How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License in South Carolina?

In this guide, we discuss how much time you need to commit when obtaining your real estate license in the state of South Carolina.

We look at each step in the licensing process and the corresponding timeline to complete every action — from the classes you need to take to testing for your license, up to the continuing education requirements you need to fulfill.

How long does it take to get a real estate license in SC? Keep reading for a full understanding of how the licensing process in the state breaks down from start to finish.

Estimated Timeline to Get a Real Estate License in South Carolina

Before you start doing the work to become a licensed real estate professional in South Carolina, it’s best to understand what the entire process entails.

This means looking at all the requirements and making sure any questions you have get answered.

The best way to begin collecting information is to visit the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website.

A part of the Labor Licensing Regulation Department, this page covers details for applying for a real estate license, as well as how to renew it when it’s time for that, too.

You can look at requirements, figure out how to apply and check out all the associated fees that are a part of the process. It really paints a full picture of what’s expected.

The first requirement you’ll tackle when getting a real estate license in South Carolina is your pre-licensing education.

For a salesperson license, you’re required to complete 90 hours of pre-licensing coursework.

It’s broken down into two courses, and you can schedule your exam as soon as you finish the first course. You have to finish the second course before submitting your application.

The first course is the 60-hour Salesperson Pre-Licensing Course. The remaining 30 hours covers Advanced Real Estate Principles.

If you are getting a broker license, you are required to complete a total of 60 hours of pre-licensing coursework, broken down into two 30-hour classes.

How long should you study for the real estate exam? Based on what format you take these classes in, your time commitment will vary.

If taking the in-person classes, you may have the option for day or night classes, but it may take longer to finish.

Completing your pre-licensing education online, on the other hand, may be the fastest way to finish your hours, especially if you can work at your own pace and can treat it like a full-time job.

Before you decide which method to take, read our A-to-Z guide comparing online real estate classes vs classroom courses. This can give you an idea of the pros and cons of each.

On top of getting this coursework done, you also need to factor in study time to your overall estimate.

Generally, you may need to allot at least two weeks to two months to complete your courses and study for the real estate exam.

When you’re ready to take the real estate license exam, you must submit an application for examination. Once approved, you can schedule your test.

To do this, contact PSI. They proctor the exam. You can either go online and create an account, or call PSI directly at 855-340-3701.

If you’d like to review an outline of exam topics, and also make sure you’re fully prepared to check in on test day, review the South Carolina Candidate Information Bulletin.

The cost for the exam is $63, but you’ll also have to pay a $25 fee for the application for examination.

On your actual test day, make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in. You’re required to bring a few specific items with you, too, which you can find in the Candidate Information Bulletin.

The test won’t take you an entire day, but it does last for three hours and 20 minutes, broken into two sections.

You’ll have 120 minutes to complete the national section, and 80 minutes for the section with state-specific questions.

The total number of questions will vary by test type, so for the salesperson exam, it’s 80 questions in the national section, and 40 questions in the state.

For the broker exam, it’s 75 questions in the national sections, and 50 in the state.

You have to get a minimum number of questions right in each section to pass, which also varies by exam type.

• For the salesperson exam, you must get at least 56 questions right in the national section, and 28 right in the state.
• For the broker exam, you must get at least 60 correct in the national section, and 36 correct in the state.

Should you not pass one or both parts of the exam the first time around, you’re able to schedule retakes for up to a year before having to submit another application for examination.

Avoid retakes by reading our guide on how to pass the South Carolina real estate exam the first time.

The cost to retake a single section of the exam is $55, while retaking the entire test will cost you $63.

For other licensing fees you need to budget for, read our guide on the cost of a real estate license in South Carolina.

As soon as you pass the real estate license exam in South Carolina, you’ll receive your license application information from PSI.

This will also include directions on how to get and submit your fingerprints for the background check.

While you have a year to complete your application, pay the appropriate fee, submit fingerprints and find a sponsoring broker, processing only takes about 5-10 days.

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a hard copy of your license in the mail. If you’re working with a broker-in-charge, the copy will be mailed directly to them.

While your license application is under review, use the time to get your fingerprints taken. Doing it too early can mean they expire and you’ll have to get them again.

Your fingerprints are used for both a state and national criminal records check.

All instructions on how to do this are given to you at PSI once you pass both sections of the exam.

Should you have a past conviction like DUI or misdemeanor, know what steps to take by reading our article on getting a South Carolina real estate license with violations on your record.

For those obtaining a salesperson license, you’ll most likely be working for a brokerage firm, which means securing a sponsoring broker.

You must do this to complete the application process, but don’t rush into making a decision. You want to ensure you find the right fit.

Start by thinking about what qualities you want in a broker. We discuss this in detail via our guide on choosing the right broker to work for as a new agent.

Then, search our database of the best real estate brokerages in South Carolina to find the best real estate company that aligns with your career goals.

You may want to set up interviews to meet with your top choices before settling on the right one, so make sure to give yourself at least two weeks to do all this.

SC real estate license renewal requirements state that South Carolina real estate agents must complete 10 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their license.

The total time is broken up into a variety of courses, with four hours set aside for a required core course, and the other six for electives of your choice.

There are a variety of classes approved by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Based on the format you take these classes in, you may be able to complete all 10 hours within a single week, although it may be easier to take one class at a time.

Once you’re in the process of getting a real estate license, the hardest piece to schedule is time to complete your courses and study for the real estate exam itself.

Choosing the education provider where you take your classes in is crucial, as this sets the tone for how fast you can complete your coursework based on the format you pick.

From our directory of the top real estate schools in South Carolina, you can select from a list of reputable institutions providing the best resources for studying for the real estate exam.

While you should start studying and reviewing as soon as you begin your pre-licensing classes, you may also need a little extra time once classes are done.

Using the resources you have available, along with strong class notes, create topic outlines and flash cards to make your study time efficient.

Check topics against the test outline in the Candidate Information Bulletin to ensure you’ve covered everything as well.

Next, find a good place to study. This is usually somewhere quiet where you won’t get interrupted. Commit to studying a little bit each day.

If you struggle with staying focused, consider forming a study group that meets regularly. It can help you stay motivated.

When you feel ready for the exam is exactly when you should stop studying and schedule your test. You want to go into test day fully confident you’re totally prepared.

Dedicate enough time as well to learn more about the real estate profession as you wait for your license approval, particularly about what happens after you pass your real estate exam.

It will also be wise to scout real estate teams that you can participate in to be able to get enough guidance from experienced agents. Our guide on how to join a real estate team is a good resource.

In addition, allot some time to study the pros and cons of being a real estate agent so you’re well prepared to take on the challenges that come with the job.

Once you get your real estate license, make time to check out useful resources designed to steer your real estate career in the right direction.

To help you build and grow your real estate career quickly, we at Real Estate Bees created a directory for real estate professionals.

It’s designed to help you get more exposure for your business, including receiving leads. Create a free profile by signing up here.

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About the Author

Kristina Morales is a REALTOR® with over 20 years of professional experience. She actively practices real estate in Ohio but also has practiced real estate in California and Texas. Conducting her real estate business in three states has allowed her to gain unique experiences that make her a well-rounded realtor. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and her MBA with a concentration in Banking and Finance. Prior to real estate, Kristina had an extensive corporate career in banking and treasury. She ended her finance career as an Assistant Treasurer at a publicly traded oil & gas company in Houston, TX.