How To Become An Agent In South Carolina
When you’re ready to get your South Carolina real estate license, you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re in between jobs or daydreaming about a career change, the real estate industry might be perfect for you. Read our guide below as we lay out all the necessary steps on how to become an agent in South Carolina. The real estate industry is rewarding, exciting, and offers unique challenges - it’s ideal for those who want to set their own schedule, make money on their own terms, and become their own boss.
How to get your real estate license in South Carolina? Let's get started!
How To Get Real Estate License In South Carolina in 5 Easy Steps
There are plenty of great reasons to join the real estate industry. Licensed agents have the freedom to control their workload, their schedule, and their income! Real estate agents have the opportunity to help people find that perfect property for their home or business and be a great source of information for their real estate needs. More and more people are changing their careers because they want more control over their time and money. Let’s go over how you can get your South Carolina real estate license in just a few easy steps.
First, there are a few general requirements you should be aware of. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have a high school diploma (or equivalent certificate). Additionally, all applicants must be lawfully present and eligible to work in the U.S.
Five-Step Overview
In order to sell or lease real estate within South Carolina and earn a commission in the process, you must take the following steps to obtain a South Carolina Real Estate License.
Step 1: Complete the 90-Hour SC Real Estate Salesperson Pre-License Courses
The 90-hour pre-license state requirement includes two courses:
- 60-hour South Carolina Unit I Sales Course
- 30-hour South Carolina Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles Course
Each course includes an exam consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions, and you need a 70% to pass. As soon as you pass each final exam, you will receive your Certificate of Completion.
In the state of South Carolina, you are eligible to take the state exam after you complete the 60-hour Unit I course.
The Commission only requires you to complete the 30-hour Unit II course before submitting your license application.
Step 2: Submit an Exam Application For Real Estate and Schedule Your State Exam
Once you complete the 60-hour South Carolina Unit I Sales course, you can then apply to take the state exam. You will have first to submit an Exam Application For Real Estate, either online or by mail. The application fee is $25 and will be paid to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
As part of the application, you must submit the following supporting documents:
- A copy of your driver's license, state ID, or passport.
- A copy of your social security card.
- A notarized Verification of Lawful Presence form.
- A copy of your Certificate of Completion for the 60-hour South Carolina Unit I Sales course.
- A Criminal History Explanation Form, if applicable.
Once the South Carolina Real Estate Commission approves your exam application, they will email you an Examination Eligibility Letter. After you receive this eligibility letter, you will be allowed to schedule your state exam.
Your Examination Eligibility Letter is valid for up to one year. If you do not pass the exam within that time period, you will have to submit a new exam application to the Commission and receive a new Examination Eligibility Letter before retaking the exam.
All South Carolina real estate salespersons must take the state exam through PSI. You can schedule your exam online through PSI’s website or by phone at (800) 733-9267.
PSI allows you to take the exam Monday through Saturday in Beaufort, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Charlotte, N.C.
The cost of the state exam is $63 per attempt and is paid directly to PSI. Students must pass the state exam within five years of completing the 60-hour Unit I Sales course.
Step 3: Pass the State Licensing Exam
There are two parts to the South Carolina state licensing exam - a National portion and a State portion. The National portion includes 80 multiple-choice questions, while the State portion includes 40 multiple-choice questions.
You must answer 56 out of the 80 questions (70%) correctly on the National portion and 28 out of the 40 questions (70%) correctly on the State portion to pass. You have 120 minutes to pass the National part and 80 minutes for the State portion.
To pass the overall exam, you must pass both portions. If you only pass one of the portions, you can retake it for $55. You will receive your exam results at the testing center right after you complete the exam.
Step 4: Apply for Your South Carolina Real Estate Salespersons License
Once you pass the state exam, PSI will send you an Initial Salesperson license application. You must submit your license application with the $50 license application fee and a copy of your state exam score report. You will also be required to provide a copy of your Certificate of Completion for the 30-hour South Carolina Unit II: Advanced Real estate Principles course.
Once the South Carolina Real Estate Commission approves your application, your license will be mailed to your managing broker, and then you will be allowed to start practicing as a South Carolina real estate salesperson!
Step 5: Get Your Fingerprints Taken
Before your license application can be approved, you must get your fingerprints taken. Your fingerprints will be used to conduct a background check by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI.
The cost of getting your prints taken varies per location, but you will be required to pay the fee. The SC Real Estate Commission will email you instructions on obtaining your fingerprints after your Exam Application for Real Estate application is received.
How To Get A Real Estate License In South Carolina With RealEstateU
Don’t stress about passing the state exam in South Carolina - RealEstateU has you covered! Our courses are specifically designed to help you pass the exam the first time you take it. Study the key terms, review the course glossary, and consider taking our SC Real Estate Exam Prep. You don’t have to memorize every single thing, but it might be a good idea to go through the glossary and local real estate laws before the final exam.
Are you ready to take control of your life and career? RealEstateU can help you get your South Carolina real estate license course in just a few easy steps. Browse through some of the courses and check out some of our countless testimonials before diving in! We even provide a no-hassle, 30-day money-back guarantee if the course doesn’t work for you. Ready to get started?