South Carolina
South Carolina Real Estate Exam: Complete 2026 Prep Guide
South Carolina's real estate salesperson exam covers both broad national content and specific SC laws around agency, vacation rentals, and property disclosure. The first-time pass rate is around 60%. This guide covers the SC exam format, state-specific topics, and a study plan that targets where most candidates struggle.
South Carolina Exam Requirements at a Glance
Pre-licensing education: 90 hours (60-hour Unit I + 30-hour Unit II)
Exam provider: PSI Services
Exam format: 120 questions — 80 national + 40 South Carolina state-specific
Time limit: 4 hours (240 minutes)
Passing score: 70% national AND 70% state portion (must pass both)
Exam fee: approximately $63
License title: salesperson
Background check: required by South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC)
Age requirement: 18 years old
Confirm current fees and rules with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
What Is on the South Carolina Exam
The SC exam has two scored sections. The national portion (80 questions) tests broad real estate concepts. The state portion (40 questions) tests SC-specific license law, agency rules, and consumer protection statutes.
You must pass each portion separately. Passing one but not the other means a partial retake.
The state portion is where most SC candidates lose points — particularly on SCREC rules, agency disclosure, and the Vacation Rental Act.
South Carolina-Specific Topics You Must Know
These SC-specific topics appear on the state portion and are not covered by national prep materials.
South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) — structure (9 members), powers, and disciplinary authority over licensees.
South Carolina Vacation Rental Act — covers vacation rental property management, escrow rules, and required disclosures. Vacation rentals are a big part of SC real estate practice (Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Charleston).
Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement — required for most SC residential sales. Know exemptions and the buyer's right to rescind if not delivered timely.
SC agency disclosure — covers single agency, dual agency, designated agency, and customer (transaction broker) relationships. The agency disclosure brochure must be presented at first substantial contact.
Coastal Tidelands and Wetlands Act — affects coastal property transactions and disclosure requirements.
Beachfront Management Act — regulates construction in oceanfront erosion zones (R-1 and R-2 setback lines).
South Carolina Trust Account Rules — earnest money and security deposits must be held in designated trust accounts with strict reconciliation requirements.
South Carolina property tax — primary residence assessed at 4%, non-primary at 6%. Know the legal residence application process.
4-Week South Carolina Study Plan
Week 1: Diagnostic test. Identify weak national topics. Study contracts, agency, and finance. Complete 50+ practice questions. Target: identify bottom 3 weak topics.
Week 2: National content deep-dive — property ownership, valuation, fair housing, settlement, and real estate math. Full-length national practice test. Target 65%+.
Week 3: SC-specific topics — SCREC rules, Vacation Rental Act, agency disclosure, Coastal Tidelands Act, trust account rules, SC property tax. 40+ SC-specific practice questions. Target 65%+ on state.
Week 4: Mixed timed practice exams (full 120-question simulations), review of all missed questions, math practice. Target 70%+ on both portions.
Start Your South Carolina Exam Prep
The free diagnostic shows you exactly where you stand on both national and SC-specific content.
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South Carolina Exam FAQ
How long is the South Carolina pre-licensing course?
South Carolina requires 90 hours total: 60-hour Unit I (taken before the exam) and 30-hour Unit II (taken after passing the exam, before licensure). Most students complete Unit I in 4–6 weeks online.
Can I take the SC exam after only Unit I?
Yes. You take the salesperson exam after completing Unit I. You then complete Unit II within 12 months to activate your license.
What if I fail one portion of the SC exam?
You retake only the portion you failed. There is a short waiting period (typically 24 hours) and a reduced fee for a single-portion retake.
Is the SC exam harder than other states?
SC's pass rate (around 60%) is roughly average. The Vacation Rental Act and agency disclosure rules tend to surprise candidates who only studied national content.
Does SC require fingerprinting?
Yes. South Carolina requires SLED (State Law Enforcement Division) and FBI background checks via fingerprinting before issuing a license.