South · Real Estate License
South Carolina
Associate License Requirements
Governing Authority
SCREC/LLR
South Carolina Real Estate Commission, Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation
Official website →90
Pre-Licensing Hours
classroom or online
$183
Est. Total Cost
fees only (excl. education)
5–24 weeks
Timeline
start to license
2 years
Renewal Cycle
10 CE hours required
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Complete 90 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education
Take SCREC-approved Unit I (60 hrs) and Unit II (30 hrs) courses.
Estimated time: 3–8 weeks
Submit Fingerprints for Background Check
Schedule via IdentoGO for SLED + FBI check. Cost: ~$40–$50. Can run concurrently with education.
Estimated time: 3+ weeks processing
Apply to SCREC for Exam Eligibility
Submit education completion proof. Pay $25 exam application fee. Commission must approve before you can schedule.
Estimated time: 1–2 weeks
Schedule and Pass the PSI Exam
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
Find a Sponsoring Broker-in-Charge (BIC)
Secure sponsorship with a licensed SC BIC. As of 2024, may only work under one BIC.
Estimated time: 1–4 weeks
Submit License Application
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
Pre-Licensing Education
Hours Required
Verified90 hours total: Unit I (60 hrs — Real Estate Principles and Practices) + Unit II (30 hrs — Advanced Real Estate Principles, SC-specific). Coursework valid for 5 years (first-time applicants). Exemptions for JD holders and RE degree holders.
Required Topics / Courses
- Unit I: Real Estate Principles and Practices (60 hrs)
- Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles — SC-specific laws and practices (30 hrs)
Provider type: SCREC-approved schools (online and in-person)
View approved education providers →Find Approved Pre-Licensing Schools
Online education providers offering South Carolina-approved pre-licensing courses. Compare options to find the best fit for your schedule and learning style.
Aceable Agent
Mobile-friendly online courses with flexible self-paced learning and a pass guarantee.
Colibri Real Estate
One of the largest national providers with instructor-led and self-paced options in 40 states.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established education brand offering pre-licensing courses with live online and on-demand options.
The CE Shop
Nationally recognized online school offering courses in 47 states plus DC with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Licensing Exam
Exam Provider
PSI Services
Format
Computer-based, multiple-choice. Available in-person at PSI test centers or via online remote proctoring.
| Section | Questions | Time | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 80 | 120 min | 70% |
| State (South Carolina) | 40 | 40 min | 70% |
| Total | 120 | 160 min | — |
Retake policy: Unlimited retakes within 1 year of first attempt. Must wait until the day after a failed attempt. Only failed section needs retaking. $63 exam fee + $25 application fee per retake.
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.
Schedule your exam →Exam Prep Resources
Practice tests and study tools to help you pass the South Carolina real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
CompuCram
Adaptive exam prep with vocabulary tools, practice tests, and simulated exams for real estate licensing.
PrepAgent
State-specific practice exams, audio lessons, and flashcards covering both national and state portions.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Amount | Paid To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Application Fee | $25.00 | SCREC | |
| Exam Fee (per attempt) | $63.00 | PSI Services | |
| License Application Fee | $50.00 | SCREC | |
| Fingerprinting / Background Check | $45.00 | IdentoGO / SLED | |
| Estimated Total | $183.00 | Excludes education costs |
Requirements
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
SLED (state) + FBI (federal) fingerprint-based criminal records check via IdentoGO. Cost: ~$40–$50. Processing: 3+ weeks.
Sponsoring Broker
Required
Must be sponsored by a SC-licensed Broker-in-Charge (BIC). As of 2024, associates may only work under ONE BIC.
Reciprocity
South Carolina has reciprocity agreements
Type: Limited Reciprocity
Reciprocal States (2)
Georgia
Full reciprocity since 1991 — no exam required. Must be GA-licensed and GA resident. Submit application, license history, and background check.
North Carolina
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.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education Hours
10 hours per renewal cycle
Renewal Fee
$45.00
First Renewal Notes
Same CE requirements as subsequent renewals. No reduced hours for first renewal.
Deadlines
June 30 of renewal year. Renewal window opens April 1. Lapsed licenses convert to cancelled after 24 months.
Current Core course (2024–2026): 'Legal Hot Tips.' Military active duty exempt from fees and CE.
Find Continuing Education Courses
South Carolina requires 10 hours of continuing education every 2 years. These providers offer approved CE courses online.
Colibri Real Estate
Comprehensive CE packages available in all 50 states plus DC, with live and on-demand options.
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Established provider with CE packages including live online and on-demand formats.
The CE Shop
Industry-leading CE courses available nationwide with interactive content.
LicenseMap may earn a commission when you enroll through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — providers are listed alphabetically with no rankings or preferential placement.
Recent Changes
Major Practice Act revisions: 'Salesperson' replaced with 'Associate.' BIC experience increased from 3 to 5 years. Associates limited to one BIC. Team advertising rules. AI communication responsibility. Wholesaling restrictions. 24-month lapsed-to-cancelled timeline.
Effective: 2024-05-21 · Affects: license_title, requirements, renewal
Reciprocity agreement with North Carolina entered into effect.
Effective: 2024-01-26 · Affects: reciprocity
Brokerage firm name advertising requirements now in full effect (12-month delay expired).
Effective: 2025-05-21 · Affects: requirements
Sources
https://llr.sc.gov/re/
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible
https://llr.sc.gov/re/faq.aspx
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://llr.sc.gov/re/FAQ_Renewal.aspx
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
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https://www.llr.sc.gov/re/News/2024-PracticeActChanges.pdf
Updated: May 21, 2024
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
Effective May 21, 2024
https://llr.sc.gov/re/News/ReciprocityAlert.pdf
Updated: Jan 26, 2024
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
Effective January 26, 2024
https://candidate.psiexams.com
Accessed: Feb 23, 2026
No publication date visible