Staying current on your South Carolina real estate continuing education requirements is vital for you to continue practicing without interruption and to protect your professional reputation by ensuring your license is active and compliant. This guide will explore the key CE requirements, renewal deadlines, and CE exemptions for South Carolina real estate licensees. We’ll also walk through how to renew your license, common questions, and we even have an opportunity for FREE CE for licensees in South Carolina!
Continuing Education Requirements for All SC License Designations
Whether you’re an Associate, Broker, or Broker-in-Charge, make sure you understand these SC real estate CE requirements for your 2025 renewal:
- Active Salesperson (Associate) or Broker (Non-BIC):
- 10 total hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle
- 4 hours must be the SC Core Course specified by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission
- 6 hours may be elective courses of your choosing
- Active Broker-in-Charge (BIC):
- 10 total hours of continuing education every two-year renewal cycle
- 4 hours must be the BIC Duties and Responsibilities course
- 4 hours must be the SC Core Course
- 2 hours may be elective courses
- Property Manager, Property Manager-in-Charge, or Timeshare Salesperson (Active):
- No CE hours are required for renewal
- Inactive Licensees:
- No CE hours are required while your license is inactivef
- If you decide to reactivate your license, you must complete all required CE before reactivation
Important: In South Carolina, continuing education is due before the biennial license renewal if you are non-exempt. As a result, it’s best to track your CE hours carefully and start early. For more details straight from the source, be sure to check the South Carolina Real Estate Commission website.
Key Deadlines for South Carolina License Renewal
To avoid risking a lapse in your license or incurring penalties, here are the key dates to remember:
- 📜 Biennial Renewal Cycle: South Carolina real estate licenses generally expire on June 30 of your renewal year.
- 🗓️ Renewals Open: The open renewal period for the 2025 renewal cycle starts on April 1, 2025, and ends on June 30, 2025.
- ‼️ Lapsed Licenses: If you fail to renew by June 30, your license lapses on July 1. Lapsed licensees cannot practice real estate until they reinstate their license. South Carolina allows a 24-month window for reinstatement, but it can come with additional requirements or penalties.
Make sure to confirm your specific renewal dates, especially if you’re a first-time licensee or if you’ve changed your license status from inactive to active recently. The South Carolina Labor Licensing Regulation (SCLLR) website provides official guidance: SCLLR License Renewal Information.
How to Renew Your South Carolina License
Renewing your South Carolina real estate license is a fairly straightforward 3-Step Process:
- ✅ Complete Your Required CE:
- Make sure you’ve taken your mandatory/core course and any electives required for your license type.
- Keep track of your course completion certificates.
- ✅ Submit Renewal Application:
- As of April 1, 2025, you can file your Renewal Application online through the SCLLR Licensee Portal.
- Make sure to pay the required renewal fees.
- ✅ Wait for Confirmation:
- Once the Commission processes your application, you’ll get official confirmation that your license is renewed.
- If your license lapses, you have 24 months to reinstate, but you cannot practice real estate while lapsed.
For a more detailed step-by-step explanation, see the How to Renew Your License video from SCLLR.
Exemptions and Waivers: Are You Off the Hook for CE?
South Carolina law provides partial or full CE exemptions for certain licensees. These exemptions must be applied for and confirmed by the Commission:
🔹 Partial Exemptions
- You must have at least 25 years of South Carolina licensure.
- You are required to complete the 4-hour SC Core Course.
- If you’re a Broker-in-Charge, you must also complete the 4-hour BIC Duties and Responsibilities course. You’ll only be exempt from 2 elective hours in this case.
- Your partial exemption is not valid until you submit the Continuing Education Exemption Form and receive confirmation from the Commission.
🔷 Full Exemptions
- You must be 65 years of age or older and have 25 years or more of SC licensure.
- Once approved, you are fully exempt from CE requirements.
- You still need to renew your license on time, but no CE hours are needed.
Remember: If you fail to renew your license on time—regardless of exemption status—your license can still lapse.
Why Choose Empire Learning for Your SC Real Estate CE
Every licensee has unique needs when choosing real estate education online. Maybe you’re juggling a busy schedule, or perhaps you find it more convenient to study at home. Here’s why Empire Learning stands out:
- Flexible & Self-Paced: Perfect for busy professionals who need to complete courses on their own time.
- Clear, Straightforward Content: Courses are broken down into easily digestible sections with interactive enhancements — no tricky question wording or ambiguity.
- No Exams in South Carolina: Streamlined courses to help you focus on learning, not stressing over tests.
- Accessible on Multiple Devices: Whether you’re on a laptop, tablet, or phone, you can continue your courses anytime, anywhere.
- Fast Next-Business-Day Reporting: Your course completions are reported every business day to CE Broker, so you can renew on time.
- Money-Back Guarantee: With a 45-Day Money-Back Guarantee, there’s little risk in trying us out.
- Excellent Support: Reach us via phone, email, or live chat, and we’ll help resolve any issues swiftly.
One of the biggest advantages is affordability—we offer both individual courses and discounted package deals (check our Home Page for current promotions). Packages almost always come out cheaper than taking courses à la carte, so you can save money and time while fulfilling your South Carolina real estate CE requirements.
Common Questions About South Carolina CE Requirements
1. What if I’m Inactive—Do I Need to Complete CE Hours?
If you maintain an inactive license, you’re not required to fulfill CE hours until you choose to reactivate. At that time, you must complete all CE hours required for that license cycle.
2. Can I Practice Real Estate if My License Lapses?
No. Once your license lapses, you cannot legally practice real estate. You’ll have up to 24 months to reinstate your license, but you must stop practicing until it’s reinstated.
3. Are There Required CE Differences for Broker-in-Charge vs. Associate Licensees to renew?
Yes. Brokers-in-Charge have a specific 4-hour BIC Duties and Responsibilities course, the 4-hour mandatory/core course, and 2 elective hours. Associates and non-BIC Brokers only need 4 hours of core and 6 hours of electives.
4. When Should I Report My CE Exemptions?
For license renewals, report your exemptions during the open renewal period (April–June of the expiry year). Exemptions must be submitted for the previous cycle for reactivations outside the renewal period.
5. How Often Do I Need to Renew My License?
All SC real estate licenses (Salesperson, Broker, Broker-in-Charge, Property Manager) must be renewed every two years on June 30.
Tips for Completing Your CE Requirements On Time
Staying on track with your real estate continuing education courses doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are a few strategies to help you stay ahead:
- Mark Your Calendar:
- April 1 starts the renewal window for a June 30, 2025 expiration. Set clear reminders on your phone or computer to sign up for CE courses well in advance.
- Pace Yourself:
- While you have until June 30, rushing at the last minute can lead to mistakes or missing the deadline. Spread out your elective courses over several weeks, especially if you’ve got a busy practice.
- Keep Records:
- Always save your course completion certificates. Keeping everything organized will make it easier if you face an audit or need to prove completion.
- Stay Updated on Requirements:
- If you upgrade your license (e.g., becoming a Broker-in-Charge) or switch your license status, your CE requirements might change. Check the South Carolina Real Estate Commission for updates.
- Stay Updated with Your CE Completions:
- All CE providers are required to report completed course hours to CE Broker within 14 days of completion. Empire Learning reports every business day to ensure a stress-free renewal for all of our students. Log in to CE Broker to verify your completions.
- Take Advantage of Discounts and Free Course Offers:
- If you’re on a budget or you simply want to be efficient, look for package discounts and free courses that can help reduce costs. This can be a significant help when you’re looking to maximize value without sacrificing quality.
- Partner with a Reliable Provider:
- Choose a provider with fast reporting times, user-friendly course delivery, and excellent support. This will ensure you won’t have last-minute delays or confusion about your completion status.
Final Thoughts: Your Path to a Smooth Renewal
Navigating the South Carolina real estate CE and license renewal process for 2025 doesn’t have to be intimidating. Stay organized, verify your CE hours, and choose a provider that makes compliance a simple and productive experience.
If you want a no-stress path to completing your SC real estate CE requirements, Empire Learning is here to help you stay on track. With affordable packages, a free course offer, and a commitment to fast reporting, it’s a streamlined option for busy real estate professionals in the Palmetto State.
Remember—renewals open April 1, 2025, and you’ll need to complete everything by June 30, 2025 to avoid a lapse. Now’s the perfect time to map out your year, choose your CE courses, and get set up with the right real estate education online. Good luck and happy learning!
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and may be subject to change. Always confirm specific requirements with the South Carolina Real Estate Commission or consult a licensed attorney for legal advice.