% |
| Transfer of Title | 6 | 8% |
| Practice of Real Estate | 10 | 12% |
| Real Estate Calculations | 6 | 7% |
State Section (40 Questions)
| Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
| Statutes Governing Activities of Licensees and Non-Licensees | 11 |
| SC Agency and Non-Agency Relationships and Issues | 11 |
| SC Real Estate Commission and Licensing Requirements | 9 |
| Additional SC Statutes and Topics | 9 |
The math portion includes approximately 6 questions (7%) on the national section covering commission splits, prorations, LTV ratios, property tax calculations, and area computations.
How to pass the South Carolina real estate exam
Passing the South Carolina real estate exam requires focused study on the highest-weighted topics and consistent practice testing.
- Focus on Contracts. 14 of 80 national questions (17%) test contract elements, making this the single heaviest topic. Master offer and acceptance, contingencies, breach remedies, and the statute of frauds.
- Master Agency Relationships. 11 state questions cover SC-specific agency relationships including dual agency, designated agency, and transaction brokerage rules. Know when written disclosure is required.
- Study SC license law and prohibited conduct. 11 state questions test statutes governing licensee activities. Focus on trust account handling, advertising rules, and disciplinary procedures under SCREC regulations.
- Practice math calculations. 6 national questions test commissions, prorations, LTV ratios, and area computations. Memorize the core formulas and practice with timed problems. Review key real estate exam terms that appear in word problems.
- Take our free South Carolina practice exam to identify weak areas. Focus your remaining study time on the topics where you score lowest. Use our free national practice exam to build confidence on the 80-question general section.
For more preparation strategies, read our guide on how to pass the real estate exam and review proven real estate exam tips.
Step 3 — Submit Your License Application to SCREC
After passing the exam, submit your license application to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission with the required documents and fees.
- Obtain your exam score report. PSI provides a printed score report at the testing center. Keep this document — you will need it for your application.
- Gather your education certificate. Your pre-licensing school issues a certificate of completion for the 60-hour course requirement.
- Complete your fingerprint-based background check. South Carolina requires all applicants to submit fingerprints for a criminal history review. Schedule your fingerprinting appointment promptly, as processing can take 2-4 weeks.
- Submit your application and fees. Include your exam score report, education certificate, and application fee ($100-$200). SCREC accepts both online and paper applications.
- Wait for processing. Application review typically takes 2-4 weeks after all documents are received.
Step 4 — Find a Sponsoring Broker and Activate Your License
Your South Carolina real estate license is not active until you affiliate with a licensed broker who will sponsor your license. A sponsoring broker provides supervision, training, access to MLS systems, and the legal framework under which you conduct real estate transactions.
Interview at least three brokers before making your decision. Compare commission split structures (50/50 to 80/20 is typical for new agents), training programs, office culture, and market specialization. Some brokers charge desk fees or technology fees in addition to the commission split. After selecting a broker, the broker files the necessary paperwork with SCREC to activate your real estate license. Activation typically takes 1-2 weeks. For a complete guide to the broker selection process, read what to do after passing the exam.
How Much Does a South Carolina Real Estate License Cost?
The total cost to get your real estate license in South Carolina ranges from approximately $700 to $1,400, depending on your choice of school and broker.
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-licensing education (60 hours) | $200–$500 |
| Exam fee | ~$63 |
| License application | $100–$200 |
| Background check | $30–$75 |
| E&O insurance | $200–$500/year |
| MLS/association dues | $500–$1,000/year |
| Total first year | $700–$1,400+ |
South Carolina has one of the lower exam fees nationally at ~$63. Budget for the higher end of these ranges when planning your career transition. E&O insurance and MLS dues are recurring annual expenses that continue throughout your real estate career.
South Carolina-Specific Laws and Recent Changes
South Carolina has several state-specific real estate laws and regulatory requirements that appear on the licensing exam.
- SC agency disclosure requirements — dual agency, designated agency, and transaction brokerage rules. South Carolina requires written disclosure of agency relationships at first substantive contact. The exam tests distinctions between dual agency, designated agency, and transaction brokerage.
- Trust account handling and escrow fund management under SCREC rules. Licensees must deposit earnest money within specific timeframes. SCREC audits trust accounts and imposes penalties for mishandling client funds.
- South Carolina property condition disclosure requirements. Sellers must complete the SC Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement. Licensees need to understand their obligation to disclose known material defects.
- SC fair housing laws including state-specific provisions. South Carolina extends federal fair housing protections with additional state provisions. On the exam, you will likely see questions distinguishing state protections from federal standards.
- SC landlord-tenant regulations and environmental requirements. South Carolina governs security deposits, lease termination procedures, and environmental disclosures. Questions test specific statutory provisions that differ from general real estate principles.
This information is for educational purposes. Requirements may change — verify with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a real estate license in South Carolina?
Getting a real estate license in South Carolina takes 2-4 months. The 60-hour pre-licensing education requirement can be completed in 4-8 weeks full-time. Add time for exam scheduling, the background check (2-4 weeks), and broker affiliation.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in South Carolina?
The total cost ranges from $700 to $1,400. Major expenses include pre-licensing education ($200-$500), the PSI exam fee (~$63), application fees ($100-$200), and first-year E&O insurance and MLS dues. Compare passing scores by state to understand how South Carolina’s 70% threshold compares nationally.
Can I get a South Carolina real estate license online?
South Carolina allows you to complete the 60-hour pre-licensing education requirement online through SCREC-approved schools. The licensing exam must be taken in person at a PSI testing center. Online education offers the same curriculum as classroom instruction with self-paced scheduling flexibility.
Does South Carolina have real estate license reciprocity?
South Carolina may have reciprocity agreements with certain states. Contact SCREC for current reciprocity agreements and specific requirements for out-of-state licensees seeking a South Carolina real estate license.
How many times can you take the South Carolina real estate exam?
There is no limit on the number of times you can take the South Carolina real estate exam. You must repay the ~$63 exam fee for each attempt and reschedule through PSI. If you fail one section, some candidates may only need to retake the failed portion — confirm current retake policies with PSI.
Test Your Knowledge — Free South Carolina Practice Exam
Prepare for the South Carolina real estate exam with our free practice test covering national and state-specific topics including agency relationships, license law, and property disclosures. Our practice questions mirror the format and difficulty of the actual PSI exam.
