How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in South Carolina (2026)
South Carolina calls its entry credential <strong>Apprentice Appraiser</strong> and has two strict rules: supervisors must be <strong>Certified</strong> (Licensed Appraisers cannot supervise), and Apprentices have a <strong>5-year license cap</strong>. CE is tracked via CE Broker. Charleston and Hilton Head appraisers earn <strong>$90K–$130K+</strong>.
Apprentice Education
$1,159 – $2,097
Time to Licensed
8 – 24 months
Charleston CG Salary
$90K – $130K+
Mandatory CE
14 of 28 hrs fixed (USPAP + VB)
South Carolina Has Five State-Specific Rules — Know Them Before You Apply
The SC Real Estate Appraisers Board under SC LLR has five state-specific rules: (1) Entry credential = "Apprentice Appraiser" (SC statutory term, not Trainee). (2) Supervisor must be Certified — a Licensed Appraiser may NOT supervise. (3) Apprentice license capped at 5 years. (4) CE tracked via CE Broker — activate your free account immediately. (5) Dual mandatory CE: 7-hr USPAP + 7-hr Valuation Bias both required every renewal (14 of 28 mandatory). Biennial renewal by June 30.
South Carolina's certified-only supervisor requirement is the primary bottleneck. A Licensed Appraiser — even an experienced one — cannot supervise your Apprentice work. The old experience point system (Chapter 137) was repealed May 23, 2025 — verify current supervisor accompaniment rules at llr.sc.gov/appr. Application fees are not confirmed — check llr.sc.gov/appr/licensure.aspx before budgeting.
Top South Carolina Appraiser Schools at a Glance
McKissock covers all four SC credential levels. CE Shop covers Apprentice only. Champions SC = 75-hr Licensed upgrade only (not a complete Apprentice package).
1. McKissock LearningOnly CG Provider
SC LLR-approved for all four credential levels including CG. Apprentice Basic $1,159 / Sub $1,525 / Livestream $2,097. CE library includes both SC mandatory CE courses.
From $1,159
SC Apprentice Basic (87 hrs)
2. The CE ShopTop-Rated UX
Board-accepted for Apprentice. $1,205 with QE1, QE2, QE3 live-online USPAP, 8-hr Valuation Bias, and Supervisor/Trainee course. Apprentice level only.
$1,205
SC Apprentice Standard (87 hrs)
3. Champions School of Real EstateUpgrade Only ⚠️
⚠️ SC = upgrade-only. Only offers 75-hr Licensed upgrade ($950 via live Zoom). No complete Apprentice package. Use McKissock or CE Shop for Apprentice entry education.
$950
75-hr Licensed upgrade only (not Apprentice entry)
Best South Carolina Appraiser Licensing Courses
All 3 schools are South Carolina SC LLR-approved. Price: Low to High.
Quick Price Comparison (Course Only)
Champions School of Real Estate
Upgrade Only ⚠️Starting at
$950
- ⚠️ Champions SC = 75-hr Licensed upgrade only — NO bundled Apprentice, Licensed, or CR programs
- Licensed Residential 75-hr upgrade ($950) via live Zoom virtual classroom
- Individual courses available à la carte (Principles $435, Procedures $435, etc.)
- USPAP and Valuation Bias NOT listed on SC page — must be purchased separately from another provider
- Use McKissock or CE Shop for complete SC Apprentice Appraiser qualifying education
Available Packages (1)
SC 75-Hour Licensed Appraiser Upgrade (for existing Apprentices)
- Market Analysis, Site Valuation, Sales Comparison, Income, Report Writing (75 hrs)
- Live Zoom virtual classroom
- ⚠️ This is an upgrade package — not a complete Apprentice Appraiser package
- Use McKissock or CE Shop for Apprentice entry education
McKissock Learning
Only CG ProviderStarting at
$1159
- SC LLR Board-approved for all four credential levels including Certified General
- SC Apprentice Appraiser packages at 87 hours (QE1+QE2+QE3+Valuation Bias+Supervisor/Trainee)
- Livestream Summer 2026 (Sat/Sun Zoom) available for South Carolina
- CE library includes both SC mandatory CE courses (7-hr USPAP + 7-hr Valuation Bias)
- Only school with SC Certified General qualifying education online
Available Packages (12)
SC Apprentice Basic Package (87 hrs)
- QE1: Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- QE2: Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- QE3: 15-Hr National USPAP
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Lending
- 4-Hr SC Supervisor/Trainee Course
- 6-month access
The CE Shop
Top-Rated UXStarting at
$1205
- SC LLR Board-accepted for Apprentice Appraiser level
- Includes all 5 required SC Apprentice courses: QE1, QE2, QE3 (live-online USPAP), 8-hr Valuation Bias, Supervisor/Trainee
- SC uses 8-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Lending — included in CE Shop package
- Proctored final exam included
- Apprentice Appraiser level only — use McKissock for Licensed, CR, and CG upgrade education
Available Packages (1)
SC Apprentice Standard Package (87 hrs)
- QE1: Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs)
- QE2: Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs)
- QE3: 15-Hr USPAP Live-Online
- 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Lending
- 4-Hr SC Supervisor/Trainee Course
- USPAP manuals + proctored final exam
Prices verified March 2026. Prices may change. Always confirm current pricing on the school's website before enrolling.
What Is a South Carolina Appraiser License?
Issued by the South Carolina Real Estate Appraisers Board under SC LLR, a South Carolina appraiser license covers real property appraisals for federally related transactions. SC uses "Apprentice Appraiser" for the entry credential (SC Code Title 40, Chapter 60) and issues seven credential types: the four standard AQB levels plus three Mass Appraiser credentials for government property tax appraisers — unique nationally.
Apprentice Appraiser
87 hrs (QE1+QE2+QE3+VB+Supervisor)
Supervised work only; supervisor must be Certified
Licensed Appraiser
150 total hrs
Non-complex 1–4 unit residential
Certified Residential
200 total hrs
All 1–4 unit residential, no limits
Certified General
300 total hrs
Commercial, industrial, all types
South Carolina Appraiser Credential Levels (2026)
| Credential | QE Hours | Experience | Degree | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Apprentice Appraiser SC-specific term · 87 hrs · Certified supervisor only · 5-yr cap | 87 hrs (QE1+QE2+QE3+VB+Supervisor) | None (under Certified supervisor) | None | |
Licensed Appraiser First independent credential | 150 total hrs | 1,000 hrs / 6 months | None | |
Certified Residential All residential · can supervise Apprentices on residential work | 200 total hrs | 1,500 hrs / 12 months | Bachelor's, Associate's, or 30 cr. hrs | |
Certified General All property types · McKissock only for SC CG | 300 total hrs | 3,000 hrs / 18 mo (1,500 non-res) | Bachelor's required |
"Apprentice Appraiser" = SC statutory term for entry credential. Supervisor must be Certified (Licensed Appraisers cannot supervise). 5-year Apprentice cap. CE mandatory: 7-hr USPAP + 7-hr Valuation Bias. Application fees NEEDS_REVIEW — verify at llr.sc.gov. Source: SCREAB / AQB, 2026.
How Much Do South Carolina Appraisers Earn?
Apprentice / Entry
$40K – $54K
Working under Certified supervisor
Licensed / Cert. Residential
$64K – $78K
SC state average
Charleston / Hilton Head CG
$90K – $130K+
Coastal luxury + commercial
Typical Residential Fee
$400 – $600
Per residential appraisal in South Carolina
South Carolina Median Home Price
~$310,000
Zillow (South Carolina, 2025) — Charleston and Hilton Head far higher
Top South Carolina Appraisal Markets
Income Disclaimer: Salary figures are estimates based on publicly available data and vary significantly by state, market, experience level, employer type, and individual effort. Past or average earnings are not a guarantee of future results. CertLaunch makes no income guarantees of any kind.
Sources:
Licensing requirements, exam fees, and course availability change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board before enrolling or submitting any application. Learn how we source our data.
Is a South Carolina Appraiser License Worth It?
👠Pros
- +Booming Coastal Markets: Charleston and Myrtle Beach are among the fastest-growing markets in the Southeast — strong residential appraisal demand and premium fees ($525–$600 per assignment in coastal areas).
- +Mass Appraiser Path: South Carolina uniquely offers Mass Appraiser credentials for government property tax work — alternative career path with steady income, and up to 50% of mass hours count toward fee appraisal experience.
- +PAREA Available: SC has adopted PAREA — especially valuable given the certified-only supervisor requirement, which narrows the pool of available supervisors.
- +Old Point System Repealed: The burdensome Chapter 137 experience point system was repealed May 23, 2025 — simplifying the experience documentation process.
👎 Cons
- -Licensed Appraisers Cannot Supervise: Only Certified Residential or Certified General Appraisers may supervise SC Apprentices — significantly narrowing the pool of available supervisors.
- -5-Year Apprentice Cap: You cannot stay at the Apprentice level indefinitely — SC law limits Apprentice status to 5 years. Plan your upgrade path proactively.
- -Champions = Upgrade Only: Champions SC offers only the 75-hr Licensed upgrade ($950) — no complete Apprentice package. Don't enroll with Champions expecting a full Apprentice program.
- -Application Fees Not Confirmed: SC application and renewal fees are not confirmed. Verify at llr.sc.gov/appr/licensure.aspx before budgeting.
How to Become a Licensed Appraiser in South Carolina
Complete 87-Hour Apprentice Qualifying Education
Complete all 5 SC Board-approved QE components: QE1 — Basic Appraisal Principles (30 hrs), QE2 — Basic Appraisal Procedures (30 hrs), QE3 — National USPAP (15 hrs), 8-Hr Valuation Bias & Fair Lending (8 hrs), and SC Supervisor/Trainee course (4 hrs) = 87 hours total. McKissock (Basic $1,159 / Sub $1,525 / Livestream $2,097) or CE Shop ($1,205). ⚠️ Champions SC does NOT offer a complete Apprentice package — only the 75-hr Licensed upgrade ($950).
Secure a South Carolina CERTIFIED Supervisory Appraiser
Find a SC Certified Residential or Certified General Appraiser to supervise you. A SC Licensed Appraiser may NOT supervise — SC statute requires a Certified credential. Both you and your supervisor must complete the SC Supervisor/Trainee course. Contact SC LLR for a list of supervisors. PAREA is available as an alternative if finding a Certified supervisor proves difficult. Maximum 3 Apprentices per supervisor.
Apply for Apprentice Appraiser License — Activate CE Broker
Apply at llr.sc.gov/appr with proof of all 5 QE courses, supervisor info, and all required disclosures. Pay the application fee (NEEDS_REVIEW — verify at llr.sc.gov/appr/licensure.aspx). Upon approval, activate your free CE Broker account at cebroker.com immediately — SC tracks all CE through CE Broker. Your Apprentice license is capped at 5 years; plan to upgrade well before that deadline.
Accumulate Experience and Complete Licensed Education
Accumulate 1,000 hours of supervised experience over at least 6 months. Simultaneously complete the 63-hr Licensed upgrade education (McKissock Licensed Basic $975 / Champions upgrade $950) to reach 150 total hours. Maintain detailed appraisal logs. Note: old Chapter 137 accompaniment rules were repealed May 23, 2025 — verify current supervision requirements at llr.sc.gov/appr.
Apply for Licensed Credential and Pass Pearson VUE
Submit your Licensed Appraiser application to SC LLR with experience logs, all QE certificates, and application fee (NEEDS_REVIEW). Upon Board approval, schedule the NULCE through Pearson VUE ($225). Pass 75 of 125 scored questions. Renew biennially by June 30 with 28 CE hours via CE Broker — mandatory: 7-hr USPAP Update + 7-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (14 hrs fixed).
South Carolina Appraiser License Requirements
Eligibility
- Age 18+
- Supervisor must be SC Certified (not Licensed)
- Both complete SC Supervisor/Trainee course
- Max 3 Apprentices per supervisor
- Apprentice license capped at 5 years (SC Code 40-60-34)
- PAREA available as alternative to supervisor/trainee model
Education
- Apprentice: 87 hrs (QE1+QE2+QE3+8-hr VB+4-hr Supervisor)
- Licensed: 150 total hrs
- Certified Residential: 200 total hrs
- Certified General: 300 hrs + Bachelor's
- Champions SC = 75-hr upgrade only (not a full Apprentice package)
- McKissock only for CG education
Exam & Fees
- Pearson VUE NULCE: $225, 75/125, 4 hrs
- Not required for Apprentice Appraiser
- Application fees: NEEDS_REVIEW at llr.sc.gov/appr/licensure.aspx
- Biennial renewal by June 30
- CE via CE Broker (activate free account at cebroker.com)
SC-Specific Rules
- "Apprentice Appraiser" = SC statutory term for entry level
- Licensed Appraisers cannot supervise — Certified only
- 5-year Apprentice cap before mandatory upgrade
- Dual mandatory CE: 7-hr USPAP + 7-hr Valuation Bias (14/28 fixed)
- Old experience point system repealed May 23, 2025
- Verify current rules at llr.sc.gov/appr
South Carolina Appraiser License Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apprentice QE (87 hrs) | $1,159 – $2,097 |
| SC LLR Application Fees | VERIFY AT SC LLR |
| Licensed upgrade education (63 hrs to 150 total) | $950 – $1,449 |
| Pearson VUE NULCE | $225 |
| CE Broker account (basic) | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$2,334+ (excl. SC fees) |
All government fees are non-refundable. Verify current amounts with SC LLR before applying.
The South Carolina Appraiser Exam — What to Expect
Exam At a Glance
- Exam
- NULCE — National Uniform Licensing & Certification Exam
- Provider
- Pearson VUE
- Questions
- 150 total (125 scored + 25 pretest)
- Time Limit
- 4 hours
- Passing Score
- 75 (out of 125 scored)
- Exam Fee
- $225 per attempt
- Trainee Exempt
- Yes — no exam for Trainee
Key Exam Content Areas
- Appraisal Principles, Procedures, and Legal Concepts
- Market Analysis, Highest and Best Use, all three valuation approaches
- USPAP — ethics, competency, reporting (~20–25%)
About SC LLR — South Carolina's Appraiser Regulator
Contact & Resources
- Full Name
- South Carolina Real Estate Appraisers Board / SC LLR
- Website
- llr.sc.gov/appr/
- Phone
- (803) 896-4300
- Address
- 110 Centerview Drive, Columbia, SC 29210
Key South Carolina Rules
- "Apprentice Appraiser" = SC statutory entry-level term (SC Code Title 40, Chapter 60)
- Supervisor must be SC Certified — Licensed Appraisers may NOT supervise Apprentices
- Apprentice license capped at 5 years (SC Code 40-60-34)
- CE tracked via CE Broker — activate free account at license issuance
- Dual mandatory CE: 7-hr USPAP Update + 7-hr Valuation Bias (14 of 28 hrs mandatory)
- Biennial renewal by June 30
- Old experience point system repealed May 23, 2025 — verify current rules at llr.sc.gov/appr
- PAREA adopted; Champions SC = upgrade-only (no complete Apprentice package)
How Long Does It Take? Realistic South Carolina Timelines
Full-Time
8–11 months to Licensed
- 1.87-hr Apprentice QE (4–7 weeks)
- 2.Apply Apprentice; activate CE Broker account
- 3.63-hr upgrade + 1,000 hrs / 6 months
- 4.Apply Licensed + Pearson VUE ($225)
Part-Time
14–24 months to Licensed
- 1.87-hr QE evenings (8–16 weeks)
- 2.Apply Apprentice; find Certified supervisor
- 3.1,000 hrs over 12–20 months
- 4.Apply Licensed + pass exam
Certified General
3–5 years total
- 1.300-hr QE + Bachelor's (McKissock only)
- 2.3,000 hrs (1,500 non-res) / 18 months
- 3.Charleston / Hilton Head CG avg $90K–$130K+
- 4.Apply CG + Pearson VUE ($225)
South Carolina's 5-year Apprentice cap means you cannot stay at the entry level indefinitely. Start accumulating hours efficiently and target the Licensed Appraiser upgrade within 2–3 years. PAREA bypasses the certified-only supervisor requirement entirely — valuable if finding a qualified supervisor proves difficult.
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South Carolina Appraiser License Renewal
28 CE hours per biennial cycle tracked via CE Broker. Mandatory: 7-hr USPAP Update + 7-hr Valuation Bias & Fair Housing (14 fixed hours). Remaining 14 hours: general appraisal CE. Verify renewal fee at llr.sc.gov/appr/licensure.aspx.
Biennial (June 30)
Renewal Cycle
28 hrs / cycle
CE Requirement
14 of 28 hrs fixed
Mandatory CE
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an "Apprentice Appraiser" in South Carolina?
South Carolina's entry-level credential is called "Apprentice Appraiser" — equivalent to what most states call a Trainee Appraiser. The term comes from SC Code Title 40, Chapter 60. Apprentice Appraisers work under a Certified supervisor, cannot independently sign appraisals, and are subject to a 5-year license cap.
Can a Licensed Appraiser supervise an Apprentice in South Carolina?
No. Only SC Certified Residential or Certified General Appraisers may supervise Apprentices. A Licensed Appraiser may not supervise — this is stricter than most states. If finding a Certified supervisor is difficult, consider PAREA as an alternative experience pathway.
What is South Carolina's 5-year Apprentice cap?
SC Code 40-60-34 limits Apprentice Appraisers to a maximum of 5 years at the entry level. You must upgrade or let your license lapse. Plan proactively — aim to reach Licensed Appraiser within 2–3 years.
What is CE Broker and why does South Carolina require it?
CE Broker is South Carolina's official CE tracking platform. All SC-licensed appraisers must maintain a free CE Broker account at cebroker.com. CE completions are reported directly by providers to CE Broker. Activate your account immediately upon license issuance.
How much do South Carolina appraisers earn?
SC appraisers average $64K–$78K/year. Charleston and Hilton Head appraisers earn the most — residential fees run $525–$600 per assignment in coastal markets. CG appraisers near Charleston's port or Greenville's BMW/Michelin corridor earn $90K–$130K+.