Best Online Real Estate Schools in South Carolina (2026)
Compare SCREC-approved real estate schools, see real pricing, and launch your South Carolina real estate career for less.
Required Hours
90
60 + 30 hours
Course Cost
$159–$859
With CertLaunch discount
Time to License
2–4 months
At your own pace
Avg. Salary
$96,389
Top earners $138K+
Best Real Estate Schools in South Carolina
All 10 schools are South Carolina SCREC-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
RealEstateU
Best ValueStarting at
$199
$159.2
- 90-hour course
- Audio lessons
- Infographic summaries
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Available Packages (3)
Course Only
- 90-Hour SC Real Estate License Course
- Audio lessons
- On-demand study
Fortune Academy
Starting at
$219
- SCREC Approval #004
- Established 1982
- AI-powered learning
- Free OSHA-10 Certification included
Available Packages (3)
Bronze Package
- 60-Hour & 30-Hour State-Approved Courses
- Free OSHA-10 Certification
- AI-Powered Learning Assistant
- 100 Digital Flashcards
VanEd
Starting at
$405
- 90-hour course
- 25+ years online
- Free 5-day trial
- Downloadable PDFs
Available Packages (3)
90-Hour Standard Package
- 60-Hour Unit I + 30-Hour Unit II
- Live customer service
- 12-month course access
Perry Real Estate College
Starting at
$459
- 90-hour course
- High pass rates
- 24/7 access
- 7 days/week instructor support
Available Packages (4)
Lite Package
- 90-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
- Online self-paced learning
AceableAgent
Starting at
$479
- 90-hour course
- AI Virtual Instructor
- PrepAgent exam prep included
- Dedicated mobile app
Available Packages (2)
Basic
- 90-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
- Interactive activities & videos
- Audio narration
- Instructor support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Kaplan Real Estate Education
Starting at
$549
- 90-hour course
- Kaplan Commitment™
- Exam-like practice
- Free 6-month Inman Select subscription
Available Packages (2)
Licensing + Exam Prep Package
- 90-Credit Hours (both courses)
- Exam Prep
- Kaplan Commitment™
Pinnacle Real Estate Academy
Starting at
$549
- Award-winning instructors
- Day & night classes
- In-person + Zoom options
- Charlotte-area based
Available Packages (1)
Pre-Licensing Course (60-Hour Unit I)
- 60-Hour Unit I Course
- In-person or Zoom options
- Day & night schedules available
Colibri Real Estate
Starting at
$579
- 90-hour course
- Pass or Don't Pay Guarantee
- AI Personal Tutor
- Narrated audio
Available Packages (4)
The Basics
- 90-Hour Pre-License Course
- Instructor support
- Real estate study guides
Real Estate School of SC
Starting at
$599
- Nearly 50 years in business
- In-person + virtual + online options
- Industry-leading instructors
- Payment plans available
Available Packages (1)
Pre-Licensing Course
- 90-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
- In-person, virtual, or self-paced options
- Study aids included
- Personal guidance
The CE Shop
Starting at
$599
- 90-hour course
- Interactive LEAP platform
- Online proctoring available
- Free 5-day trial
Available Packages (4)
Courses Only
- 90-hour required courses
- Business eBooks
- Career resources
- Downloadable resources
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
How to Get Your Real Estate License in South Carolina
Complete 60 Hours of Pre-Licensing Education (Unit I)
Enroll in an SCREC-approved real estate school and complete the 60-hour Unit I: Fundamentals of Real Estate Principles and Practices course. All schools listed above are approved by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
Pass the Unit I Course Final Exam
After completing Unit I, you must pass a proctored course final exam with a minimum score of 70%. This prepares you for the state licensing exam.
Complete Background Check & Fingerprinting
Submit your fingerprints for a state and national background check, plus a social security-based criminal records check. Cost is approximately $40.
Pass the State Licensing Exam
Register with PSI to take the South Carolina real estate licensing exam. The exam has 80 National and 40 State questions. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $63.
Complete 30 Hours of Advanced Education (Unit II)
After passing the state exam, complete the 30-hour Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles course and pass its final exam.
Find a Sponsoring Broker & Apply for Your License
Find a sponsoring broker, then submit your license application to SCREC with a $50 fee. Once approved, you can begin practicing real estate in South Carolina.
South Carolina Real Estate License Cost Breakdown
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-License Course (90 hours) | $159–$859 |
| State Licensing Exam (PSI) | $63 |
| License Application Fee | $50 |
| Background Check & Fingerprinting | ~$40 |
| Estimated Total | $312–$1,012+ |
South Carolina Real Estate Agent Earning Potential
$60,750–$96,389
Average Annual Income
$138,729+
Top Earners
5.88%
Avg. Commission Rate
Top Real Estate Markets in South Carolina
South Carolina Real Estate License Reciprocity
South Carolina has reciprocity agreements with other states, making it easier to expand your career across state lines.
Full Reciprocity
Georgia
Partial Reciprocity
North Carolina, West Virginia
Compare Real Estate Licensing in Other States
See how South Carolina's real estate licensing requirements, costs, and earning potential compare to other states across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting a Real Estate License in South Carolina
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in South Carolina?
Total costs range from $310 to $1,100+. This includes the pre-license course ($159–$859 depending on school and package), state exam fee ($63), license application fee ($50), fingerprinting and background check (~$40). RealEstateU offers the lowest price at just $159.20 with the exclusive CertLaunch discount code.
How long does it take to get a real estate license in South Carolina?
Most students complete the process in 2–4 months. The 90-hour pre-license course (split into a 60-hour Unit I and 30-hour Unit II) is the longest step. Full-time students can finish the coursework in 3–4 weeks. Part-time students typically take 2–3 months.
What are the requirements to get a real estate license in South Carolina?
You must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, be legally eligible to work in the United States, complete 90 hours of approved pre-license education (60-hour Unit I + 30-hour Unit II), pass a background check with fingerprinting, and pass the state licensing exam with a score of 70% or higher.
Is the South Carolina real estate exam hard?
The South Carolina real estate exam is moderately challenging. It consists of 80 National questions and 40 State questions administered by PSI. You need a score of 70% to pass. Proper preparation with a quality pre-license course and exam prep materials is essential. Many schools offer Pass or Don't Pay guarantees.
Can I take the South Carolina real estate course online?
Yes! All major schools listed on CertLaunch offer online, SCREC-approved 90-hour pre-license courses. Online courses provide flexibility to study at your own pace from any device. Note that the course final exam must be proctored, and the state licensing exam is taken in person through PSI.
How much do real estate agents make in South Carolina?
South Carolina real estate agents earn an average of $60,750–$96,389 per year. Top agents in hot markets like Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach can earn over $138,000 annually. Income depends on sales volume, commission splits (averaging 5.88%), and market conditions.
Do I need a college degree to become a real estate agent in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina requires only a high school diploma or GED equivalent to obtain a real estate license. You do not need a college degree, making it an excellent career path for those looking to start earning without the cost and time of a four-year degree.
What is the best real estate school in South Carolina?
The best school depends on your learning style and budget. AceableAgent is highly rated (4.8/5) for its interactive platform and AI-powered tools. Perry Real Estate College offers the lowest starting price at $459. For in-person instruction, Real Estate School of SC has nearly 50 years of experience. Colibri and Kaplan are well-known national brands with comprehensive packages.
How do I choose between online and in-person real estate classes in South Carolina?
Online courses are typically more affordable and offer flexibility for self-paced learning from any device. In-person or virtual classes (like those from Real Estate School of SC) provide structured schedules and direct instructor interaction. Consider your learning style, schedule, and budget when deciding.
Can I get my SC real estate license if I have a criminal record?
It depends. The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) reviews applicants with criminal history on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must complete a fingerprint-based background check. Certain convictions, especially those involving fraud or dishonesty, may affect eligibility. Contact SCREC directly for guidance on your specific situation.
Ready to Start Your Real Estate Career in South Carolina?
Compare schools above, pick the one that fits your budget and learning style, and start your 90-hour pre-licensing course today.
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