How to Get Your Real Estate License in South Carolina (and launch a career in Charleston)

If you’re thinking about becoming a real-estate agent in the Charleston area, maybe you love houses, you’re drawn to the Lowcountry lifestyle, or you’re ready for a flexible career with real earning potential you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide for how to get your real-estate license in South Carolina, plus what to watch out for along the way.

Step 1: Confirm you meet the general eligibility requirements

Before you go any further, be sure you meet these basic rules:

You must be 18 years or older. Charleston Realtors+2South Carolina Department of Labor+2
You must have a high school diploma or GED (or equivalent). realestateschoolforsuccess.com+1
You must be lawfully present and eligible to work in the U.S. (SC will check this) and pass a background check/fingerprinting. VanEd+1

If you clear those basic hurdles, you’re ready for the educational and licensing steps.

Step 2: Complete the required pre-licensing education

In South Carolina, you’ll need 90 hours of approved real-estate education before you can get your license. VanEd+1
That breaks down as:

60 hours in the “Unit I: Salesperson Pre-Licensing” course (often called fundamentals)
30 hours in the “Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles” course
Many schools offer a bundle of the full 90 hours, online or in-person.

Tip: Choose a school that fits your schedule (online, live virtual, classroom) and gives exam prep support — that helps you pass faster and smarter.

Step 3: Pass the course exams and the state licensing exam

Once you finish your coursework, you’ll take the course exams for Unit I and Unit II, then you’ll schedule your state licensing exam through the designated testing provider (in SC, that’s usually via PSI Services). VanEd+1

The exam covers:

National real-estate content
State-specific South Carolina laws and rules
You’ll typically need a passing score (commonly around 70 %) — check current details with the school or SC license board. VanEd

Step 4: Background check, fingerprints & application submission

After passing your exam, you’ll submit your complete application with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC), including:

Your education completion certificates
Exam results
A fingerprint/federal + state criminal background check. South Carolina Department of Labor+1
Once approved and your sponsoring broker is lined up, you’ll be issued your active salesperson license.

Step 5: Choose a sponsoring broker and get ready to practice

In South Carolina, you must work under (affiliate with) a licensed real-estate broker. That means:

Research brokers in the Charleston/Summerville/Lowcountry area
Ask about training, culture, commission splits, mentorship
Choose a brokerage that supports new agents, gives you marketing tools, and helps you build a business (not just chase leads)
Starting with the right brokerage is one of the smartest moves you can make.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long after finishing units to take the exam — your eligibility can expire.
Choosing a brokerage solely on split or listing leads, not on training and long-term business building.
Ignoring continuing education and license renewal timelines. In SC, you’ll need continuing-ed (CE) hours every 2 years.
Not budgeting correctly for course costs, exam fees, application fees, and early business expenses.

Why Charleston & the Lowcountry Make This a Smart Move

Real-estate markets like Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and the surrounding Lowcountry keep evolving, meaning opportunity.
Tourism, relocation (especially to coastal areas), and new-construction growth all fuel demand.
A city with a strong lifestyle draw and historic charm gives you lots of angles to market and specialize in (waterfront homes, historic districts, coastal cottages, investment properties).

Final Thoughts

Getting your real-estate license in South Carolina is very achievable, with focus, good choice of school, timely action on exams and application, and the right broker behind you. If you’re ready to build a career where you help people find home, make an impact, and grow your business, this is your moment.

Want help choosing the right broker in Charleston or want to learn more about building your real-estate business from Day 1?

Check out our Agent Opportunities Page