South Carolina Real Estate Broker License
Requirements, fees, and steps to upgrade to broker
Experience Requirements
5 years of active licensure as a salesperson in South Carolina within the past 7 years
Alternative Pathways:
- Bachelor's or higher degree with a major in real estate
- Law degree from an accredited institution
Experience must be as an actively licensed SC salesperson.
Education Requirements
Complete two Commission-approved broker courses totaling 60 hours. This is in addition to the 90 hours required for salesperson licensure.
Required Courses:
- Unit III A Broker Management (30 hours)
- Unit III B Brokerage Principles (30 hours)
Certificates of completion are valid for five years.
Broker Examination
Exam Name
South Carolina Real Estate Broker Examination
Provider
PSI
Format
National and state portions, multiple-choice
Passing Score
Check the current PSI candidate bulletin for section-specific passing requirements.
Exam Fee
Confirm with provider
Retake Policy
Examination eligibility is valid for 1 year from the issued date
Fees
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Examination Fee | Confirm with provider |
| License Fee | $125 |
| Listed Fees | $150 |
Listed fees include only the $25 Commission application and $125 initial broker license ($250 for broker-in-charge). The current PSI examination price, required background checks, and education are additional; confirm provider charges before budgeting.
Apply to the Commission first and follow its emailed instructions. Check current provider prices; these checks are not represented as free.
Timeline
Gain Experience
Complete 5 years as licensed salesperson
5+ years
Complete Broker Education
Complete 60 hours of broker courses
2-4 weeks
Submit Application
Apply with fingerprints and background check
1-2 weeks
Pass Broker Exam
Pass the national and state broker exam
1-2 weeks
License Renewal
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Renewal Fee
$55
CE Hours Required
10 hours
Online Renewal
Available
Active associates and brokers complete 10 hours every two years: four core and six elective. Brokers-in-charge instead complete four core, four BIC, and two elective hours. Up to four elective hours may carry forward.
Reciprocity Agreements
South Carolina has reciprocity agreements with Georgia and North Carolina for qualifying applicants.
South Carolina Real Estate Commission
- Official Website
- (803) 896-4400
- contact.REC@llr.sc.gov
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