A guide to getting your South Carolina Property Manager License

If you're exploring a career in property management in South Carolina, you're in good company. Whether your goal is to work with a team or eventually lead one, getting your license is a meaningful first step.


At FirstService Residential, we know that successful management begins with a solid foundation — education, accountability, and a commitment to service. In this article, we'll provide an overview of what it takes to get your South Carolina Property Manager License, and how we support professionals at every step of their journey.

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

What does a property manager actually do?

Property managers in South Carolina act as the link between owners and residents or tenants, handling tasks like lease administration, rent collection, inspections, maintenance coordination, vendor management, and financial reporting.

Residential and commercial property management serve different needs. Residential managers prioritize the resident experience, focusing on livability, service, and day-to-day support. Commercial managers, on the other hand, oversee business leases, manage larger-scale facilities, and navigate specialized compliance requirements unique to commercial tenants.
 

What is a South Carolina Property Manager License?

In South Carolina, a Property Manager License allows you to handle the day-to-day responsibilities of managing rental properties on someone else’s behalf. That includes things like leasing, maintenance coordination, rent collection, and working directly with residents. Both licenses are regulated by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC), and each comes with specific education and application requirements.

There are two main license types in South Carolina:

• Property Manager License: This allows you to manage properties under the supervision of a licensed Property Manager-in-Charge (PMIC).
   
• Property Manager-in-Charge (PMIC) License: This may qualify you to run your own property management operation or oversee a team, subject to compliance with SCREC requirements.

Is a Property Manager License required in South Carolina?

In most cases, yes. If you're managing rental properties for someone else in South Carolina and getting paid for it, you are generally required to be licensed. There are a few narrow exceptions, but for most people working in this field, a license is required.

The license isn’t just a formality — it reflects your understanding of key responsibilities, such as working with trust funds, drafting leases, and communicating with both residents and owners. It also requires compliance with legal standards like the South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Act and federal Fair Housing regulations, which prohibit discrimination based on race, religion, gender, family status, and other protected classes.
 

How to get a Property Manager License in South Carolina

Step 1: Meet the basic requirements

In South Carolina, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent to get your Property Manager License. If you aim to become a Property Manager-in-Charge, be aware that South Carolina requires you to be at least 21.
 

Step 2: Take the pre-licensing course

Next, you’ll need to complete a 30-hour property management course approved by the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. You can take this course through in-person classes or online, whichever works best for your schedule. The course covers leasing, property law, financial oversight, and more.
The SCREC maintains a list of approved education providers.
 

Step 3: Pass the licensing exam

Once your course is complete, you can register for the property management exam. The exam is administered by an outside testing service, typically PSI (though this is subject to change — confirm with SCREC before registering), and covers the fundamentals of property management. You’ll likely encounter questions on trust account management, contract law, and landlord-tenant obligations under South Carolina legislation.

You can schedule your exam through the PSI website and select from multiple testing locations across the state. It’s recommended to register early, as exam slots can fill up quickly. Practice tests and candidate bulletins are also available to help you prepare.
 

Step 4: Submit your application

When you’ve passed the exam, the next step is to submit your license application to the Real Estate Commission. You’ll include your course certificate, exam results, and a criminal background check, typically completed through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) or as instructed by SCREC. There’s also a fee to apply. If your background check shows prior criminal history, your application may require additional review. Transparency is essential throughout this process.

If you're planning to run your own business or manage other licensees, you’ll want to apply for the Property Manager-in-Charge (PMIC) License. That process includes some added paperwork around your management office and supervisory responsibilities.
 

Continuing education and renewal

South Carolina requires property managers to complete seven hours of continuing education every two years. This includes three hours of coursework focused on property management topics and four hours of electives. Note that while the state only requires seven hours every two years, staying ahead of industry trends and legal updates through additional training is highly recommended, especially in areas like Fair Housing compliance and financial management.

When it’s time to renew, you’ll submit proof of your continuing education (CE) hours along with the renewal application and fee. Missing the renewal deadline could result in your license lapsing, so it’s important to stay on top of the timeline.
 

How FirstService Residential supports property managers

FirstService Residential’s property managers are backed by a dedicated team and supported by tools that make your work easier and more effective. Whether you're just starting your career in property management or looking to take the next step into a leadership role, working with a leading management company like FirstService Residential can provide access to expert mentorship, hands-on training, and a network of professionals who can help you grow. For more information on how to become a property manager, view our career opportunities page.

To learn more about how a professional management company like FirstService Residential can support your community, contact a member of our team today.