How to Become a Real Estate Broker in South Carolina: Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking about leveling up your real estate career? If you feel like it’s time to take the next step and become a broker in South Carolina, you’re in the right place. 

In this blog, we discuss the process of how to become a real estate broker in South Carolina in a step-by-step manner, with tools that will help you prepare effectively for the exam.

We also outline the basic requirements and, of course, highlight all the incredible advantages of getting your SC real estate broker license. 

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know!

Why Become a Real Estate Broker in South Carolina?

Before we begin detailing the entire process, let’s discuss the advantages. What are the possibilities that upgrading your license from agent to broker in South Carolina brings to the table? 

• Earn More Commission: You have already experienced this; you manage the sale and the clients, and the supervising broker gets a big commission. Now you can be the one getting the larger share!
  
• Run Your Own Business: You will have the legal authority to establish your own brokerage, marking the beginning of your own brand and business model.
  
• Gain Industry Authority: You might have a lot of experience as an agent, but being a broker, you’ll have more credibility with clients, investors, and your peers.
  
• Have Full Control Over Your Career: You can be your own boss, which means choosing your team, setting your hours, managing your listings, and deciding how you grow.
  
  
  

South Carolina Real Estate Broker License Requirements

Do you already have all the basics and requirements to become a real estate broker in South Carolina? Let’s find out with this quick checklist, which also includes the complete step-by-step process!

• Be at least 21 years old.

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).

• Be lawfully eligible to work in the United States.

• Hold an active SC associate license for at least 5 years within the last 7 years.
  • This ensures you have real and recent experience in the real estate world. 

• Complete the 60-hour pre-licensing education.
  • This includes two courses, Broker Management and Brokerage Principles, each lasting 30 hours. 

• Undergo fingerprinting and a background check.
  • If you have any criminal record, your case will be reviewed by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. It doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t become a broker, but the process will take a bit longer. 

• Apply to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission for exam authorization.
  • Simply submit your application form, which can be completed online through the South Carolina Real Estate Commission’s website. This step usually takes 48 hours, and then you’ll be exam-eligible. 

• Pass the real estate exam, both the national and SC portions.
  • To do it, register with PSI to schedule the National and State portions of the broker exam.

• Apply for the license within one year of passing the exam.

• Optional: Become a Broker-in-Charge. This is a step you can take after you get your license. It allows you to own or manage a real estate firm.

What to expect on the SC real estate broker exam

Most candidates worry a lot about the SC real estate broker exam, even after they already passed the associate exam years before. The exam is indeed more challenging, with more scenario-based questions. 

• The exam is divided into two sections:
  • The national portion consists of 75 questions.
  • The South Carolina-specific portion consists of 35 questions.
  • You’ll have 180 minutes to complete them. With 120 national and 60 state.

You can learn more about the exam on the official page of the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, and schedule your test via the PSI platform.

Study for the Broker test with Lexawise

Even with your expertise in real estate topics, you can take advantage of the best tools to prepare for the exam. Here at Lexawise, we are committed to helping as many candidates as possible continue their real estate careers!

Check out all the resources you’ll have at your disposal with our Exam prep courses!

• 4,500+ Practice Questions across every key exam topic
• Smart Analytics to track your performance and progress
• Real Estate Math Guide with easy-to-follow steps
• Unlimited Practice Exams to build confidence and endurance
• Real Estate Exam Study Guide PDF to study anywhere, anytime
• 800+ Flashcards to master your exam’s real estate terms
• 24/7 AI Tutor ready to answer your questions on the spot
• Video Lessons to visually guide you through complex concepts
• Audio Lessons so you can review key material on the go, hands-free

Lexawise suits every learning style, whether you require a comprehensive 6-month course or just a brief, week-long refresher. With these tools, you’ll know how to pass your real estate exam on your first try.

FAQs about becoming a real estate broker in SC

How long does it take to become a broker in SC?

If you already have the required 5 years of experience as an associate, then the whole process with the additional education, exam, and license request will take between a few weeks or months. 

Can I apply online?

Yes, the SC Real Estate Commission allows online submission of documents, fingerprinting results, and licensing applications.

What’s the difference between a broker and a salesperson in South Carolina?

Being a salesperson, an associate in the case of South Carolina, is usually the first step in your real estate career. You’ll have to work under a broker’s supervision, but you will handle client interactions, transactions, and deals. 

While a broker has more experience and responsibilities, once you become one, you can own and manage a brokerage, supervise firms, hire salespeople, and retain full commission.

Conclusion

Becoming a real estate broker in South Carolina is not a mere license upgrade, but a strategic move to gain complete control over your real estate career. If you already have five years of experience as an associate in the state, why not start the process? 

It won’t take more than a few months at most, and you’ll get numerous benefits and advantages! Take advantage of all the experience you already have, and check the prep courses we offer in Lexawise, specifically designed for brokers.

It’s time to start planning your future and leading future associates in South Carolina!