Resources
SC Real Estate Exam
Study Guide
Everything you need to know to pass the South Carolina real estate licensing exam on your first attempt.
Your Path to a SC
Real Estate License
Becoming a licensed real estate professional in South Carolina is an exciting step toward a rewarding career. The process involves completing 90 hours of pre-licensing education, passing the state licensing exam, and joining a brokerage. This guide covers everything you need to know about the exam itself — format, topics, study strategies, and insider tips from professionals who have helped hundreds of agents launch successful careers.
The South Carolina real estate exam is administered by PSI and consists of 110 questions across two portions. You need a 70% score on both the national and state sections to pass. With proper preparation, most candidates pass on their first attempt.
110
Total Questions
4 hrs
Time Allowed
70%
Passing Score
90 hrs
Pre-Licensing Required
Exam Topics
What the Exam Covers
Property Ownership & Land Use
15%Types of ownership, estates, encumbrances, easements, zoning, and land use regulations specific to South Carolina.
Laws of Agency
13%Agency relationships, fiduciary duties, disclosure requirements, and SC-specific agency laws and regulations.
Contracts & Legal Concepts
12%Contract law, offer and acceptance, contingencies, breach of contract, and South Carolina real estate contract forms.
Financing & Settlement
12%Mortgage types, lending regulations, closing procedures, RESPA, TILA, and SC-specific settlement practices.
Property Valuation
10%Appraisal methods, comparative market analysis, factors affecting value, and SC property assessment procedures.
Practice of Real Estate
10%Listing procedures, marketing, showing properties, negotiation, and professional standards in South Carolina.
SC Real Estate Commission
15%SC licensing requirements, commission rules, trust accounts, advertising regulations, and disciplinary procedures.
Fair Housing & Ethics
13%Federal and state fair housing laws, ADA requirements, ethical standards, and SC-specific anti-discrimination provisions.
Study Strategies
Tips for Success
Create a Study Schedule
Dedicate 2-3 hours daily for 2-3 weeks before the exam. Consistency is more effective than cramming. Focus on one topic area per study session.
Use Practice Exams
Take as many practice exams as possible. They help you identify weak areas and get comfortable with the question format. Aim for consistently scoring 80%+ before taking the real exam.
Focus on SC-Specific Laws
The state portion is where most candidates struggle. Pay special attention to SC Real Estate Commission rules, trust account requirements, advertising regulations, and licensing procedures.
Master Math Concepts
Expect 5-10 math questions covering prorations, commissions, loan calculations, and property measurements. Practice these calculations until they become second nature.
Understand, Don't Memorize
The exam tests understanding, not memorization. Focus on understanding why laws exist and how concepts apply in real-world scenarios rather than memorizing definitions.
Join a Study Group
Studying with others helps reinforce concepts and exposes you to different perspectives. Many pre-licensing schools offer study groups or online forums.
FAQ
Common Questions
How many questions are on the SC real estate exam?
The South Carolina real estate exam consists of two portions: a national portion with 80 questions and a state-specific portion with 30 questions, for a total of 110 questions. You must pass both portions to receive your license. You have 4 hours total to complete both sections.
What score do I need to pass the SC real estate exam?
You need a score of 70% or higher on both the national portion (56 out of 80 correct) and the state portion (21 out of 30 correct) to pass the South Carolina real estate exam.
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in South Carolina?
The total cost typically ranges from $500-$1,000, including pre-licensing education ($200-$500), exam fee ($63), license application fee ($25), and background check ($40). Additional costs may include study materials and exam prep courses.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in SC?
Most candidates complete the process in 2-4 months. This includes 90 hours of pre-licensing education (which can be completed in 4-8 weeks), exam preparation (1-2 weeks), and the application process (2-4 weeks).
Can I take the SC real estate pre-licensing course online?
Yes, South Carolina allows pre-licensing education to be completed online through approved education providers. The 90-hour requirement can be completed at your own pace, though most students finish in 4-8 weeks.
What happens if I fail the SC real estate exam?
If you fail one or both portions, you can retake the failed portion(s). There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the exam fee each time. Your passing score on one portion is valid for one year.
Do I need to join a brokerage after passing the exam?
Yes, South Carolina requires all new licensees to work under a licensed broker. You cannot practice real estate independently as a new licensee. Choosing the right brokerage is one of the most important decisions you'll make — it determines your training, support, and earning potential.
Study on the Go
Listen While You Learn
Complement your study guide with Donna's exam prep podcasts — available free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Ready to Start Your Career?
Launch Your Real Estate
Career with COAST
Choosing the right brokerage is the most important decision a new agent makes. Partner with Donna Gilmore and the COAST team at eXp Realty for world-class training, technology, and support from day one.