How to become a real estate agent in South Carolina
This guide walks you through each step of how to get your real estate license in South Carolina.
Table of contents
Step 1: Meet eligibility requirements
Step 2: Complete pre-licensing education
Step 3: Submit your application and complete your background check
Step 4: Pass the South Carolina licensing exam
Step 5: Activate your associate license
Step-by-step guide on getting your real estate license in South Carolina
Here’s how to get your South Carolina real estate associate license in five steps.
Step 1
Meet eligibility requirements
Before you begin, make sure you meet the basic license requirements set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
To apply for a real estate associate license in South Carolina, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or a certificate of equivalency
- Must be lawfully present in the U.S.
You aren’t automatically disqualified for licensure if you have a criminal history. The Commission reviews applications on a case-by-case basis, and you may be asked to provide additional documentation or appear before the Commission if you have a legal history.
Step 2
Complete pre-licensing education
South Carolina requires pre-licensing education through a Commission-approved provider before you can apply for your associate license.
- Total hours: 90
There’s an important sequence to keep in mind: you must complete Unit I before you can sit for the licensing exam. Unit II can be submitted after you pass the exam, but it must be on file with the Commission before your license is issued.
Your coursework will cover key topics like real estate principles, South Carolina license law, agency relationships, fair housing, contracts, and property practices. These courses will prepare you for both the exam and real-world transactions.
You can complete your coursework entirely online, making it easy to balance studying with work and everything else life throws at you. Colibri Real Estate offers online courses so you can study 24/7 on your own schedule. Our courses are designed by active, seasoned real estate professionals, and with dedicated academic advisors and live Q&A sessions available, you’ll have real support every step of the way.
Step 3
Submit your application and complete your background check
Once you’ve completed Unit I, you can submit your application to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Your application is valid for one year from the date it has been received. If all required information isn’t submitted within that year, you’ll need to start the process over.
Your application package includes:
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Copy of a valid government-issued photo ID
- Copy of your signed Social Security card
- Proof of residency
- High school diploma, GED, or official college transcript
- Notarized Verification of Lawful Presence
- Certificate of completion for Unit I (Unit II may be submitted later)
- Written explanation for any “Yes” answers to personal history questions
After the Commission receives your application, they’ll email you instructions to complete two required background checks:
- Fingerprint-based check
- Social Security number check
Do not start the background check process until you receive instructions from the Commission. Your application cannot be approved until both reports have been received and reviewed.
You can check your application status online at eservice.llr.sc.gov.
Step 4
Pass the South Carolina licensing exam
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a notification from PSI when you’re authorized to register for the exam. You’re responsible for scheduling directly with PSI, and the exam fee is paid to PSI at registration.
The exam has two parts, and you must pass both. To prepare effectively, focus on practice exams, reviewing key concepts, and using structured exam prep tools.
Step 5
Activate your associate license
After PSI sends your exam results to the Commission, the Commission will notify you of the final steps needed to receive your license:
- Pay the $50 initial licensure fee
- Submit a Supervision Attestation Form (confirming your affiliation with a sponsoring broker)
- Submit your Unit II certificate of completion, if not already on file
In South Carolina, you cannot practice real estate without being affiliated with an actively licensed broker. When evaluating brokerages, consider:
- Training and mentorship opportunities
- Commission structure
- Company culture and support
Choosing the right brokerage is an important step in shaping your early career and building a solid foundation for your business.
Take the first step toward your real estate career
Starting something new can feel intimidating, but becoming a real estate agent can be highly lucrative and give you the flexibility in your schedule you know you need.
Ready to take the first step? Colibri Real Estate has helped more than 1.5 million aspiring agents start their careers with confidence. Our South Carolina courses are created by industry experts and designed for flexibility, so you can move at your own pace without losing momentum.
You’ll get built-in exam prep, realistic practice tests, and access to Rubi, your AI-powered study assistant, to help you study smarter and stay on track. And with our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee, you can enroll knowing we’re invested in your success from day one.
Explore South Carolina real estate classes today and take the first step toward your new career.
FAQs
Most people complete the licensing process in about three to six months, depending on how quickly they move through their pre-licensing courses and complete the application and exam process.
Compared with training required for other career switches, the cost of becoming a real estate agent in South Carolina is highly affordable.
South Carolina real estate license costs
– Pre-licensing courses $480 – $925
– Application fee $25
– Background check fees Approx. $50
– Exam fee $63 (per attempt)
– Initial licensure fee $50
– Total approximate cost $670 – $1,115