South Carolina Real Estate Licenses
This comprehensive guide to obtaining a South Carolina real estate license provides all the essential steps and requirements, including real estate continuing education.
It’s designed for everyone in South Carolina, with specific resources highlighted for major cities like Charleston (SC).
We explore the best real estate classes and online courses available, ensuring you have access to top-quality education throughout the state.
Don't Become a Realtor If...
If you’re seriously interested in getting your real estate license, here are some great additional resources:
Requirements
To become a real estate agent in South Carolina, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Like all US states, South Carolina allows out-of-state applicants, so you do not need to reside there to become licensed as a real estate agent.
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 90 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC). These courses include:
- Unit I: Salesperson Pre-License Course (60 hours)
- Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles (30 hours)
Examination
South Carolina Real Estate Exam Details
Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
- National Portion: 80 questions
- State-Specific Portion: 40 questions
- Time Limit: 4 hours total (2.5 hours for the national portion, 1.5 hours for the state portion)
- Passing Score: 70% on each section
Registration and Fees
- Exam Fee: $63, payable when scheduling the exam through PSI Services.
- Registration: After completing your 90 hours of pre-licensing education, submit your application to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC). Upon approval, register for the exam through PSI Services.
Identification Documents
- Required ID: Candidates must bring two forms of identification on exam day, including a government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
Exam Difficulty and Passing Rates
The South Carolina Real Estate Exam is considered moderately challenging. Candidates should ensure thorough preparation for both the national and state-specific portions.
Required Forms and Documents
- Pre-License Education Certificate
- Proof of completing 90 hours of pre-license education from an accredited provider is required.
- Initial License Application
- Submit your initial license application through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) after completing pre-licensing education.
- Sponsorship Form
- You must have a sponsoring broker at the time of your application, and a Sponsorship Form signed by your broker must be submitted.
- Application Fee
- The fee is $50, payable when submitting your license application.
Background Check
- Fingerprinting
- Approved Vendor: Fingerprinting must be completed through an approved vendor, such as IdentoGO.
- Cost: The fingerprinting fee is approximately $50, payable directly to the vendor.
- Submission
- The fingerprint results will be sent directly to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as part of your application process.
- Processing
- The background check results are reviewed by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission before approving your license application.
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- Application Fee: $50
Post-Licensing Education
South Carolina does not require post-licensing education for new real estate agents.
Continuing Education
Total Hours Required: Real estate licensees must complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.
- Core Courses (4 hours):
- Fair Housing
- Agency Relationships
- Contracts and Disclosures
- Elective Courses (6 hours)
- Real Estate Finance
- Property Management
- Environmental and Home Inspections
- Marketing and Technology in Real Estate
Approved Providers
- The continuing education courses must be completed through an approved provider listed by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC).
Submission
- After completing the required CE hours, you must submit proof of completion through the SCREC’s online portal.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Inactive License: Failure to complete the required continuing education hours will result in your license being placed on inactive status, preventing you from practicing real estate.
- Reactivation: To reactivate your license, you must complete the required CE hours and submit proof to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
South Carolina Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
South Carolina provides a wide range of options for online real estate education, with all four major real estate schools offering comprehensive digital courses.
Among these options, Aceable Agent clearly emerges as the top choice, known for its exceptional pass rates, customer satisfaction, and high-quality educational materials.
Simply put, it’s fortunate that residents of South Carolina have access to their courses.
While Aceable Agent is only available in select states, they ensure that their curriculum is top-notch wherever offered. You can take advantage of our exclusive 10% discount below.
You’re also welcome to explore other alternatives, and we’ve arranged special discounts for each. The CE Shop is an excellent option for those on a tight budget, especially since you can combine our 30% discount with their additional 20% military discount.
In the end, all courses are reasonably priced, but we highly recommend choosing the best – Aceable Agent. If their price is currently beyond your budget, it might be worth saving up a bit more before embarking on your journey to becoming a licensed realtor.
1. Aceable Agent – Best Overall Course
Aceable Agent is the best choice for real estate education in South Carolina, offering a mobile-first platform and engaging content.
Pros
- Mobile-first platform: Study anywhere, anytime.
- Interactive content: Engaging quizzes, videos, and real-world scenarios.
- High pass rates: Proven success in preparing students for licensing exams.
Cons
- Slightly higher pricing: More expensive without discounts, but worth it.
Up to 20% off with our Aceable Agent discount link.
2. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course
The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in South Carolina, providing a solid self-paced curriculum.
Pros
- Most affordable: The 30% discount makes it the cheapest option.
- Self-paced: Flexibility for students to study at their own speed.
Cons
- Mixed reviews: Some students report engagement issues and customer service problems.
- No live instruction: Entirely self-paced learning.
Get 30% off with Discount Code “INBOUNDREM” using our CE Shop discount link.
3. Kaplan Real Estate
Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for South Carolina students, with live online and self-paced formats.
Pros
- Multiple formats: Offers live online classes and self-paced options.
- Experienced instructors: Known for delivering high-quality education.
Cons
- Higher cost: More expensive than budget options, but justified for quality.
Get 10% off with our Kaplan Real Estate discount link.
4. Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for South Carolina students.
Pros
- Flexible formats: Self-paced and live webinars available.
- Pass guarantee: Refund if you don’t pass the state exam.
Cons
- Additional costs: Study resources may increase the total price.
Up to 15% off with our Colibri Real Estate discount link.
In-Person Options by Major Cities
Columbia:
- Real Estate School for Success: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Midlands Technical College: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Charleston:
- Charleston Real Estate School: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- Trident Technical College: Provides in-person real estate education.
Greenville:
- Wyatt Institute of Real Estate: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
South Carolina does not offer full reciprocity with any state.
Partial Reciprocity
South Carolina offers partial reciprocity. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of some of the pre-licensing education requirements.
You will still need to pass the South Carolina state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in South Carolina, you must:
- Have at least three years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 150 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the South Carolina Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission
Criminal Record
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis.
If you have a felony or other serious criminal conviction, you may still apply for a real estate license, but the Commission will consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Crimes involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude are particularly scrutinized. It’s recommended to contact the South Carolina Real Estate Commission directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $613 – $1,113 |
Pre-License Education | $400 – $700 |
Exam Fee | $63 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $50 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- South Carolina Real Estate Commission:
- Street Address: Synergy Business Park, Kingstree Building 110 Centerview Dr, Ste 201, Columbia, SC 29210
- Mailing Address: PO Box 11847, Columbia, SC 29211-1847
- Telephone: (803) 896-4400
- Fax: (803) 896-4427
- Email: Contact.REC@llr.sc.gov
- License Information
- License Renewal Website
- Renewal/License FAQs
- License Lookup Website
- License Exam Information
- PSI Examination Services: (800) 733-9267
Document Checklist
- Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Completion certificates for 90 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from PSI
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the South Carolina Real Estate Commission
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in South Carolina
- Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 90 hours of pre-license courses approved by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the South Carolina Real Estate Salesperson Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 70% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $63.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a South Carolina Law Enforcement Division-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, including the application fee of $50.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed South Carolina real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in South Carolina.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every two years, complete 10 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
South Carolina Real Estate Agent Salary
In South Carolina, real estate agents earn an average salary of $93,063 per year, with a typical range from $35,000 to $170,000.
The median salary is around $85,000, suggesting a competitive market with significant earning potential.
Top agents, particularly in popular areas like Charleston and Myrtle Beach, can earn over $200,000 annually.
South Carolina’s real estate market benefits from a growing population and a strong tourism sector, offering diverse opportunities for agents.
The state’s moderate cost of living further enhances the value of these earnings, making it an attractive market for real estate professionals.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in South Carolina if I have a felony?
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies, particularly those involving fraud or moral turpitude, may disqualify you. Contact the Commission for specific inquiries.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in South Carolina?
It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and obtain your license.
What is the cost to become a real estate agent in South Carolina?
The total estimated cost ranges from $613 to $1,113, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does South Carolina have reciprocity with other states?
South Carolina does not offer full reciprocity but offers partial reciprocity with other states. You may need to pass the South Carolina state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in South Carolina involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing continuing education.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in South Carolina.
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We have an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. We are not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by The CE Shop and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to The CE Shop.
