| Requirement | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Pre-license education | 90 hours |
| Exam administrator | PSI |
| License / application fee | n/a |
| Exam fee | n/a |
| Regulator | South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) |
| Payroll-employed agents (BLS) | 4,930 |
| Agent median pay (BLS May 2025) | $56,580 |
Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in South Carolina
To get a South Carolina real estate salesperson license you complete 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI-administered exam, clear a background check and affiliate with a sponsoring broker. The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) sets the rules and issues the license.
What are the requirements for a South Carolina real estate license?
South Carolina requires 90 hours of approved pre-license education, a passing score on the PSI salesperson exam, a background check and sponsorship by a licensed broker. The table lists each requirement, the published fees WealthyBud could source and the regulator.
What are the steps to get licensed in South Carolina?
Getting licensed in South Carolina takes six steps: meet eligibility, finish 90 hours of pre-license education, pass the PSI exam, clear a background check, affiliate with a sponsoring broker, then apply and activate with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC).
1/ 6
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent; the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) lists any residency or other conditions.
2/ 6
Complete 90 hours of pre-license education
South Carolina requires 90 hours from a state-approved real estate school, in a classroom or online.
3/ 6
Pass the South Carolina salesperson exam
The exam is administered by PSI and covers national real estate principles plus South Carolina law.
4/ 6
Clear the background check
Submit fingerprints or a criminal-history check as required by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC).
5/ 6
Affiliate with a sponsoring broker
A new South Carolina salesperson must work under a licensed broker before practicing.
6/ 6
Apply and activate the license
File the application and pay the license fee to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC), then activate under your broker.
How much does a South Carolina real estate license cost?
South Carolina's published costs in WealthyBud's sources are: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Pre-license course tuition is set by each school and is not regulated, so it is not listed. Confirm every fee with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) before applying.
How much do licensed agents earn in South Carolina?
Payroll-employed real estate sales agents in South Carolina earned a median of $56,580 in May 2025 (BLS); the bottom 10% earned under $36,530. See the full South Carolina agent salary breakdown.
What are South Carolina’s housing markets like for new agents?
WealthyBud tracks 14 South Carolina housing markets. Their median listing prices have a midpoint of $309,975 as of September 2026, from $242,950 in Orangeburg to $497,000 in Hilton Head; 12 of 14 are below last year's asking price.
| Market | Median list price | YoY | Days on market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $315,000 | -1.6% | 82 | 5,784 |
| Greenville, SC | $382,450 | -0.9% | 62 | 4,352 |
| Charleston, SC | $479,450 | -4.7% | 61 | 4,224 |
| Columbia, SC | $299,763 | -3.3% | 53 | 3,218 |
| Hilton Head, SC | $497,000 | -10.8% | 92 | 2,537 |
All tracked markets: South Carolina housing market hub.
South Carolina real estate license FAQ
How many hours of education do you need for a real estate license in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education before the salesperson exam, according to WealthyBud's compilation of South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) requirements.
How much does a South Carolina real estate license cost?
Published fees in WealthyBud's sources: license fee: n/a (not published in our sources); exam fee: n/a. Course tuition varies by school. The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) publishes the current fee schedule.
Who administers the South Carolina real estate exam?
PSI administers the South Carolina salesperson exam.
Do you need a college degree to get a real estate license in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina requires pre-license education and a passing exam score, not a college degree. You must generally be 18 with a high-school diploma or equivalent.
Who regulates real estate agents in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) licenses and regulates South Carolina real estate salespersons and brokers and is the authoritative source for current rules.
Licensing rules and fees change. Always confirm current requirements with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) before enrolling.