South Carolina real estate license and CE requirements
What the South Carolina Real Estate Commission asks of licensees, with a link to the official source for every figure.
Last reviewed October 15, 2026. Next review due October 2027.
South Carolina asks for 10 hours of continuing education every two years, and at least 4 must be in mandated topics. Brokers-in-charge add 4 hours in advanced topics designed for their role. Missing CE does not end a license, but it places the licensee on inactive status.
Experience earns relief here. South Carolina licensees with 25 or more years of licensure can take only the core course each cycle, and those 65 or older with 25 years may apply for a full waiver. A background check comes with every third renewal.
South Carolina at a glance
| Licensing body | South Carolina Real Estate Commission |
|---|---|
| License levels | Associate (entry level), broker, and broker-in-charge |
| Associate CE | 10 hours every 2 yearsRequired topics: At least 4 hours in mandated topics |
| Broker CE | 10 hours every 2 yearsRequired topics: At least 4 hours in mandated topics; brokers-in-charge must also have 4 hours in advanced real estate topics designed for brokers-in-charge |
| Post-license education | An associate who completes a post-licensing course, or takes a broker course, is exempt from CE for that renewal period (S.C. Code 40-57-340). |
| Renewal | Licenses renew biennially, coinciding with the licensee's continuing education deadline; a licensee who misses the CE is placed on inactive status. |
| Source | State code or rule text (South Carolina), checked October 15, 2026 |
Rules change. The South Carolina Real Estate Commission is the only authority on what you need to renew; where this page and the official source disagree, the official source is right. Blank figures say "Check with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission" because we could not confirm them from an official source.
Optional professional development
Once your CE is done, these ACI designations go deeper on the same ground as parts of the South Carolina requirements. They are voluntary, they are not CE, and you never need them to keep your license.
Advanced Real Estate Negotiator
The negotiation playbook that protects your clients and your commission.
Optional depth beyond licensing topics: the AREN is a practical playbook for negotiating offers and counters.
Certified AI Real Estate Expert
Use AI and modern tools to write, market and serve clients in less time.
Optional depth beyond licensing topics: the CAIRE covers using AI tools responsibly in daily work.
Certified Buyer Consultation Specialist
Run the buyer consultation, sign the agreement and defend your fee.
The CBCS covers the buyer consultation, written buyer agreements and compensation conversations in depth.
Questions about South Carolina
How many CE hours does a South Carolina associate need?
10 hours every 2 years, according to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (checked October 15, 2026). Required topics: At least 4 hours in mandated topics.
How many CE hours does a South Carolina broker need?
10 hours every 2 years, according to the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (checked October 15, 2026). Required topics: At least 4 hours in mandated topics; brokers-in-charge must also have 4 hours in advanced real estate topics designed for brokers-in-charge.
Is there post-license education in South Carolina?
An associate who completes a post-licensing course, or takes a broker course, is exempt from CE for that renewal period (S.C. Code 40-57-340). Confirm the details with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission.
Do ACI designations count toward South Carolina CE?
No. Agent Certification Institute designations are voluntary professional credentials, not continuing-education credit. They are not approved by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission and do not satisfy any part of South Carolina's CE, post-license or renewal requirements.