Licensing & state law
How to become a real estate agent in South Carolina
To get a South Carolina real estate license you must be 18+, complete 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education, pass the PSI salesperson exam, clear a background check and join a sponsoring broker. Expect to spend about $870–$1,740 and 2–5 months. Requirements are set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC).
Meet the basic eligibility
Be at least 18 years old and hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Some steps in South Carolina also require legal U.S. residency or work authorization.
Complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education
South Carolina requires 90 classroom or online hours from a state-approved real estate school before you can sit for the exam.
Pass the South Carolina licensing exam
Sit the salesperson exam (PSI). It covers national real estate principles plus South Carolina-specific law. Most candidates need a scaled score around 70–75% to pass.
Complete a background check / fingerprinting
Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC).
Find a sponsoring broker
A new South Carolina salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.
Submit your application & activate
File your license application and fees with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC), then activate under your broker to start representing clients.
South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC)
A South Carolina real estate license lets you represent buyers and sellers and earn commission on closed transactions. Once licensed, see what agents actually earn in South Carolina agent salary, and explore the state's active markets below. Licensing rules change — always confirm the current requirements directly with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC).