South Carolina Real Estate Practice Exam
(Free Questions & Answers)
The South Carolina real estate exam is administered by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) and requires 90 hours of pre-license education. Unlike some neighboring states, South Carolina allows dual agency with written informed consent — candidates must understand both the conditions under which dual agency is permitted and the required disclosure language. The state portion also tests South Carolina's mandatory Consumer Protection Notice, which licensees must provide at first contact, and DHEC's environmental disclosure requirements for coastal zone properties.
Administered by: South Carolina Real Estate Commission · 120 questions · Passing score: 70%
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Updated May 2026 · South Carolina Real Estate Commission exam outline
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Free South Carolina Real Estate Practice Exam Questions
Test your knowledge with these South Carolina real estate practice questions. Each question is based on topics from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission exam and includes detailed explanations.
Q1. Which state agency licenses and regulates real estate professionals in South Carolina?
Explanation
The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) licenses and regulates real estate brokers, salespersons, property managers, and real estate schools in South Carolina.
Q2. In South Carolina, when must a licensee provide the 'Disclosure of Real Estate Brokerage Relationships' form to a consumer?
Explanation
South Carolina requires licensees to provide the agency disclosure to consumers prior to entering into a brokerage relationship or providing any substantive real estate services. This ensures consumers understand the nature of the representation being offered.
Q3. In South Carolina, an offer to purchase real estate becomes a binding contract when:
Explanation
An offer becomes a binding contract when the seller accepts all terms of the offer and that acceptance is communicated back to the buyer (or their agent). Until acceptance is communicated, no contract exists.
Q4. A conventional conforming loan is one that:
Explanation
A conventional conforming loan meets the underwriting guidelines and loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, making it eligible for purchase in the secondary mortgage market. These loans typically offer competitive rates and terms.
Q5. In South Carolina, a married person who wishes to convey real property that they own solely in their own name must:
Explanation
In South Carolina, a married person generally must have their spouse sign the deed to release the spouse's potential marital interest (dower or curtesy rights in some contexts, or statutory rights). This prevents title issues that could arise from an undisclosed marital interest.
Q6. The principle of 'highest and best use' in real estate appraisal is defined as the use that is:
Explanation
Highest and best use is the reasonably probable and legal use of vacant land or an improved property that is physically possible, appropriately supported, financially feasible, and results in the highest value. This concept underpins all approaches to value.
Q7. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discriminatory advertising. Which of the following newspaper headlines would be a violation?
Explanation
Advertising that expresses a preference for buyers or renters of a particular religion ('ideal for Christian families') violates the Fair Housing Act's prohibition on discriminatory advertising. All real estate advertising must be written without reference to protected class characteristics.
Q8. In South Carolina, deed stamps (recording fee) are paid at the rate of $1.85 per $500 of consideration. On a $300,000 home sale, how much are the total deed stamps?
Explanation
Deed stamps: $300,000 ÷ $500 = 600 units. 600 × $1.85 = $1,110. By custom in South Carolina, this cost is typically split between buyer and seller or paid by the seller.
Q9. A South Carolina home sells for $320,000. Deed stamps are $1.85 per $500. The 6% commission is split equally between listing and buyer's broker. The seller also pays $2,500 in other closing costs. What are the seller's total closing costs (deed stamps + commission + other costs)?
Explanation
Deed stamps: ($320,000 ÷ $500) × $1.85 = 640 × $1.85 = $1,184. Commission: $320,000 × 0.06 = $19,200. Other costs: $2,500. Total: $1,184 + $19,200 + $2,500 = $22,884.
Q10. In South Carolina, which state agency regulates environmental matters including water quality and hazardous waste?
Explanation
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is the primary state agency responsible for environmental regulation, including water quality, air quality, and hazardous waste management.
Q11. In South Carolina, zoning authority is granted to local governments under which legal principle?
Explanation
Zoning is an exercise of police power, which states delegate to local governments to regulate land use for the health, safety, and general welfare of the public.
Q12. In South Carolina, a property manager who collects rent and negotiates leases on behalf of others must hold:
Explanation
South Carolina requires a real estate license (or property management license) to collect rent, negotiate leases, or manage property for others for compensation.
Q13. How many hours of pre-license education are required to obtain a South Carolina real estate salesperson license?
Explanation
South Carolina requires 90 hours of pre-license education for a salesperson license: a 60-hour Unit I (Principles of Real Estate) course and a 30-hour Unit II (South Carolina Real Estate Law) course.
Q14. A South Carolina real estate agent represents a seller. The buyer in the transaction is unrepresented. The agent's duty to the unrepresented buyer is to:
Explanation
Even when representing the seller, a South Carolina agent owes all parties in a transaction honest dealing and the disclosure of known material facts. The agent does not owe fiduciary duties to the unrepresented buyer but must not deceive or withhold material information.
Q15. Which type of listing agreement allows the seller to retain the right to sell their property themselves without paying a commission, but grants one broker the exclusive right to work with cooperating brokers?
Explanation
An exclusive agency listing gives one broker the exclusive right to represent the seller and work with cooperating brokers, but allows the seller to find their own buyer without paying a commission. If the broker procures the buyer, the commission is owed.
Q16. South Carolina imposes a deed recording fee at the time of real estate transfer. This fee is calculated based on:
Explanation
South Carolina's deed recording fee (deed stamps) is calculated based on the consideration paid — the sale price of the property. The standard rate is $1.85 per $500 (or fraction thereof) of the consideration.
Q17. What is the legal concept of 'eminent domain'?
Explanation
Eminent domain is the government's inherent power to take private property for public use, provided just compensation is paid to the property owner. The process of exercising eminent domain is called condemnation.
Q18. When appraising a 20-unit apartment building, the MOST appropriate primary appraisal method is:
Explanation
For income-producing properties like apartment buildings, the income capitalization approach is the primary method used by appraisers. It values the property based on its ability to generate income, reflecting how investors view and buy such properties.
Q19. Under the Fair Housing Act, a housing provider who makes a 'reasonable accommodation' for a person with a disability is:
Explanation
The Fair Housing Act requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when they are (1) requested by a person with a disability, (2) necessary to provide equal opportunity, and (3) reasonable (not causing undue burden or fundamental alteration).
Q20. A 'marketable title' means:
Explanation
Marketable title (also called merchantable title) is one that a reasonable buyer can accept without fear of litigation — it is free from significant encumbrances, liens, or defects. Most purchase contracts require the seller to convey marketable title at closing.
Q21. A property was purchased for $185,000 and sold 4 years later for $223,850. What was the annual rate of appreciation (simple interest method)?
Explanation
Total appreciation: $223,850 − $185,000 = $38,850. Percentage gain: $38,850 ÷ $185,000 = 21%. Annual rate (simple): 21% ÷ 4 years = 5.25% per year.
Q22. Which federal law governs the cleanup of contaminated sites and imposes liability on property owners for environmental cleanup?
Explanation
CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act), known as Superfund, imposes strict, joint, and several liability for cleanup of contaminated sites, potentially including innocent landowners.
Q23. A South Carolina property owner wants to use their residentially-zoned land for a small home office. They need to apply for a:
Explanation
A special use permit (or conditional use permit) allows a specific use that is not permitted by right in a zone but may be allowed under certain conditions determined by the local zoning board.
Q24. Under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, a landlord must give how much notice before entering a tenant's unit for non-emergency repairs?
Explanation
South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires landlords to provide at least 24 hours notice before entering a tenant's dwelling unit for non-emergency repairs or inspections.
Q25. The South Carolina real estate licensing exam consists of how many questions, and what is the minimum passing score?
Explanation
The South Carolina real estate salesperson exam contains 120 questions. Candidates must achieve a minimum passing score of 70% to obtain their license.
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South Carolina Real Estate Exam — What to Expect
What Is On The South Carolina Real Estate Exam?
The South Carolina real estate salesperson exam is administered by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and tests both national real estate principles and South Carolina-specific laws and regulations. The exam contains 120 multiple-choice questions, and you must score at least 70% to pass.
The national portion covers topics that apply in every state: property ownership, land use controls, valuation and market analysis, financing, agency law, contracts, leasing and property management, transfer of title, fair housing laws, and real estate calculations. The state portion tests knowledge specific to South Carolina — including regulations set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, South Carolina agency disclosure requirements, and state-specific contract and closing practices.
Topics covered on the South Carolina exam include: Property Ownership, Agency Law, Contracts, Finance, South Carolina License Law. Candidates who struggle on the SC exam typically underestimate the state-specific portion — the national content is well-covered by most study materials, but South Carolina law questions require targeted preparation.
Official South Carolina Exam Content Areas
Source: South Carolina Real Estate Commission · Updated June 2026
| Content Area | Questions |
|---|---|
| National Section (11 PSI topic areas) | 80 |
| South Carolina State Section (SCREC structure, licensing requirements, agency disclosure, trust accounts, property management, prohibited practices) | 40 |
- ▸Administered by PSI; must score 70% on each section — 56/80 national, 28/40 state; sections scored independently and may be retaken separately
- ▸South Carolina's real estate licensing law is codified in SC Code Title 40, Chapter 57 — the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) operates under the SC Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR)
- ▸South Carolina state section covers SCREC structure and powers, licensing requirements, trust account rules, agency disclosure law, property management regulations, and prohibited practices
- ▸Sellers of residential property must complete the South Carolina Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement under SC Code §27-50-40 — mandatory for most residential sales; the form and buyer acknowledgment rules are commonly tested on the state exam
- ▸Dual agency is permitted in South Carolina with the written informed consent of all parties — agents must provide the South Carolina Disclosure of Real Estate Brokerage Relationships form before entering a brokerage relationship
- ▸Source: South Carolina Real Estate Commission (llr.sc.gov/re), SC Code Title 40 Chapter 57, SC Code §27-50-40, and PSI Candidate Information Bulletin (test-takers.psiexams.com)
Practice South Carolina questions by topic — start with South Carolina License Law, Agency, and Contracts to build your foundation, then work through remaining topics.
How Many Questions Are On The South Carolina Exam?
The South Carolina real estate salesperson exam has 120 multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into a national section covering general real estate principles and a state section covering South Carolina-specific laws administered by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You have 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
South Carolina Real Estate Exam Passing Score
You need a 70% to pass the South Carolina real estate exam. The first-time pass rate in South Carolina is approximately 56%, which means preparation is essential — most candidates who fail do so because they focused on national content and underestimated the SC-specific portion. Our South Carolina practice exam is built specifically around the South Carolina Real Estate Commission exam outline.
Read our complete South Carolina exam study guide — state-specific topics, 5-week study plan, and what to focus on before exam day.
Most Difficult Topics On The South Carolina Exam
These are the areas where South Carolina candidates most commonly lose points — and a key reason why some states produce harder real estate exams than others.
South Carolina Real Estate Commission's 90-hour pre-license requirement, licensing categories, and supervision rules are tested on the state portion with SC-specific provisions.
South Carolina allows dual agency with written informed consent — unlike some states that prohibit it. Understanding when dual agency is permitted, what disclosures are required, and the risks to clients is a common SC state exam topic.
South Carolina requires licensees to provide a mandatory Consumer Protection Notice at first meaningful contact. The timing, content, and receipt requirements for this notice are tested on the state exam.
South Carolina's coastal zone management requirements under DHEC and specific disclosure requirements for coastal properties are state-specific topics that appear on the South Carolina state exam.
South Carolina Real Estate Math
The South Carolina real estate exam includes math questions covering commission calculations, loan-to-value (LTV) ratios, property tax prorations, area and volume, and appreciation/depreciation. A common example: if a property sells for $350,000 and the total commission is 6%, split equally between listing and buyer's broker, each side earns $10,500. Proration questions — such as calculating how many days of property taxes a seller owes at closing — are also common. On the SC exam, you will not need a calculator for most math questions, but you do need to understand the formulas. Practice the "T-bar" method for commission splits and the 360-day banker's year for prorations.
🧮 See all exam math formulas →How To Get Your South Carolina Real Estate License
- 1Complete 90 hours of state-approved pre-license education covering topics required by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- 2Submit your application to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and pay the required fees (exam fee: $63).
- 3Pass the South Carolina real estate salesperson exam (120 questions, 70% to pass).
- 4Complete a background check and fingerprinting as required by South Carolina law.
- 5Find a licensed sponsoring/employing broker to activate your license.
- 6Complete any required post-licensing education within the timeframe set by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
Best Study Strategy For The South Carolina Exam
Start with South Carolina license law first. State-specific regulations administered by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission make up a significant portion of the SC exam and are not covered in most national study materials.
Master the math early. The South Carolina real estate exam includes questions on commission calculations, prorations, loan-to-value ratios, and area calculations. Set aside dedicated math practice sessions — don't leave it until the last week.
Take timed practice exams. The South Carolina exam has 120 questions within a 3.5 hours time limit. Simulate exam conditions to build stamina and identify weak topics before exam day.
Focus heavily on agency law. Agency relationships, disclosure requirements, and fiduciary duties are consistently among the most-tested topics on the SC exam. Understand the difference between seller's agent, buyer's agent, dual agent, and transaction broker in the context of South Carolina law.
Review Fair Housing thoroughly. Federal Fair Housing Act protections apply in all states, but South Carolina may have additional protected classes. Know both federal and South Carolina-specific protections cold — this topic appears on virtually every exam.
Use active recall, not passive reading. Instead of re-reading notes, quiz yourself. Use flashcards or practice questions to test retention. Research shows active recall improves long-term retention significantly compared to passive review.
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