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H 3947

Continuing education requirements for nonresident real estate brokers and associates

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bill Hixon and 4 co-sponsors

Nonresident SC real estate brokers/associates meeting their home jurisdiction's CE may be exempt from SC biennial CE, subject to Real Estate Commission approval.

Act No. 27
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Bill Summary · H 3947

Summary — H 3947: Continuing education requirements for nonresident real estate brokers and associates (South Carolina)

Status: Enacted (Act No. 27). Effective date: May 8, 2025.
Primary subject: Amendments to S.C. Code §40-57-340; addition of §40-57-345.

Purpose and intent

The bill provides an administrative pathway to exempt nonresident real estate brokers and associates from South Carolina’s biennial continuing education (CE) requirements when those nonresidents have already satisfied the CE obligations of their home jurisdiction. It also clarifies and expands existing age‑and‑experience waivers for long‑licensed South Carolina practitioners and creates a limited renewal process for certain expired licenses.

Key provisions

  • Amends S.C. Code §40-57-340(B)(1) to add subsection (e):

    • Nonresident brokers and nonresident associates who have “successfully satisfied the continuing education requirements of their jurisdiction of residence” may be granted an exemption from South Carolina’s biennial CE requirement — subject to approval by the Real Estate Commission. (This is not automatic reciprocity; Commission approval is required.)

  • Retains existing exemptions in §40-57-340(B)(1):

    • Associates completing post‑licensing or broker coursework are exempt for the renewal period during which the course was taken.
    • Licensees on inactive status are exempt.
    • A full CE waiver may be applied for and granted to a broker or associate with 25+ years of South Carolina licensure who is age 65+.
    • An experience‑based partial waiver may be applied for by a broker/associate with at least 25 years of licensure in South Carolina; if granted, the licensee must complete only a mandatory four‑hour core course biennially.

  • Adds new §40-57-345:

    • An individual whose South Carolina license has expired (but who was in good standing at expiration), who has 25+ years of licensure in SC, and who is age 65 may apply to the Commission to renew the expired license by paying the statutory renewal fee. Upon renewal under this section, the licensee is exempt from CE requirements as provided by law.

  • Effective date: upon Governor’s approval.

Who is affected

  • Nonresident real estate brokers and associates who hold licenses in other jurisdictions and practice in South Carolina — they may avoid duplicative CE obligations if approved by the SC Real Estate Commission.
  • Long‑licensed South Carolina brokers and associates (25+ years licensure; age 65+) benefit from full or partial CE waivers and an avenue to renew certain expired licenses.
  • South Carolina Real Estate Commission — responsible for reviewing and approving exemption/renewal requests.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • The bill was reported favorably by the relevant committee(s), underwent amendments, passed both chambers, and was signed by the Governor on May 8, 2025. It was enacted as Act No. 27 and took effect the same date.

Practical impact

  • Reduces potential duplicative CE burdens for nonresident licensees who already meet their home state’s CE standards, while preserving Commission oversight to ensure standards are met.
  • Offers relief to senior, long‑licensed South Carolina practitioners through waivers and a limited expired‑license renewal route.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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