What is required to get a license in South Carolina?

For salespersons:

  • Proof of age 18 and above.
  • You must have a high school diploma.
  • You must be sponsored by a broker.
  • Proof of completion of 60 hours pre-license education.
  • Complete and submit the application online.
  • You must go through a background check.
  • Pass the real estate examination.
  • Fees: Examination Fees ($63.00). License (Initial $25.00 + $50.00 after passing the exam)

For brokers:

  • Proof of age 21 and above.
  • You must have at least 3 years of active experience as a salesman within the last 5 years.
  • Proof of completion of 150 hours pre-license education.
  • Complete and submit the application online.
  • You must go through a background check.
  • Pass the real estate examination.
  • Fees: Examination Fees ($63.00). License ($25.00 + $250.00 after passing the exam for a broker in charge or $125.00 for broker).

What score do I need to pass?

The salesperson exam consists of 80 national questions and 30 state specific questions. To pass, you must correctly answer 56 national questions and 21 state questions.

The broker exam consists of 80 national questions and 35 state specific questions. To pass, you must correctly answer 60 national questions and 25 state questions.

You will receive your score immediately after you complete your exam.

How much time do I have to complete the exam?

For the salesperson exam: you are allowed 3 hours in total.

For the broker exam: you are allowed 3 hours in total.

What should I bring with me for the exam?

  • 2 Forms of identification with matching names, non-expired and containing a valid signature, one of them must be photo bearing (Driver’s license, passport, green card, U.S. social security card, debit or credit card with signature).
  • Basic, silent, non-scientific calculator which does not contain the alphabet.

What is the format of the exam?

The exam is given on a computer and is multiple choice.

What is on the exam?

The national portion consists of the following sections:

  • Property Ownership
  • Land Use Controls and Regulations
  • Valuation and Market Analysis
  • Financing
  • General Principles of Agency
  • Property Condition and Disclosures
  • Contracts
  • Transfer of Title
  • Practice of Real Estate
  • Real Estate Calculations
  • Subdivisions
  • Commercial, Industrial, and Income Properties

The state-specific portion consists of the following sections:

  • South Carolina Real Estate Commission and Licensing Requirements
  • Statutes Governing the Activities of Licensees
  • South Carolina Agency and Non-agency Relationships and Issues
  • Additional South Carolina Statutes and Topics
  • Closing Details

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