How to Get a Real Estate License in South Carolina

Steps to Get Your South Carolina Salesperson License

Getting a real estate license in any state can be a bit overwhelming. But earning a real estate license in South Carolina is simple if you follow 6 easy steps.

  1. Complete 90 Hours of Approved Education
  2. Pass the Course Final Exam
  3. Pass a Background Check
  4. Pass the South Carolina Real Estate Salesperson Exam
  5. Find a Sponsoring Broker
  6. Complete the Licensing Application

Reasons to Become a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina

The requirements to get a real estate license vary in each state. However, it takes just a few simple steps to get a real estate license in South Carolina. Hopeful licensees can have their real estate license in several weeks.

Real estate agents in South Carolina make between $36,000 to $100,000+ per year, depending on experience and expertise.

Different states require between 20 to over 200 hours of completed pre-license coursework before taking the exams and earning a license. South Carolina requires 90 hours of pre-licensing courses.

Did you know that you can get your South Carolina real estate license entirely online? You can complete your real estate courses anywhere, anytime, at your own pace!

Steps to Get a South Carolina Real Estate License

Prerequisites

  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • You must have a high school diploma (or certificate of equivalency)
  • You must be lawfully present and eligible to work in the United States
  • Must pass a criminal background check

  • Complete 90 Hours of Approved Education

    The first step to obtaining a license is to complete 90 hours of Pre-License Education through an approved provider.

    The pre-licensing education is divided into two separate sections. The first section, "Unit I Salesperson Pre-Licensing course", is 60 hours and must be completed before the exam is taken. The second section, "Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles", is 30 hours and can be taken before or after the exam.

  • Pass the Course Final Exam

    After you complete all the South Carolina course materials, you must pass the final exams. The minimum passing score is 70%. In South Carolina, you must take the final exams in the presence of a proctor.

  • Complete a Criminal Background Check

    Once you have completed and passed your course final exam, you will need to complete a South Carolina state and federal criminal history background check.

  • Pass the South Carolina Real Estate Salesperson Exam

    Once you feel confident enough to take your final exam, apply to take the South Carolina Real Estate license exam through the SCREC. To apply, visit SCREC's online application portal and pay the $25 application fee.

    After the SCREC approves your exam application, register for an exam date and location through PSI's online portal.

    After you submit your exam application to take the exam, it will take an average of five to seven business days for the Commission to process and approve your materials. There are 30 state-specific and 80 national exam questions. To pass, you need a score of at least 70%.

  • Find a Sponsoring Broker

    To be licensed, a licensee needs to be sponsored by an active South Carolina broker. This person will serve as your mentor as you start your new career in real estate.

    Here are some questions to consider during your search for a sponsoring broker:

    • What is their overall reputation?
    • Are they advanced in their specialty?
    • Are they up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations?
    • To what extent do they support their agents?
    • What kind of commission structure do they offer? Are there benefits?
    • What quality of leads and marketing material do they offer their agents?
    • Is there potential to grow within the brokerage?

  • Complete the License Application

    Finally, once you meet all of the prior requirements, you will need to finalize your application online.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in South Carolina?

It takes an average of four (4) months to obtain your real estate license, however, many people take far less or far more time to get their South Carolina real estate license. You can obtain a license in just a few weeks. Or, you can take your time and earn your license over the course of a year.

The amount of time it takes to obtain your license depends on the type of pre-license coursework a potential licensee decides to take and the pace they take to complete the courses.

An individual completes courses at their own pace when completing their real estate courses online. Online courses are helpful if an individual wants to complete their studies faster or if they need to take additional time on their coursework.

In a classroom setting, an individual must follow along at the pace of the class. This option is suitable for individuals who want to make connections with classmates and are more motivated in a classroom setting.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in South Carolina?

Depending on what real estate school a hopeful licensee decides to attend, it costs between $478.00 and $800.00 to get a license. The cost of real estate courses depends on both the school and the package that a potential licensee chooses. Here are the required fees:

Course Tuition $300 - $600
Application Fee $24.00
Examination Fee $62.00
New License Fee $50.00
Fingerprinting & Background Check Fees $40.00
Total $470.00 - $800.00