The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Agent in South Carolina

Embarking on a career in real estate in South Carolina is an exciting venture, full of opportunities and growth. However, the path to becoming a licensed real estate agent involves a series of critical steps and educational requirements. Here’s a detailed guide on how to navigate this journey successfully.

Step 1: Complete the Required Education

90-Hour Educational Requirement

The first major step is completing 90 hours of SC pre-licensing education, divided into two main courses:

1. 60-Hour Pre-Licensing Course: This course lays the foundation of your real estate knowledge. It covers essential topics and principles that every aspiring agent must know.
2. 30-Hour Advanced Course: This course delves deeper into real estate practices, providing advanced knowledge and skills.

Flexibility in Course Completion

Students have the option to take these courses either separately or back-to-back. This flexibility allows for better management of time and resources.

Step 2: Pass the Pre-Licensing Course Exam

Upon completing the 60-hour Pre-Licensing course, students are required to pass the course exam. This exam tests your understanding and proficiency in the concepts taught in the course.

Step 3: Apply for the State Licensing Exam

Submitting the Application

After successfully completing the 60-hour Pre-Licensing course (or all 90 hours of SC real estate license education), the next step is to apply to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. This application makes you eligible to schedule the state licensing exam. There is a $25 application fee to be paid with the submission of the application.

Fingerprinting and Background Check

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email with instructions to schedule fingerprinting and a background check. It’s crucial to wait for this confirmation before proceeding with these steps.

Step 4: Schedule and Pass the State Licensing Exam

Booking the Exam

The commission will provide a link to schedule the state licensing exam through PSI, an approved testing contractor. This exam has both National and State portions and there is a $63.00 test administration fee for both sections (the state-only section costs $55.00 for those who need to re-test). The exam must be taken at a state and PSI-verified testing location which students can choose from while scheduling an exam through PSI (there are multiple local testing centers in the Myrtle Beach area).

Passing the Exam

Successfully passing both parts of the licensing exam is key to moving forward in the process.

Step 5: Fulfill Remaining Requirements

Post-exam, there are three requirements that the commission will email the student before issuing an official license:

1. $50 Initial Licensure Fee: This fee is mandatory for all aspiring agents.
2. Supervision Attestation Form: Before receiving an active license, students must find and affiliate with a real estate firm. This form confirms your affiliation with a real estate firm and your Broker-In-Charge who will be responsible for supervision.
3. Certificate of Completion for the 30-Hour Course: If you haven’t completed this course before the state exam, it must be finished and the certificate submitted.

Additional Notes

• Order of Course Completion: Although you can’t obtain your license without completing the full 90 hours, you have the flexibility to take the 60-hour course and the state exam first, followed by the 30-hour course.
• Financial Assistance: Pinnacle Real Estate Academy understands the financial commitment involved in this process and offers payment plans for both courses to assist students.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed real estate agent in South Carolina is a structured and comprehensive process. It requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to learn and grow. By following these steps and completing the necessary educational and administrative requirements, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining your South Carolina Real Estate License and having a successful career in real estate. Remember, Pinnacle Real Estate Academy is here to support you at every step of this exciting journey!