Free South Carolina Real Estate Practice Exam
South Carolina real estate salesperson practice exam. 120 questions covering national content and South Carolina state law.
South Carolina Real Estate Exam
Practice by South Carolina Real Estate Topic
Target a specific area, or launch the full exam below
Real Estate Principles
Property ownership, contracts, agency, deeds, fair housing, and appraisal. Core national content.
Real Estate Finance
Mortgages, loan types, RESPA, TILA, title insurance, and closing costs.
South Carolina State Law
SCREC rules, Broker-in-Charge duties, provisional salesperson licensing, trust accounts, agency disclosure, and SC-specific regulations.
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Full SC Real Estate Practice Exam
National and South Carolina-specific questions combined to match the real SC salesperson exam structure.
About the South Carolina Real Estate Exam
The South Carolina real estate licensing exam is administered by PSI Services on behalf of the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC), which operates under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR). South Carolina uses a two-phase pre-license education system: candidates must complete a 60-hour Unit I Sales course before sitting for the exam, and a separate 30-hour Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles course before submitting the license application. After passing the exam, new licensees receive a provisional salesperson license and must be sponsored by a licensed Broker-in-Charge (BIC).
The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions: 80 on national content (120 minutes) and 40 on South Carolina-specific law (80 minutes), totaling 200 minutes. A passing score of 70% is required on each section independently — 56 of 80 on the national and 28 of 40 on the state portion. South Carolina is notable for its "Broker-in-Charge" supervision structure, which places significant regulatory responsibilities on the BIC for all affiliated agents.
South Carolina Real Estate Exam Topic Breakdown
| Section | Questions | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Property Ownership | 8 | Real vs. personal property, ownership types, land descriptions |
| Land Use Controls | 5 | Zoning, eminent domain, deed restrictions, environmental regulations |
| Valuation & Market Analysis | 7 | CMA, appraisal approaches, market value, depreciation |
| Financing | 10 | Mortgages, FHA/VA/conventional, RESPA, TILA, closing costs |
| Agency | 13 | Agency relationships, fiduciary duties, buyer and seller representation |
| Contracts | 14 | Purchase agreements, listing contracts, offer/acceptance, contingencies |
| Practice of Real Estate / Calculations | 23 | License law, fair housing, trust accounts, advertising, math |
| SC — SCREC & Licensing Requirements | 9 | Commission structure, license types (provisional/salesperson/broker), BIC requirements, renewal |
| SC — Statutes Governing Licensees | 11 | License law violations, advertising, commissions, record keeping, trust accounts |
| SC — Agency & Non-Agency Relationships | 11 | SC agency disclosure, buyer/seller representation, dual agency, BIC supervision |
| SC — Additional Statutes & Topics | 9 | Property disclosures, SC contracts, leasing/property management, transfer of title |
Sample South Carolina Real Estate Exam Questions
1. In South Carolina, the person responsible for supervising all affiliated agents in a real estate firm and ensuring compliance with license law is called:
2. A new licensee in South Carolina who has just passed the licensing exam receives what type of license initially?
3. Under South Carolina trust account rules, earnest money received by a licensee must be deposited into the broker's trust account:
Study Tips for the South Carolina Real Estate Exam
South Carolina's most distinctive feature is its Broker-in-Charge (BIC) system. The BIC's supervisory responsibilities, trust account duties, and CE requirements are heavily tested on the state exam. Know that every SC office must have a designated BIC, what qualifies someone to be a BIC, and what happens when a BIC is unavailable. Also understand the difference between a provisional salesperson license and a full salesperson license.
The Unit I/Unit II education split is also frequently tested — know that only Unit I must be completed before the exam, and the 30-hour Unit II course (plus 30-hour post-license) must be done within the first year of licensure. SC has reciprocity with Georgia and North Carolina, which may appear on the exam.
Licensing in a nearby state? See the North Carolina practice exam or the Georgia practice exam. National content is covered in our national real estate practice exam.
How to Get Your South Carolina Real Estate License
Getting a South Carolina real estate salesperson license requires completing state-approved pre-license education, passing the licensing exam, and activating your license with a sponsoring broker. Most candidates complete the process in 2–5 months.
Steps to Get Your South Carolina Real Estate License
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1. Complete Pre-License Education | Complete 90 hours of coursework from a state-approved school covering real estate principles, contracts, finance, and South Carolina-specific law. |
| 2. Pass the Licensing Exam | 120-question exam administered by PSI, covering national real estate principles and South Carolina state law. Passing score: 70%. |
| 3. Submit Your Application | Apply to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission with your exam results, background check, and required fees. |
| 4. Activate with a Sponsoring Broker | Your license must be affiliated with a licensed sponsoring broker before you can legally represent clients or earn commissions in South Carolina. |
What to Focus On for the South Carolina State Exam
Beyond national real estate principles, the South Carolina exam places particular emphasis on South Carolina agency and the Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement. Mastering your state's specific rules in this area is critical for both passing the exam and practicing effectively in South Carolina.
Our free South Carolina real estate practice exam covers both national and state-specific content. For a broader review of general principles, see the national real estate practice exam and the real estate exam study guide.
Frequently Asked Questions — South Carolina Real Estate Exam
How many questions are on the South Carolina real estate exam?
The SC salesperson exam has 120 multiple-choice questions: 80 national (120 min) and 40 state-specific (80 min), totaling 200 minutes. A minimum of 70% is required on each section — 56 of 80 national and 28 of 40 state.
What is a Broker-in-Charge in South Carolina?
The Broker-in-Charge (BIC) is the licensed broker designated to supervise all agents and associate brokers affiliated with a South Carolina real estate office. Every SC office must have a BIC. The BIC is responsible for trust accounts, advertising compliance, record-keeping, and supervision of affiliated licensees. BICs must complete 6 hours of BIC-specific CE per renewal cycle.
What is a provisional salesperson license in South Carolina?
South Carolina issues a provisional salesperson license to new agents who have passed the licensing exam but have not yet completed the required 30-hour Unit II course. The provisional license must be converted to a full salesperson license within one year by completing Unit II. Provisional licensees must work under a BIC and may not practice independently.
How many hours of pre-license education does South Carolina require?
South Carolina requires 90 total hours: a 60-hour Unit I Sales course (completed before the exam) and a 30-hour Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles course (can be completed after the exam but must be finished before the license is issued). After licensing, provisional salespersons must also complete 30 hours of post-license education within the first year.
How long is a South Carolina real estate license valid?
South Carolina real estate salesperson licenses are valid for 2 years, expiring on May 31 of every other year. To renew, licensees must complete the required continuing education, which includes mandatory courses set by SCREC. BICs must also complete the 6-hour BIC elective course as part of their CE.
Does South Carolina have real estate license reciprocity?
Yes. South Carolina has reciprocity agreements with Georgia and North Carolina. Licensees from those states may be eligible to obtain a South Carolina license without completing all pre-license education, but must still pass the South Carolina state portion of the exam and complete a background check. Reciprocity applicants should verify current requirements with SCREC.
South Carolina Real Estate License Requirements at a Glance
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Education | 90 hours (South Carolina-approved school) |
| Exam Questions | 120 questions (national + state sections) |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Provider | PSI |
| License Type | Real Estate Salesperson |
| Licensing Authority | South Carolina Real Estate Commission |
Key South Carolina-Specific Topic to Know
Beyond national real estate principles, the South Carolina exam places particular emphasis on South Carolina agency and the Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement. Understanding your state's specific requirements in this area is essential for both passing the exam and practicing real estate effectively in South Carolina.
Our free South Carolina real estate practice exam covers both the national and state-specific content you need to pass. For a broader review of general principles, see the national real estate practice exam and the real estate exam study guide.
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