How to Get Your South Carolina Real Estate License

South Carolina offers Associate and Broker / Broker-in-Charge licenses under SC Code Title 40, Chapter 57, regulated by SCREC.

Associate License Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Complete 90 hours of SCREC-approved pre-licensing education
• Pass the South Carolina real estate Associate exam through PSI
• Submit a Associate license application with the $100 fee
• Complete fingerprint-based background check
• Affiliate with a South Carolina-licensed Broker-in-Charge (BIC)

Post-Licensing (30 hours within first year)

SC Associates must complete 30 hours of post-licensing education within the first year.

Broker / Broker-in-Charge License Requirements

• Hold an active Associate license for at least 5 of the preceding 7 years
• Have demonstrable active practice during those years
• Complete 60 hours of broker pre-licensing education
• Pass the Broker exam
• Submit a Broker license application

The Broker-in-Charge designation requires additional supervisory experience and education.

Continuing Education

SC requires 10 hours of CE every 2 years to renew. Mandatory topics include core law and ethics.

Reciprocity

SC has reciprocity arrangements with several states. Out-of-state licensees should check with SCREC.

Step 1: Confirm your sponsoring Broker-in-Charge

You cannot operate as a licensed Associate without affiliating with an SC-licensed Broker-in-Charge (BIC).

Step 2: Submit your license application via SCREC

Required: passing scores, completed application, $100 license fee, sponsoring BIC, background check.

Step 3: Background check

SC requires fingerprint-based background checks.

Step 4: Wait for license issuance

SCREC processes complete applications within 2-4 weeks.

Step 5: Post-licensing (30 hours within first year)

SC Associates must complete 30 hours of post-licensing within the first year.

Step 6: Continuing education

After post-licensing, SC requires 10 hours of CE every 2 years.

Realistic income expectations

Median SC agent earns approximately $48,000. Brokers $65,000.

• Year 1: $20K-$45K
• Year 2-5: $45K-$80K
• Top 25%: $80K-$200K+
• Top 5% (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach luxury): $200K+

Coastal markets (Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head) and Greenville provide the strongest earning potential. Vacation rental markets reward agents who specialize in second-home buyers.

The first 30 days

Week 1: Set up MLS access, learn brokerage CRM. Week 2: Send "I'm now licensed" announcement. Week 3: Shadow your BIC. Pay attention to coastal disclosure handling. Week 4: Start prospecting and schedule post-licensing.