How to Get a Real Estate License in South Carolina
South Carolina's real estate market continues to attract buyers, investors, and new agents alike. Whether you're drawn to the coastal luxury market in Charleston, the growing suburbs of Greenville, or the investment opportunities across the Midlands, earning your South Carolina real estate license is the first step toward building a rewarding career.
This guide walks you through every requirement, step, cost, and timeline you need to know to become a licensed real estate salesperson in South Carolina.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina
- South Carolina Real Estate License Requirements
- Step 1: Complete the 90-Hour Pre-Licensing Education
- Step 2: Apply for the South Carolina Licensing Exam
- Step 3: Pass the SC Real Estate Salesperson License Exam
- Step 4: Complete a Criminal Background Check
- Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker-In-Charge
- Step 6: Finalize Your Real Estate Salesperson License Application
- Estimated Costs for a South Carolina Real Estate License
- Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina
- Ready to Start Your South Carolina Real Estate Career?
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina
Becoming a real estate agent in South Carolina involves six key steps:
- Complete the 90-hour pre-licensing education
- Apply for the South Carolina licensing exam
- Pass the SC real estate salesperson license exam
- Complete a criminal background check
- Find a sponsoring Broker-in-Charge
- Finalize your real estate salesperson license application
Each step is governed by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) and the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). Below, we'll cover each step in detail so you know exactly what to expect.
South Carolina Real Estate License Requirements
Before beginning the process, you must meet the following baseline eligibility requirements set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a high school diploma or GED
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
Note: DACA recipients are not eligible for a professional license in South Carolina per S.C. Code of Laws Section 8-29-10 .
If you meet these requirements, you're ready to pursue your real estate associates license. Here's how.
Step 1: Complete the 90-Hour Pre-Licensing Education
South Carolina requires all real estate salesperson applicants to complete 90 hours of approved pre-licensing coursework before sitting for the state exam. This education is divided into two mandatory units.
Unit I: Real Estate Principles and Practices (60 Hours)
This foundational unit covers the core knowledge every real estate professional needs, including:
- Principles of real property
- Landlord-tenant relationships
- Real estate contracts
- Rules of agency and listings
- Transfer of title to real property
- Title insurance and settlements
- Fundamentals of appraising
- Real estate finance
- Real estate law
This 60-hour course builds the legal, practical, and ethical knowledge base you'll rely on throughout your career.
Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles (30 Hours)
The second unit goes deeper into practice-level topics to ensure you're prepared to operate as a professional in the SC market, covering topics such as:
- Agency and property disclosure
- Real estate contracts
- Ethics
- Measurements and valuation
- Fair housing
Together, these two units give you the comprehensive grounding needed to pass the SC licensing exam and confidently serve clients from day one.
You can complete both units through online or in-person pre-license courses offered by approved education providers. VanEd's South Carolina pre-license program allows you to study at your own pace from anywhere in the state. More on that in the FAQ below.
Step 2: Apply for the South Carolina Licensing Exam
Once you've completed your 90 hours of pre-licensing education, your school will submit your completion information to PSI, the third-party testing provider contracted by the SCREC.
To apply for a real estate license exam in South Carolina, you'll work through the PSI portal to:
- Create or log in to your PSI candidate account
- Select the South Carolina Real Estate Salesperson exam
- Pay the exam fee
- Schedule your exam at an available PSI testing center in South Carolina
Testing centers are located throughout the state, including Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach. Online proctored testing may also be available.
Tip: Don't wait to schedule your exam. Book your seat as soon as your education completion is confirmed. Spots fill up quickly in peak seasons.
Step 3: Pass the SC Real Estate Salesperson License Exam
The South Carolina real estate salesperson exam is administered by PSI and consists of two portions:
| Exam Portion | Questions | Time Allowed | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Portion | 80 questions | 120 minutes | 56/80 (70%) |
| State Portion | 40 questions | 60 minutes | 28/40 (70%) |
You must pass both portions to proceed with your license application. If you fail one section, you only need to retake that section, not the full exam. Scores are valid for one year from the date of passing.
National Portion Topics Include:
- Property ownership and land use
- Valuation and market analysis
- Financing
- Contracts
- Agency relationships
- Leasing and property management
State Portion Topics Include:
- South Carolina license law
- South Carolina Real Estate Commission rules and regulations
- SC-specific agency law and disclosures
After passing the exam, PSI will provide a score report. Hold onto this. You'll need it for your license application.
Step 4: Complete a Criminal Background Check
South Carolina requires all real estate license applicants to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal background check through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Here's what to know:
- Background checks are submitted electronically through the SLED portal
- Fingerprinting can be completed at participating locations across South Carolina
- The fee for SLED background checks is approximately $25
- Certain criminal convictions may disqualify you from licensure or require additional review by the SCREC
If you have a prior criminal record, you may request a pre-determination of eligibility from the SCREC before investing in your education. This can save time and money if there are concerns about your eligibility.
Step 5: Find a Sponsoring Broker-In-Charge
In South Carolina, new salesperson licensees cannot practice real estate independently. Your license must be held by and supervised by a licensed Broker-in-Charge (BIC).
A Broker-in-Charge is a licensed real estate broker who has taken additional education and assumed supervisory responsibility over affiliated licensees. Before your license can be activated, you must secure a sponsoring BIC.
What to look for in a sponsoring broker:
- A culture that fits your business goals (team vs. independent)
- Commission splits and fee structures that make sense for a new agent
- Training and mentorship programs for new licensees
- Specialty markets that align with your interests (residential, commercial, luxury, etc.)
Interview multiple brokerages before committing. Your first brokerage will have a significant impact on your early career trajectory. Many BICs actively recruit new agents, so don't be shy about reaching out.
Step 6: Finalize Your Real Estate Salesperson License Application
With your education complete, exam passed, background check submitted, and sponsoring broker identified, you're ready to finalize your license application through the SC LLR.
What you'll need to submit:
- Completed salesperson license application
- Proof of passed exam (score report from PSI)
- Completed criminal background check
- Sponsoring Broker-in-Charge information and signature
- Application fee of approximately $75
You can submit your South Carolina real estate license application online through the SC LLR eServices portal. Once your application is approved, you'll receive a notification and can log in and print your license directly from the portal.
Processing times can range from a few days to several weeks depending on application volume and the status of your background check. Plan accordingly if you're targeting a specific start date.
Estimated Costs for a South Carolina Real Estate License
Understanding the full financial picture before you begin helps you plan without surprises. Here's a breakdown of typical costs for a South Carolina real estate salesperson license:
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 90-Hour Pre-Licensing Education | $200 – $500 |
| Exam Application Fee (PSI) | $63 per attempt |
| Criminal Background Check (SLED) | ~$25 |
| License Application Fee (LLR) | ~$75 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $363 – $663+ |
Costs can vary based on the education provider you choose, whether you need to retake the exam, and any additional study materials you purchase. For a more detailed breakdown, see our guide on the cost of a real estate license in South Carolina .
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina
How long does it take to get a real estate license in South Carolina?
Most candidates complete the process in 2 to 4 months from start to finish. The timeline depends primarily on how quickly you complete your 90 hours of pre-licensing education.
Here's a general breakdown:
- Pre-licensing education: 3–8 weeks (depending on your pace)
- Exam scheduling and testing: 1–2 weeks
- Background check processing: 1–3 weeks
- License application review: 1–4 weeks
Candidates who study on an accelerated schedule through an online program can often complete their coursework in 3–4 weeks. Those who take in-person night classes may need 2–3 months for the education portion alone.
Can I get a South Carolina real estate license online?
Yes. South Carolina allows candidates to complete their 90-hour pre-licensing education entirely online through approved providers like VanEd. Online coursework offers flexibility to study on your own schedule, whether early mornings, evenings, or weekends, which is especially valuable for career-changers who are still working full-time.
However, the licensing exam itself must be taken in person at an approved PSI testing center. There is no fully remote examination option for the state licensing exam at this time. VanEd's South Carolina real estate license pre-licensing courses are SCREC-approved, self-paced, and include comprehensive study tools to help you pass the exam on your first attempt.
Does South Carolina have license reciprocity with other states?
South Carolina currently maintains real estate license reciprocity agreements with two states:
- Georgia
- North Carolina
If you hold an active real estate license in Georgia or North Carolina, you may be eligible to obtain a South Carolina license without completing the full 90-hour pre-licensing education. However, you must still meet the requirements outlined in the specific reciprocity agreements and complete a South Carolina-specific application.
South Carolina does not have reciprocity with any other state at this time. If you hold a license in another state (such as Florida, Texas, or Virginia), you'll need to complete the standard South Carolina licensing process from the beginning.
For more details on how reciprocity works and whether you qualify, read our full guide on South Carolina real estate license reciprocity .
Ready to Start Your South Carolina Real Estate Career?
Getting your South Carolina real estate license is a straightforward process when you take it step by step. With the right education, preparation, and guidance, most candidates are exam-ready within a few weeks and licensed within a couple of months.
VanEd offers SCREC-approved South Carolina real estate license pre-licensing courses that are fully online, self-paced, and designed to help you pass the exam with confidence. Start your coursework today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in South Carolina real estate.
