Pass the South Carolina
Real Estate Exam.
First Try.
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.
No credit card required · 25 free questions · No signup needed
📅 12-Week Study Schedule →South Carolina Real Estate License Requirements
Built for the South Carolina Real Estate Salesperson Exam
The South Carolina first-time pass rate is 56%. Generic national prep leaves you guessing on SC-specific questions — our content is built around the South Carolina Real Estate Commission exam outline so you study what's actually tested.
1,500+ Practice Questions
Covering every topic on the SC real estate salesperson exam — South Carolina license law, contracts, agency, finance, fair housing, math, and more.
Timed Mock Exams
Simulate the real 120-question, 3.5 hours test so exam day feels like familiar territory.
Track Your Weak Spots
See exactly which topics you're struggling with and focus your study time where it counts most.
Topics Tested on the South Carolina Real Estate Salesperson Exam
The South Carolina real estate exam covers both national real estate principles and SC-specific laws administered by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. The 120-question exam tests your knowledge of property ownership, agency law, contracts, finance, south carolina license law, and more. Candidates who rely solely on national study materials typically underperform on the SC-specific portion — which is where most failures occur. Need to brush up on terminology? Our real estate glossary covers 500+ terms you may see on exam day.
South Carolina requires 90 hours of pre-license education before you can sit for the exam. The exam fee is $63, and you have 3.5 hours to complete all 120 questions — including real estate math problems covering commission, proration, and LTV. The current first-time pass rate in South Carolina is approximately 56% — focused, SC-specific preparation makes the difference between passing and retaking.
Most Missed South Carolina Exam Topics
These are the topics South Carolina candidates most often fail. Each one requires SC-specific knowledge that generic national prep doesn't cover.
SCREC License Law
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.
Practice SCREC License Law questions →Dual Agency Allowed (with Disclosure)
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.
Practice Dual Agency Allowed (with Disclosure) questions →Consumer Protection Notice
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.
Practice Consumer Protection Notice questions →Coastal Zone & DHEC Regulations
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.
Practice Coastal Zone & DHEC Regulations questions →What South Carolina Students Say
Real feedback from students preparing for the South Carolina real estate exam.
South Carolina Real Estate Exam FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the South Carolina real estate exam and license process.
How many questions are on the South Carolina real estate exam?
The South Carolina real estate salesperson exam has 120 multiple-choice questions. You have 3.5 hours to complete the exam and must score at least 70% to pass.
What is the passing score for the South Carolina real estate exam?
The passing score for the South Carolina real estate exam is 70%. The exam is administered by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and consists of 120 questions. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam after a waiting period — check the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website for current retake policies.
How long do I have to complete the South Carolina real estate exam?
Candidates have 3.5 hours to complete the South Carolina real estate salesperson exam. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, so budget your time carefully — that works out to roughly 1.8 minutes per question.
How many times can I take the South Carolina real estate exam?
South Carolina does not set a hard cap on the number of attempts for the real estate salesperson exam. However, you must pay the $63 exam fee each time you retake it, and the South Carolina Real Estate Commission may require a waiting period between attempts. Review the official South Carolina Real Estate Commission retake policy before scheduling.
What topics are covered on the South Carolina real estate exam?
The South Carolina real estate exam covers both national and state-specific content. South Carolina-specific topics include: Property Ownership, Agency Law, Contracts, Finance, South Carolina License Law. National topics include property ownership, fair housing laws, real estate finance, contracts, property valuation, escrow and title, and real estate math.
How do I apply for a South Carolina real estate license after passing the exam?
After passing the South Carolina real estate exam, you must complete a background check, secure a sponsoring broker, and submit your license application to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. Your broker must hold an active South Carolina broker license. Processing times vary, so apply as soon as possible after passing.
What is the best way to study for the South Carolina real estate exam?
The most effective way to prepare for the South Carolina real estate salesperson exam is to combine reading the required course materials with heavy practice testing. Focus on South Carolina-specific license law (tested on the state portion) and the national topics like agency, contracts, fair housing, and real estate math. Timed mock exams that simulate the real 120-question, 3.5 hours format help reduce test-day anxiety.
How long does it take to get a South Carolina real estate license?
Most candidates complete the South Carolina real estate license process in 3 to 6 months. This includes completing 90 hours of pre-license education, scheduling and passing the 120-question exam (70% passing score), completing a background check, and obtaining broker sponsorship. Dedicated students who study consistently can move faster.
Ready to Pass Your South Carolina Real Estate Exam?
Start with 25 free practice questions right now — no account needed. Upgrade anytime for full access.
How to Get Your South Carolina Real Estate License
Meet Eligibility Requirements
Be at least 18 years old and meet the South Carolina Real Estate Commission requirements. No prior real estate experience needed.
Complete 90 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in a South Carolina Real Estate Commission-approved school and complete the required 90 hours of coursework. This can be done online or in-person.
Apply for the Exam
Submit your exam application to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and pay the $63 exam fee. Once approved, you'll receive your scheduling information.
Pass the South Carolina Real Estate Salesperson Exam
Pass the 120-question exam (3.5 hours) with a score of 70% or higher. The first-time pass rate is 56% — focused prep makes the difference.
Complete a Background Check
Submit fingerprints and complete the required background check through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
Find a Sponsoring Broker & Apply for License
As a new licensee, you must work under a licensed South Carolina broker. Submit your completed license application once you've secured a sponsoring broker.
Ready for step 4? Start practicing now.
25 free questions — no signup needed.
South Carolina Exam Study Tools
South Carolina Real Estate Exam Articles
In-depth guides covering every topic on the South Carolina exam.
South Carolina requires 90 hours of pre-license education and a 110-question exam. Here's how to prepare for SC agency law, disclosure, and the dual agency rules.
120-question practice set covering SC Real Estate Commission rules, transfer tax, property manager license, and national topics for the SC salesperson exam.
South Carolina's exam has a ~60% first-attempt pass rate. Here's why candidates fail and how to prepare for the 70% threshold.
What's tested on South Carolina's 120-question salesperson exam — national content, SC Code Title 40, Property Manager license, and study priorities.
How to get a South Carolina real estate salesperson license — 90-hour prelicense, SCREC application, exam, and the separate Property Manager license.
SC agency relationships, the unique Property Manager license requirement, and disclosure rules for the salesperson exam.
After SC's 90-hour prelicense course, here's how much more study time you need to pass the 120-question exam.
Federal and South Carolina fair housing law for the salesperson exam — 7 protected classes and SCREC enforcement.
Contract law for the SC salesperson exam — essential elements, earnest money, transfer tax, and deed of trust.
Key math problems for the SC exam including the $1.85 per $500 deed recording fee and worked examples.
What to bring, how SC's 120-question exam works at PSI, and strategies for passing with a 70% score.