What are the PSI state exam security procedures in South Carolina?
For security purposes, all PSI test centers are continuously monitored by video and audio surveillance equipment. All applicants must adhere to a strict set of requirements when taking the exam:
Because exams are proprietary, no type of cameras, smart phones or other cellular devices, notes, notebooks, recording devices or pagers are allowed in the testing area. If an applicant brings any such item to the testing center, he or she will be dismissed from the center. This will also dismiss them from the exam and they will forfeit the exam fee.
You will be able to bring a calculator for use during the exam. However, calculators taken into the exam room must be silent, battery-operated and non-programmable. Calculators with paper-tape printing capabilities or keyboards containing letters will be prohibited.
No guests or visitors will be allowed in the testing center. This includes the reception area.
No personal items will be brought to the exam room, with the exclusion of keys, wallets, and close-fitting jackets and sweatshirts. All other personal belongings are prohibited and should be placed in the secure storage prior to entering the exam room. Personal belongings not allowed in the exam room include, but are not limited to, the following:
Electronic devices of any kind
Bulky or loose-fitting clothing or outerwear that could be used to conceal notes or recording devices.
Any hats or other headgear not being worn for religious reasons or as religious apparel.
Any other personal items, including purses, reading materials, notebooks, reference material, backpacks, pencils, pens, any other writing instrument, food, drinks, good luck items and other personal items.
If someone has accompanied you to the test center, they are not to wait anywhere within the building or on the building’s property. This applies to any and all guests, regardless of age or relationship.
No smoking, drinking or eating of any kind will be allowed in the exam center.
During check-in, you will be asked if you have brought any prohibited items and may be asked to empty your pockets and turn them out for the proctor to confirm they are empty. Similarly, the proctor could ask candidates to lift up the ends of their sleeves and pant legs to ensure no notes or recording devices are concealed there.
Items such as eyeglasses and tie tacks may be inspected to ensure there are no recording devices.
If prohibited items are discovered during check-in, these may be placed in the provided secure storage or, if time allows, returned to their vehicle.
If prohibited items are found in the exam room, the candidate possessing such items will have their test results invalidated. PSI will notify the commission of the violation.
If a candidate is seen giving or receiving assistance of any kind, found with unauthorized materials or in other ways violates security regulations, they will be asked to surrender all exam materials and leave the testing center. In addition, the incident will be reported to the commission.
A candidate who is caught communicating or copying exam material is not only breaking PSI’s security regulations, but also violating state and federal law. The candidate will be disqualified and legal action could be taken.
Once you have entered the exam room, you may only leave to use the restroom and must obtain permission from the proctor to do so.
Related FAQs
The South Carolina State Real Estate Commission has contracted with the testing agency PSI to administer the real estate salesperson licensing examination.
When you register on the PSI exam website and schedule your exam, you will be presented with available dates at the location that you select. Because appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, the amount of advance time necessary depends on the number of candidates who select the same day and time.
The fee for taking the exam is $63 for taking both portions of the exam or $55 if you only need to take one portion. Exam fees are good for one year once paid, but are not refundable. If you need to retake the exam or retake a portion of the exam, you will need to pay the fee again.
Your options for methods of payment depend on how you choose to register and schedule your exam. If you register online, by phone or by fax, PSI accepts major credit cards, including VISA, MasterCard, Discover or American Express. Cash and personal checks are not acceptable methods of payment.
No personal belongings will be allowed in the exam room. Any personal belongings brought to the test center must be secured in the proper storage provided before entering the exam room. Personal items prohibited include pencils, pens and other writing devices, as well as notebooks.
For questions or requests for more information about the exam itself, you can refer to PSI Handbook for South Carolina real estate license candidates or you can contact PSI directly at 855-340-3701 or online at the PSI website.
For security purposes, all PSI test centers are continuously monitored by video and audio surveillance equipment. All applicants must adhere to a strict set of requirements when taking the exam.
If you engage in any activities considered to be acts of misconduct while taking your exam, you may be dismissed and the South Carolina Real Estate Commission may be notified. Your score will be invalidated and you will forfeit your exam fee.
You should not bring any personal items into the testing center, other than keys and wallet. You will be provided with secured storage to place personal belongings prior to entering the exam room. In addition to restrictions on personal items, you will not be allowed to bring food or drink into the exam room.
No, eating and drinking is not allowed in the test center nor is smoking. A restroom break is allowable, with permission from the proctor, but you will not be given additional time to make up for any lost time during breaks.
Some types of calculators may be brought to the testing center. Calculators must be battery-operated and silent. They may not be programmable. In addition, the calculator’s keyboard cannot contain the alphabet and it may not have paper-tape printing capabilities.
You should plan to arrive at your test center no later than 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. This will allow enough time to sign in, provide identification and familiarize yourself with the exam process.
South Carolina has a full reciprocity agreement with the state of Georgia. If you are licensed in another state, you will still need to take the South Carolina-specific portion of the state licensing exam, but may qualify for exemption from the rest of the exam.
You will immediately receive your score once you have completed the exam. Your results are kept confidential and are only reported to you and to the commission. You will need to achieve a passing grade for each section. That means getting 56 questions correct on the national portion of your exam.
If you failed one or both portions of the real estate salesperson licensing exam, your score and reapplication instructions will be included in your score report. You need to re-register for the exam, which includes paying the exam fee again. You can go online at http://www.psiexams.com or contact PSI at 800-733-9267.
Yes, if you do not pass, you will immediately receive a notification on your screen that you did not pass. You will then be provided with a diagnostic report before leaving. It will show your strengths and weaknesses on each exam type.