Thinking About a Career in Real Estate?
Becoming a Real Estate Agent in SC
What it really costs — and how long it takes
What does it take to get licensed in South Carolina?
Four steps: complete 90 hours of approved coursework (a 60-hour course, then a 30-hour course), pass the state exam, clear a criminal background check, and join a brokerage to activate your license. You’ll need to be 18 or older with a high school diploma or GED.
How long does it take?
Most people finish in about 2–4 months. The coursework is the longest part, and since much of it is self-paced, you set the speed — you have up to a year to complete it.
What does it cost to get licensed?
Plan on roughly $825 all in:
| 90-hour pre-licensing courseReal Estate School for Success | $644 |
| Exam applicationSC Real Estate Commission | $25 |
| State examPSI, both portions | $63 |
| Criminal background check & fingerprints | ~$45 |
| Salesperson license fee | $50 |
| Total to get licensed | about $825 |
What should I budget for after I’m licensed?
A few ongoing costs: REALTOR® association + MLS dues (often around $1,000–$1,500 a year), errors & omissions insurance, and basics like marketing and a lockbox key — a good brokerage helps cover or offset many of these. You’ll also need 10 hours of continuing education every two years. And keep in mind you’re paid when a sale closes, not on a salary, so it helps to start with a financial cushion while you build momentum.
How do real estate agents actually get paid?
Agents are independent contractors paid strictly on commission — there is no base salary or hourly wage. When a seller or buyer hires you or your brokerage to represent them as a client, a fee or commission percentage is negotiated; there is no set commission. The agent then splits a percentage or fee with their company based on their specific contract.
Do I need to work full-time, or can I do real estate part-time?
You can absolutely start part-time, but it requires incredible time management. Real estate clients expect quick responses, and homes are often shown during normal business hours. If you start part-time, it’s crucial to partner with a brokerage or team that offers flexibility or coverage when you’re at your other job.
How do I choose the right brokerage?
Interview at least two or three different companies to compare their new-agent training, commission splits, and monthly fees. Look past the big brand names and focus on finding a Broker-in-Charge who will actively mentor you through your first few contracts. Ultimately, choose the office whose culture, support tools, and environment give you the highest confidence to launch your business.
What’s the first step?
Enroll in the 60-hour course and start learning. If you’d like to talk through whether real estate is the right fit — the day-to-day, the income reality, and what to look for in a first brokerage — I’m always happy to.
Course pricing: Real Estate School for Success (Columbia, SC). State fees: SC LLR / Real Estate Commission. Fees are current as of 2026 and subject to change.
Questions? No question is too small.
Curious whether real estate is the right fit? Let’s talk it through — no pressure.
Delaney Morgan, REALTOR® · The Highland Company Real Estate