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Real Estate Agent
Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
To get a South Carolina real estate license in 2026, you must complete 90 hours of South Carolina Real Estate Commission-approved pre-licensing education, pass a background check, take and pass the PSI licensing exam, and find a sponsoring broker. Most applicants finish in 8–16 weeks and spend $327–$678 including course tuition.
Pre-License Hours
$178
Total Gov Fees
120
Exam Questions
2.7 hrs
Exam Time
Renewal Cycle
Reciprocity
CE Required
Renewal Fee
18 years old
Min. Age
South Carolina Real Estate Commission
Authority
⚠ Recent Changes in South Carolina
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Residency | Not required Non-resident licenses available. |
| Citizenship | Not required Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. |
| Background Check | Required Dual check: fingerprint-based (SLED + FBI) AND Social Security number verification via IdentoGO. Cost: ~$40–$50. Processing: 3+ weeks. Every 3rd renewal requires new fingerprint background check. |
| Sponsoring Broker | Required Must be sponsored by a SC-licensed Broker-in-Charge (BIC). As of 2024, associates may only work under ONE BIC. |
Not sure if you need a real estate license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Exam Application Fee Paid to: SCREC | |
Exam Fee (per attempt) Paid to: PSI Services | |
License Application Fee Paid to: SCREC | |
Fingerprinting / Background Check Paid to: IdentoGO / SLED | |
Total Estimated Government Fees | $178 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
See the full cost breakdown with our License Cost Estimator →
Education Requirements
Mostly verifiedTotal Hours Required
Provider Type
SCREC-approved schools (online and in-person)
Required Courses
Course cost typically $500–$700 depending on provider and format.
See our picks for the best real estate programs in South Carolina.
Exam Details
Mostly verifiedExam Provider
Total Questions
120
Total Time
160 min
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. Available in-person at PSI test centers or via online remote proctoring.
Exam Sections
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 120 min | 70% |
| State (South Carolina) | 40 | 40 min | 70% |
Retake Policy
Unlimited retakes within 1 year of first attempt. Must wait until the day after a failed attempt. Only failed section needs retaking. If pass one section but fail other, must pass remaining within 6 months or retake both. $63 exam fee + $25 application fee per retake. Single-section retake: $55.
Must pass both portions within 1 year. Must apply for license within 1 year of passing. Test centers: Greenville, Columbia, North Charleston, Beaufort, Myrtle Beach. Exams Monday–Saturday. Cannot self-register — must receive eligibility approval from Commission first. Remote proctoring available through PSI Online.
For study strategies and what to expect on test day, see our guide to passing the real estate exam.
Take SCREC-approved Unit I (60 hrs) and Unit II (30 hrs) courses.
Estimated time: 3–8 weeks
Schedule via IdentoGO for SLED + FBI check. Cost: ~$40–$50. Can run concurrently with education.
Estimated time: 3+ weeks processing
Submit education completion proof. Pay $25 exam application fee. Commission must approve before you can schedule.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Register at candidate.psiexams.com after receiving eligibility approval. Pay $63 exam fee. Pass both National (56/80 = 70%) and State (28/40 = 70%) sections.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Secure sponsorship with a licensed SC BIC. As of 2024, may only work under one BIC.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Apply with $50 fee, proof of passing exam, and BIC sponsorship. License is digital (printable from self-service portal).
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks processing
Renewal Details
Mostly verifiedRenewal Cycle
CE Hours
Renewal Fee
Deadline & Late Policy
June 30 expiration date. Lapsed licenses cancelled if not reinstated within 24 months of expiration.
First Renewal Notes
Same CE requirements as subsequent renewals. No reduced hours for first renewal.
Current Core course (2024–2026): 'Legal Hot Tips.' Military active duty exempt from fees and CE.
Regulatory Board
For a deeper dive into CE requirements and deadlines, see our real estate license renewal guide or compare deadlines across all 50 states.
See full CE requirements in South Carolina: Continuing education details →
Interstate Reciprocity
VerifiedHas Reciprocity
Yes
Type: Limited Reciprocity
Reciprocal States
| State | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Georgia (GA) | Full reciprocity since 1991 — no exam required. Must be GA-licensed and GA resident. Submit application, license history, and background check. |
| North Carolina (NC) | Reciprocity since January 2024. Must pass SC state exam. Education requirements vary by NC license tier and experience level. |
All other states: endorsement path available. Must pass SC state exam and meet education requirements. Active out-of-state license or expired <6 months required.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare South Carolina with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Real Estate Agent Schools in South Carolina
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Official Sources
Real Estate Agent requirements in South Carolina verified against South Carolina Real Estate Commission, April 2026.
All data on this page was verified against the following official sources. Last verified: 2026-04-02.
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