Licensing & state law

How to become a real estate agent in South Carolina

Everything it takes to get licensed in South Carolina — 90 hours of pre-license education, the PSI exam, background check, a sponsoring broker and the real cost. Requirements set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC).

Pre-license hours
90
State-approved
Licensing exam
PSI
Salesperson
Est. all-in cost
$870+
Course + fees
Typical timeline
2–5 mo
To activation
The South Carolina path, step by step
1/ 6

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.

2/ 6

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.

3/ 6

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.

4/ 6

Complete a background check / fingerprinting

Submit fingerprints and pass a criminal background check as required by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC).

5/ 6

Find a sponsoring broker

A new South Carolina salesperson must hang their license with a licensed sponsoring broker before they can practice.

6/ 6

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.

Official source

South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC)

Visit →

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).

South Carolina markets
Greenville, SC real estate market→Charleston, SC real estate market→Columbia, SC real estate market→Hilton Head, SC real estate market→

South Carolina licensing FAQs

How many hours of education do you need to get a real estate license in South Carolina?
South Carolina requires 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education before you can take the salesperson exam.
How much does a South Carolina real estate license cost?
Budget roughly $870–$1,740 all-in for South Carolina: pre-license coursework, the exam fee, background check and application/licensing fees. Exact fees are set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC).
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in South Carolina?
Most people finish the 90-hour South Carolina coursework, pass the exam and activate in about 2–5 months, depending on study pace and scheduling.
Who regulates real estate agents in South Carolina?
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) issues licenses and sets the rules for South Carolina real estate salespeople and brokers.
Pre-license hours and the regulating authority for South Carolina are compiled from public state requirements and can change. Cost and timeline are estimates. Always verify current rules with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) before enrolling.