South Carolina requires a state-level mortgage loan originator license. The licensing authority is NMLS / State Banking/Finance Dept. The median salary is $62,298 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
South Carolina requires a mortgage loan originator to hold a state license. Help borrowers apply for and obtain mortgage loans for home purchases and refinancing. Licensing is administered by the NMLS / State Banking/Finance Dept.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | 20 hours NMLS-approved pre-licensing education |
| Experience Details | 20 hours NMLS-approved pre-licensing education |
South Carolina requires passing the South Carolina SAFE MLO National Test + State Component with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $110.
| Exam Name | South Carolina SAFE MLO National Test + State Component |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | SAFE MLO National Test + State Component |
| Application Fee | $110 |
Getting licensed as a mortgage loan originator in South Carolina takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $110 and renewal fees of $110 every 2 years. Continuing education of 8 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $110 |
| License Renewal | $110 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 8 hours |
Mortgage Loan Originators in South Carolina earn a median salary of $62,298, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in South Carolina |
| National average | $68,460 |
Yes — South Carolina requires a state-level mortgage loan originator license. Help borrowers apply for and obtain mortgage loans for home purchases and refinancing.
The required exam is the South Carolina SAFE MLO National Test + State Component. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $110.
The median annual salary for mortgage loan originators in South Carolina is $62,298. The national median is $68,460.
South Carolina requires 8 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.