Reached the 5-Year Mark? Here’s Your Roadmap to a South Carolina Broker License

You’ve built a solid foundation as a real estate professional. After five years (or more!) of active licensure, you’ve helped clients navigate closings, learned the ins and outs of real estate law, and proven you can thrive in a fast-paced, client-focused industry.

Now, you’re eligible to become a Broker or Broker-in-Charge (BIC) in South Carolina. With that license comes more independence, leadership opportunities, and long-term growth.

Here’s a complete, updated guide to getting your broker license, including what to do before testing and common exemptions to be aware of.

Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Experience Requirement

The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) requires that applicants have at least 5 years of active associate experience within the last 7 years. If you’re not sure your license history meets the requirement, the SCREC recommends verifying it before enrolling in coursework, you can do so here

Step 2: Complete the Broker Pre-Licensing Education (Unless Exempt)

To qualify for a broker license, you’ll need to complete:

• Broker A: Brokerage Management (30 hours)
  
• Broker B: Brokerage Principles (30 hours)
  

These two courses, totaling 60 hours, must be taken at a Commission-approved real estate school like Pinnacle Real Estate Academy. You’ll learn about brokerage operations, trust accounting, license law, supervision responsibilities, and more.

Education Exemptions:
You may be exempt from Broker A and B if:

• You hold a law degree
  
• You have a bachelor’s degree or higher with a major in real estate
  

Step 3: Submit Your Broker License Application Before Testing

This step often gets overlooked. Your broker application must be completed, submitted, and approved before you are eligible to sit for the state exam.

Your application must include:

• $25 non-refundable application fee
  
• Copy of your driver’s license and signed Social Security card
  
• Proof of residency (matching home address on license)
  
• Highest level of completed education (high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts)
  
• Notarized Verification of Lawful Presence
  
• Personal History Questions (with documentation for any “Yes” answers)
  
• Course completion certificates for Broker IIIA and IIIB
  
• Name change documentation (if applicable)
  

All transcripts and licensure verifications must be sent directly to the Commission from the issuing institution or state agency. The application is valid for one year from the date received.

Step 4: Complete the Background Checks

After your application is received, the SCREC will email you instructions to complete:

• A fingerprint-based background check
  
• A social security number verification

Important:
Do not initiate these checks until you receive instructions from the Commission. Your application cannot be approved until both reports are submitted and reviewed.

Step 5: Pass the Broker Exam

Once your application is approved and background checks are complete, you’ll be cleared to register for the exam through PSI Testing Services.

The South Carolina broker exam includes:

• 80 national questions
  
• 35 state-specific questions
  

To pass, you must correctly answer:

• At least 60 national questions
  
• At least 25 state questions
  

You’ll have 3 hours to complete the exam. PSI will send your results directly to the Commission.

Exam Exemptions:

• Georgia reciprocity applicants are not required to test.
  
• North Carolina reciprocity applicants must only take the state exam.
  

Step 6: Finalize Your License

Once you’ve passed the exam, the Commission will notify you of the final steps:

• Submit your initial licensing fee:
  
  • $125 for a Broker
    
  • $250 for a Broker-in-Charge (BIC)
    
• If you’re applying as a BIC, you’ll also need to submit a Broker-in-Charge Application
  
• If applying as a Broker under supervision, you’ll need the Supervision Attestation Form
  

You’re Closer Than You Think

If you’ve reached that five-year milestone, now is the time to act. You’ve earned the experience. The broker license is your opportunity to formalize your leadership, expand your influence, and grow your career on your own terms.

Pinnacle Real Estate Academy is here to walk you through every step, from Broker A and B to helping you understand the SCREC application process. Whether you attend in person or via Zoom, our courses are designed to prepare you not just to pass but to lead.

Ready to move forward?

Start your Broker education with Pinnacle today.

Visit www.PinnacleRealEstateAcademy.com or call us at 843-410-3340 for guidance on the registration or application process.