Steps to Become a South Carolina Real Estate Agent

Embarking on the journey to become a licensed real estate professional in South Carolina is a fulfilling step towards a rewarding career. The process may seem like a maze at first, but fear not! With guidance and a positive mindset, you’ll easily navigate the necessary steps, bringing you one step closer to turning your passion for real estate and helping people into a thriving profession. So, let’s dive into what you must do to acquire your South Carolina real estate license.

Minimum Requirements

Before you kickstart the process of obtaining your South Carolina real estate salesperson license, there are a few key eligibility criteria.

First, you should be at least 18 years old. Additionally, a high school diploma, a certificate of equivalency (GED), or an equal-level educational certificate recognized by the US Department of Education is necessary. 

With these prerequisites met, you’re ready to pursue the next steps in the South Carolina real estate license requirements.

Pre-license education

It takes more than real estate market knowledge to be successful. Obtaining your SC real estate salesperson’s license is more than a formality. It’s about understanding and adhering to the standards set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. This regulatory body requires all prospective agents to undergo pre-licensing education, which forms the basis for your future industry success.

Your first license will be the real estate associate license. The 90-hour pre-license education requirement is broken into two courses:

• 60-hour South Carolina Unit I: Fundamental of Real Estate Course
• 30-hour South Carolina Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles Course

Each real estate licensing course requires you to pass a final exam to get your Certificate of Completion for the course. Passing score requirements depend on your real estate education provider.

The only exemptions for taking the 90 hours of education are to have a bachelor’s degree majoring in real estate or a law degree or seeking reciprocity as a previously licensed agent.

Your coursework must be done through a commission-approved real estate school. There are online courses that let you work at your pace or in-person options for accountability. Pick the learning method that works best for you, whether it’s virtual learning, audio lessons, or classwork. Real estate schools also charge different amounts for their services.

Reciprocity Agreements

Are you a licensed real estate agent in Georgia or hold a North Carolina real estate license? South Carolina has reciprocity agreements with its neighboring states, allowing you to waive some pre-license courses and the national exams. Being able to work across state lines is key for a successful career if you live near the border cities, like the Charlotte or Augusta metros. Check with the SC Real Estate Commission on specific licensing requirements.

Apply for the State Licensing Exam

Apply to take the real estate license exam, submitting your pre-licensing course Certificate of Completion for Unit I and the Exam Application For Real Estate, along with a $25 initial application fee, to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The SCREC now has an online application portal for convenience. The process requires you to submit copies of your government-issued ID, social security card, proof of residency, education, and a notarized verification of lawful presence. Any answers “yes” to the personal history questions may require more documentation.

Note: the Verification of Lawful Presence in the US is a paper-based form that requires a notary. You’ll need this done before you start the online application portal.

Run Background Checks

Once the Commission receives your exam application, it will email you information about the criminal background checks. All South Carolina applicants must pass a background check and have their fingerprints taken.

The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI conduct a fingerprint-based background check. The cost of the fingerprints varies per location.

Take the Licensing Exam

PSI proctors the South Carolina state licensing exam. Once the Commission approves your application, and after it receives the background check reports, it will send you an Examination Eligibility Letter. You have up to one year to take and pass the South Carolina real estate exam. 

You can schedule your real estate examination online through PSI’s website or by phone at (800)733-9267. The testing service publishes a detailed bulletin about what you can expect on the licensing exam. They have a practice exam in their bulletin, and other vendors sell practice tests and preparation materials, too. If you have a real estate license elsewhere, you may qualify to take only the state-specific portion of the exam.

The minimum passing score is 70%. PSI charges a state exam fee of $63 per attempt. It sends the test scores directly to the SC Real Estate Commission.

Pay the Licensure Fee

After passing the state real estate exam, the SCREC will notify you of the next steps before receiving the real estate associate license. They will want a copy of your Certificate of Completion for the 30-hour Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Sales Principles course. There is an initial licensing fee of $50, and you’ll need to submit the Supervision Attestation Form, which will be your real estate broker.

Once the Commission approves your application, your real estate associate license will be mailed to your managing broker.

You can see the full breakdown and gain updated fee information directly from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Want to be a South Carolina Real Estate Broker?

Becoming a broker is a great way to grow your real estate business. You’ll no longer need to work under a supervising broker. First, you must work as an actively licensed South Carolina real estate associate for three years. After that, the SCREC requires further education in two approved courses totaling 60 hours of training. You’ll take the broker’s licensing exam and pay a $125 initial licensing fee. It follows an online application process just like the associate license.

Note that South Carolina has two definitions for brokers: a broker and a broker-in-charge. If you want to expand your team, open your own real estate firm, and hire real estate agents, you’ll need to be a broker-in-charge.

Property managers also have a modified licensure pathway. 

After the License

Once you have earned your South Carolina real estate license, congratulations! You can now start to grow a fulfilling business, help people realize their dreams of home ownership, and enjoy the benefits of a flexible career path. But you’ll have to keep your license managed as it can lapse. The SCREC requires 10 hours of continuing education each licensing cycle. Four of these hours will be in a mandatory course as determined each cycle by the SCREC. The remaining six hours of electives are courses you choose.

Gain More Real Estate Knowledge

As a new real estate agent, you’ll have plenty of skills to learn and refine to grow your business. Find plenty of real estate license courses to deepen your knowledge of your new career. Plan for long-term success. Down the road, you may want to lead your own team or become a South Carolina real estate broker or a broker-in-charge. Set yourself on the right path within 100 days. Picking the right brokerage and mentor goes a long way to establishing your real estate career.