Free South Carolina Real Estate Practice Exam Questions 2024

South Carolina is an ideal state to move to for homeowners looking for country-style living. It offers warm temperatures, white beaches, and tons of recreational activities. It is a destination for tasty cuisine, hospitality, and vibrant culture. 

You can get in on South Carolina’s active real estate market by becoming an agent. However, agents must have a real estate license. And before they get a license, they must pass the real estate exam. 

South Carolina practice exam

The real estate exam is difficult. However, you can increase your chances of passing the test by studying and becoming familiar with the format and content. This article will provide basic guidelines so you can increase your chances of getting a passing grade. 

South Carolina real estate laws and regulations

Various laws and regulations pertain to South Carolina real estate. They are enforced by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. They are included in the real estate test. They will also guide your career. 

We can’t cover every law and regulation, but here are some of the most important ones. 

  • Seller Disclosure Requirements: Sellers must disclose information to buyers concerning the home’s condition. They must share information on the sewer system building codes, zoning restrictions, HOAs, structural issues, environmental issues, and mechanical system defects. If they fail to do so, they may incur a fine. The deal could also fall through. 
  • south carolina real estate commission logoPurchase Agreements: Purchase agreements are required at every home sale. They include information on the offer to buy or sell, the accepted price, and a detailed property description. They must be signed by the buyer and seller. 
  • Title Issues: South Carolina law requires buyers to hire an attorney to conduct a title search to ensure there are no liens, easements, or restrictions on the home. If issues exist, the seller must correct them before the transaction is completed. 
  • Homestead Laws: Homestead laws allow people to keep their homes if they file bankruptcy. You must have lived in your home for at least 40 months to qualify. You may be eligible for the federal exemption if you haven’t lived in your home that long.
  • Leases and Rental Law Agreements: Leases and rental laws refer to tenant-landlord relationships. They cover lease terms, rent amounts, security deposits, discrimination, and evictions. They ensure that both parties are treated with fairness and respect. 
  • Adverse Possession: Also known as ‘squatter’s rights’, adverse possession means you can become the rightful owner of a property if you live there a certain number of years and treat it like your own. In South Carolina, you must live on a property for ten years before you can claim it. 
  • Property Line and Fence Laws: Property line and fence laws help settle disputes between neighbors. They regulate where fences can be built, where pets and livestock can roam, and how far tree branches can extend onto a neighbor’s property. 
  • Statute of Limitations: The statute of limitations refers to how long a person can pursue a claim after a crime occurs. The statute of limitations for injury to personal property is three years. 

What’s on the South Carolina real estate exam?

You can increase your chances of passing the test by becoming familiar with the topics covered in the real estate exam. We will break down the topics in this section so you know what to expect. 

The South Carolina real estate exam has separate topics for the national and state sections. They are as follows:

National

  • Property Ownership: This topic refers to ownership rights, including the right to possess, sell, lease, and enjoy the land. It also refers to the property’s general use based on its classification as a residential, commercial, industrial, or agricultural property. 
  • Land Use Controls and Regulations: Land use controls and regulations refer to zoning laws, ordinances, building codes, development permits, and government and environmental regulations that control how land can be used. 
  • Valuation and Market Analysis: Valuation refers to the value of a property. The value will fluctuate depending on the real estate market. 
  • Financing: Financing refers to purchasing properties. Agents must understand what’s involved in the down payment and financing process. 
  • General Principles of Agency: This topic refers to the client-agent relationship. It sets guidelines on how one party is authorized by another to act on their behalf. 
  • Property Condition and Disclosure: Disclosure laws require the seller to reveal certain information about a property. They may have to pay a fine if they fail to disclose information regarding property defects. The deal can fall through if the matters are not addressed. 
  • Contracts: There are several contracts involved in a real estate transaction. Purchase agreements, lease agreements, and power of attorney are some of the most common. Agents must understand the concept of each contract and how to read them. 
  • Transfer of Title: A title is transferred from the seller to the buyer at the close of the transaction. The title must not have any liens, easements, or other restrictions. If issues are found, the seller must take care of them before the transaction closes. 
  • Practice of Real Estate: The practice of real estate refers to the activities the agents carry out in connection with real estate transactions. 
  • Real Estate Calculations: There are several calculations involved in real estate transactions. The loan-to-value ratio, down payments, and capitalization are just a few agents should learn. There are typically a few calculations on the real estate exam, so don’t forget your calculator. 
  • Subdivisions: Subdivisions occur when the seller divides the land into individual lots and sells them. 
  • Commercial, Industrial, and Income Properties: Agents must understand the difference between commercial, industrial, and income properties and how they affect buying and selling.

State

  • South Carolina Real Estate Commission and Licensing Requirements: Applicants must understand how the Real Estate Commission regulates the industry and the relevant licensing requirements. 
  • Statutes Governing the Activities of Licensees and Non-Licensees: This topic pertains to the laws that regulate the activities of real estate agents. They set up a disciplinary system to enforce acceptable standards of conduct.
  • South Carolina Agency and Non-agency Relationships and Issues: This topic refers to agency and non-agency relationships, and permissible associations and obligations to parties, disclosure requirements, and agency and non-agency contracts. 
  • Closing Details: Agents must be familiar with closing procedures, including the documents that must be present, the funds due, and who needs to attend. 
  • Additional South Carolina Statutes and Topics: This section will cover additional laws and topics. Your course instructor will give you a better idea of what to expect on the test.

South Carolina real estate exam FAQs?

Greenville,,South,Carolina,,Usa,Downtown,Cityscape,On,The,Reedy,RiverThe previous sections provide information on what will be on the South Carolina real estate exam. But you may have additional questions, such as how to register for the exam and how long the exam will be. This section should address your remaining concerns. 

1. How many hours of course work do I need before I can take the real estate exam?

You will need 90 hours of pre-license education before you get your real estate license. You must complete 60 hours before you take the exam. You can take the remaining 30, which covers Unit II: Advanced Real Estate Principles, after you pass the exam. 

2. What is the passing score for the real estate exam?

You must earn a score of 70% to pass the exam. 

3. How long is the real estate exam?

The real estate exam consists of 120 questions. Eighty questions cover national real estate, and 40 cover state real estate. You will have 120 minutes to complete the national portion of the test and 40 minutes to complete the state section. 

4. How do I apply for the real estate exam?

You must first submit an Exam Application for Real Estate online or by mail to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You must pay the $25 application fee. You must also provide copies of a valid ID, your social security card, a notified Verification of Lawful Presence form, a document stating you completed the course, and a criminal history explanation form, if applicable. 

If the South Carolina Real Estate Commission approves your application, you will receive an exam eligibility letter that allows you to schedule the state exam. You can schedule the exam through the PSI website or by phone at 800-733-9267. 

5. How much does it cost to take the exam?

As of 2023, the fee to take the exam is $65. Your eligibility will be good for one year. 

6. What if I fail the exam?

If you fail the exam, you can retake it as often as you like within one year of eligibility. However, you must pay the $65 fee for each attempt. If you don’t pass within a year, you must resubmit your application

If you don’t pass within five years, you must take the coursework again. 

7. I passed the test. Now what?

After you pass the test, you will receive an initial salesperson license application from the PSI. You must submit your application, the $50 application fee, and a document that shows you passed your real estate exam. 

You must also provide a certificate for completion for the second part of your coursework. 

Once the application is approved by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission, it is sent to your managing broker. You can begin actively practicing real estate under your broker’s guidance. 

You must also submit your fingerprints for a background check. 

8. When will I get my test results?

You will get your test results immediately after you complete your test. 

9. What is the format of the real estate exam?

The real estate exam is multiple-choice. It is taken on a computer. 

10. How many people pass the South Carolina real estate exam?

Only 64% of applicants pass the South Carolina real estate on their first try. 

11. What requirements do I have to meet before I can take the real estate exam?

  • You must be at least 18 years old
  • You must have a high school diploma or GED.
  • You must be eligible to work in the United States. 
  • You must pass a criminal background check. 

12. How can I increase my chances of passing the real estate exam?

Several studying strategies will increase your chances of passing the real estate exam. They include: 

  • Use Practice Exams: Most courses provide practice exams for students. They will help you review the test material. They will also get you used to the test format. 
  • Study Real Estate Terms and Vocabulary: Real estate terms and vocabulary will account for a major chunk of your test. Be sure to study them carefully. 
  • Practice Real Estate Math: You will be required to complete math calculations on the test. Review the processes to ensure you arrive at the correct answer. 

13. How do I find the right real estate school?

The real estate school you choose will factor heavily into whether you pass the test. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the school that’s right for you. 

  • Courses Offered: Some schools will just go over the basics. Others may have more advanced courses, including exam prep and continuing education. Choose the school that suits your professional goals. 
  • In-Person or Online Format: Many real estate schools offer courses online. Students find this delivery method convenient. However, an in-person course can be more engaging, so you learn the material better. The school you choose should offer a format that meets your learning style
  • Cost: Cost is always a factor when choosing a product or service. But avoid purchasing courses based on price alone. Go with the school that offers the best value. 

14. What do I need to bring to the exam?

You must bring two forms of valid identification. You may also bring a basic, silent, non-scientific calculator that does not contain alphabetical characters. You may not bring any personal belongings other than keys and a wallet. Writing devices like papers, pens, and notebooks are prohibited. 

South Carolina is an ideal state to start a real estate career. But before you get started, you must pass the real estate exam. 

This article familiarizes you with the format and the steps you must take to earn your license. It guides you on the path to launching your career. You can use it to forge your path to success. 

Authored by Chris Heller

About the Author

Chris Heller brings 27 years of experience in real estate. Chris serves on the Agent Advice Editorial Board and is the Chief Real Estate Officer at OJO Labs. Chris brings deep expertise having held influential industry positions including CEO of mellohome and former CEO of Keller Williams Realty International.

Last Updated: 6/11/2024