In South Carolina, a career in real estate has become increasingly popular.
It’s great as a side gig or even as a full-time job.
If you’re interested, you first need to get a real estate license.
To do that, you need to fulfill some state requirements.
This is where we come in.
In this article, we’re going to give you a complete 2023 guide on how to get a real estate license online in South Carolina. This way, you’ll know exactly what you need and what to do.
So shall we?
Real Estate License Qualifications in South Carolina
To be eligible for a real estate license in South Carolina, you must:
- Be at least 18-years old
- Hold a high-school diploma or GED
- Be a US citizen or legal alien
The 5 Steps to Getting a Real Estate License Online in South Carolina
Here’s a summary of the steps required to obtain a license:
Step 1: Take a real estate pre-licensing course
Step 2: Apply for a real estate license
Step 3: Pass the South Carolina real estate exam
Step 4: Get sponsored by a broker
Step 5: Finalize your license application
Now, let’s get into the details.
Step 1: Take a real estate pre-licensing course
Starting off, you must take a real estate pre-licensing course. This consists of two parts, a 60-hour and 30-hour real estate course. That’s a total of 90 hours.
However, you only need to complete the 60-hour course to be eligible to sit for the South Carolina real estate exam. The 30-hour course should be completed before finalizing your real estate license application.
Some online courses may also have end-of-course tests that you’ll have to pass to receive a course completion certificate. These certificates are important as it is proof that you completed the educational requirements.
If you’re looking for an online real estate school to take the course with, then look no further than AceableAgent. This school is the premier provider of online real estate education in South Carolina.
You’ll learn everything you need to know about real estate, as well as pass the South Carolina real estate exam. Plus, AceableAgent allows you to enjoy their course with fun minigames and features that make it so much better than an old-fashioned textbook.
Even better is that AceableAgent can be taken on the go with its stellar mobile app (available for iOS and Android), allowing you to put in those extra study hours even when you’re out and about.
So you should definitely check them out!
Step 2: Apply for a real estate license
After you’ve passed the first 60 hours of the pre-licensing course, you can now start your licensing process.
You can apply for a real estate license online through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission’s website.
Once there, you need to create an account and fill out this eligibility form. When this has been received, the Commission shall inform you regarding the background check procedures.
To complete your background check, fill out this criminal history explanation form and submit it to the Commission.
Note: while felons are still eligible to receive a real estate license in South Carolina, the final decision will rest with the Commission and shall be impacted by the severity of the crime.
Step 3: Pass the South Carolina real estate exam
After clearing the background check and the initial license requirements, you’ll be eligible to sit for the South Carolina real estate exam. This is conducted by the PSI.
But before registering for the PSI exam, you need to provide an approval document from the Commission.
Again, you can do this online. Simply complete this exam application form, pay a fee of $25 (check or money order payable to SCREC), and submit it to the South Caroline Real Estate Commission’s (SCREC) website.
Once the Commission gives you approval, you can schedule your PSI exam. Keep in mind that you will need to pay an exam fee of $63 for both portions or $55 for one portion.
What can you expect from the exam?
There are 2 portions - national and state.
You’ll need to answer a total of 120 questions (80 for the national and 40 for the state). You are given 120 minutes (2hrs) for the national portion, while the state portion takes 80 minutes (1.3hrs).
To pass, you need a minimum score of 75%.
For more information regarding examination procedures, consult the PSI Handbook.
Step 4: Get sponsored by a broker
In South Carolina, all real estate salespeople need a broker sponsor.
Often, aspiring salespeople rush through this process to start their careers ASAP. However, you should take care when choosing a broker and evaluate all the available local options based on their commission structure, reputation, and corporate culture.
Some brokers expect their agents to work a 9 to 5 and observe formal office dressing and etiquette. Others may be more flexible, allowing employees to work whenever they want.
If you’re doing real estate full time, you may prefer a more regimented work routine. But if you’re in it for the side income, a flexible work environment will be necessary to manage your main job.
Step 5: Finalize your license application
Once you’ve received sponsorship, you can finally finalize your real estate license application.
To do so by applying through the Labour Licensing Regulation. At this stage, you’ll be asked to submit all relevant documents, including your course completion certification (the full 90-hours), identification details, the forms you’ve completed (Criminal History Explanation and Eligibility form), exam score, and a licensing fee of $25.
As soon as SCREC confirms your application, you’ll receive your license and will be able to start practicing real estate in South Carolina.
Real Estate License in South Carolina FAQs
How long is the real estate pre-licensing course in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the pre-licensing course is 90 hours long. The first step to obtaining a real estate license is to complete the first 60 hours. The remaining 30 hours can be completed at a later time (before finalizing your license application).
If you’re thinking that a lot of hours. Don’t fret.
With online courses, you won’t have to deal with any pesky timers. So you could technically complete this course in less than 90 hours if you’re a quick learner.
When do I have to complete real estate continuing education courses in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you’ll have to complete a 10 hour CE course every 2 years in order to renew your license. You’ll also have to pay a $55 renewal fee to the SCREC.
Yes, it can be hard managing your educational requirements alongside your real estate career, which is why we highly recommend McKissock.
Their online SC CE courses are easy and convenient. You can blast through the requirements from the comfort of your home.
Not only that, but McKissock also offers the best value for money. With their membership package, you get all sorts of great resources, including 100+ job aides, coaching tools, a 90-day boot camp, and more. Plus, you get unlimited access to all the CE courses in South Carolina.
Should I choose online or in-person real estate courses?
While in-person courses provide greater networking opportunities and direct interaction with instructors, they can be hard to attend if you’re juggling your studies with a day job.
This is where online courses come in. You get convenient courses available 24/7 that can be adjusted into your schedule. These courses also come with a whole host of features and tools that can make the learning experience so much easier.
And if you’re still looking for that classroom experience but don’t want to deal with the midday traffic, then Colibri Real Estate offers live video-based courses that’ll give you a direct instructor learning experience.
How much do real estate courses cost in South Carolina?
Of course, the cost of real estate courses varies greatly. In-person schools are generally more expensive with a starting cost of around $600. Online courses, on the other hand, are much cheaper averaging around $400.
Conclusion
The steps listed above give you everything you need to know about the real estate licensing process in South Carolina.
Additionally, the online schools mentioned offer the best learning experience in the state with video-based and completely online learning solutions to fit your needs and schedule.
So what are you waiting for?
Get started with an online real estate pre-licensing course today to get one step closer to financial freedom!
Good luck!