A person pretends to represent a licensed insurer in South Carolina without its authority. What is the offense under S.C. Code 38-43-240?Answer: A misdemeanor, with imprisonment of not more than two years. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-240
A South Carolina lender tells a borrower the loan will close only if the property insurance is bought through one named agent. What does S.C. Code 38-57-110 say?Answer: It is prohibited. Source: S.C. Code 38-57-110(1)
A South Carolina producer changes legal name or address. Within how many days must the producer notify the department?Answer: Thirty. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-107(A)
A South Carolina producer is disciplined by another state. Within how many days of the final disposition must the producer report it to the director?Answer: Thirty. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-247(A)
A South Carolina producer lets the license lapse by missing continuing education. Within how long of the deadline may the same license be reinstated?Answer: Six months. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-110(B)
A South Carolina temporary insurance producer license, issued without an examination, may run for how long at most?Answer: One hundred eighty days. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-102(A)
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Producer licensing and trade practices, continued
For how long must a South Carolina producer keep the record of business done, showing each policy's number, date, amount and premium?Answer: A minimum of five years. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-250
How much notice must the South Carolina director give before placing a producer on probation or revoking or suspending the license?Answer: Ten days. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-130(A)
May a South Carolina insurer pay a commission to an unlicensed person for soliciting insurance that requires a license?Answer: No. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-200(A)
To whom may a South Carolina temporary producer license be issued when a licensed producer dies?Answer: The surviving spouse or court-appointed personal representative. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-102(A)
Under S.C. Code 38-43-100, what must the producer examination test besides the line of authority applied for?Answer: The producer's duties and the state's insurance laws and regulations. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-100(B)
What does S.C. Code 38-43-20 require before a person sells, solicits or negotiates title insurance in South Carolina?Answer: A license for that line of authority. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-20(A)
When must a South Carolina individual producer license be renewed?Answer: Every two years, by the last day of the licensee's month of birth. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-110(A)
Which act does S.C. Code 38-57-100 prohibit in the business of insurance?Answer: Agreeing to a boycott that tends to produce a monopoly. Source: S.C. Code 38-57-100
Which act is listed in S.C. Code 38-43-130 as dealing unjustly with the citizens of South Carolina?Answer: Improperly using notes to complete a license examination. Source: S.C. Code 38-43-130(C)
Rebates, commissions and financial interest 9
A real estate broker who owns part of a South Carolina title agency refers a buyer to it. What must happen before the agency may accept the order?Answer: The financial interest must be disclosed in writing to the buyer, seller or lender. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-960(A)
A South Carolina agent may give an advertising article with the agent's advertisement printed on it. What is the most it may be worth?Answer: Twenty-five dollars. Source: S.C. Code 38-57-160
For how long must a South Carolina title insurer or agent keep the financial interest disclosure forms?Answer: Three years. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-960(A)
In South Carolina's title insurance article, a "financial interest" entitles the holder to at least what share of the net profits or net worth of the entity?Answer: One percent. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-905(2)
What does S.C. Code 38-57-130 bar a person from offering as an inducement to buy an insurance contract?Answer: A rebate of premium or other inducement not specified in the contract. Source: S.C. Code 38-57-130(3)
What is the largest commission a title insurer may pay on a South Carolina title insurance policy?Answer: Sixty percent. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-1000
When does a South Carolina title agent file its report naming producers of title business who hold a financial interest in it?Answer: With its license application and whenever the information changes. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-960(B)
Which relative of a producer of title business counts as that producer's "associate" under S.C. Code 38-75-905?Answer: A spouse, parent or child. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-905(1)
Who is a "producer of title business" under S.C. Code 38-75-905?Answer: A person in the business of selling or lending on real property, or a broker or attorney for one. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-905(3)
Title insurance law and rates 8
A title insurer files a rate schedule in South Carolina and the director neither approves nor disapproves it. After how many days is it considered approved?Answer: Sixty. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-980(A)
A title insurer in South Carolina may not expose itself to any one risk beyond what share of its capital, surplus and reserves other than loss reserves?Answer: Fifty percent. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-910
In S.C. Code 38-75-910, what does "any one risk" mean for a title insurer?Answer: The risk attaching to any one piece or parcel of property. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-910
South Carolina closing or settlement protection may indemnify a party against which act of a settlement agent?Answer: Theft or misappropriation of settlement funds. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-1010(B)
To whom may a South Carolina title insurer issue closing or settlement protection?Answer: A party to a transaction in which a title insurance policy will be issued. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-1010(A)
What does S.C. Code 38-75-1010 say about the premium for closing or settlement protection?Answer: It must be approved by the department and may not be divided by agreement. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-1010(C)
What three faults does S.C. Code 38-75-970 forbid in title insurance premium rates?Answer: Being inadequate, excessive, or unfairly discriminatory. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-970(A)
Where must a South Carolina title agent keep its schedule of current premiums and charges available to the public?Answer: In each of its offices in the state, during normal business hours. Source: S.C. Code 38-75-990(B)
Real property 20
A married couple hold South Carolina land as the only joint tenants under S.C. Code 27-7-40 and then divorce. Unless the decree says otherwise, how do they hold afterward?Answer: As tenants in common. Source: S.C. Code 27-7-40(a)
A South Carolina deed executed in 2026 has no words of inheritance such as "and his heirs". What passes?Answer: The grantor's entire interest, unless the deed provides otherwise. Source: S.C. Code 27-5-130
A South Carolina instrument shows the parties meant it to be sealed, but no seal is attached. How is it construed?Answer: As a sealed instrument. Source: S.C. Code 27-7-30
After the retirement-of-title affidavit is filed, a South Carolina manufactured home is treated as real property for all purposes except which one?Answer: Condemnation. Source: S.C. Code 56-19-510(C)
Before a South Carolina deed can be recorded under S.C. Code 30-5-30(B), the grantor's signing must be acknowledged in the presence of how many witnesses?Answer: Two. Source: S.C. Code 30-5-30(B)
For how long must land be held adversely to the legal title before a South Carolina action to recover it is barred?Answer: Ten years. Source: S.C. Code 15-67-210
The grantor of a South Carolina deed took title by an earlier deed. What must the derivation clause state?Answer: The name of the grantor of that deed and its recording date. Source: S.C. Code 30-5-35(a)
How is a South Carolina horizontal property regime (a condominium) established?Answer: By recording a master deed or lease. Source: S.C. Code 27-31-30
How many individuals must sign a South Carolina will as witnesses?Answer: At least two. Source: S.C. Code 62-2-502
How many witnesses must subscribe a South Carolina deed in the statutory form for it to carry the fee simple?Answer: Two or more. Source: S.C. Code 27-7-10
In South Carolina, who is deemed the owner of mortgaged land before foreclosure?Answer: The mortgagor. Source: S.C. Code 29-3-10
Must a South Carolina deed contain a clause of warranty?Answer: No, the statute does not oblige anyone to insert it. Source: S.C. Code 27-7-20
On which South Carolina deed is a derivation clause not required?Answer: A quitclaim or non-warranty deed. Source: S.C. Code 30-5-35(a)
One of two South Carolina joint tenants under S.C. Code 27-7-40 signs a mortgage of the fee alone. What is the rule?Answer: The fee may not be encumbered by one joint tenant acting alone. Source: S.C. Code 27-7-40(a)
Under South Carolina's Probate Code, what is the intestate share of a surviving spouse when the decedent also leaves surviving issue?Answer: One-half of the estate. Source: S.C. Code 62-2-102
The warranty clause in South Carolina's statutory deed form binds the grantor to defend the premises against whom?Answer: The grantor, the grantor's heirs and every person lawfully claiming. Source: S.C. Code 27-7-10
What must the owner of a South Carolina manufactured home file to have the home treated as real property?Answer: The Manufactured Home Affidavit for the Retirement of Title Certificate. Source: S.C. Code 56-19-510(A)
What must the property description of a South Carolina deed executed after July 1, 1976 include before it can be recorded?Answer: A derivation clause. Source: S.C. Code 30-5-35(a)
When a South Carolina owner dies with a will, to whom does the real property devolve at death?Answer: To the persons to whom it is devised by the will. Source: S.C. Code 62-3-101
Which words after the grantees' names in a South Carolina deed conclusively create a joint tenancy with rights of survivorship?Answer: "As joint tenants with rights of survivorship, and not as tenants in common". Source: S.C. Code 27-7-40(a)
Recording, liens and clearing title 19
A buyer records a deed to South Carolina land after a notice of lis pendens was filed. How is the buyer treated in the pending action?Answer: As bound by the proceedings as if made a party. Source: S.C. Code 15-11-20
A South Carolina foreclosure defendant facing a personal judgment may ask for an appraisal of the property within how many days after the sale?Answer: Thirty. Source: S.C. Code 29-3-680(A)
A South Carolina lease must be recorded to bind later purchasers without notice when its term is longer than what?Answer: Twelve months. Source: S.C. Code 30-7-10
A South Carolina mechanics' lien is dissolved unless the claimant serves and files a statement of account within how many days after ceasing to furnish labor or materials?Answer: Ninety. Source: S.C. Code 29-5-90
A South Carolina mortgage holder that fails to enter satisfaction in time forfeits up to one-half of the debt or what amount, whichever is less, plus damages?Answer: $25,000. Source: S.C. Code 29-3-320
A South Carolina notice of lis pendens is of no avail unless the summons is served or first published within how many days after the filing?Answer: Sixty. Source: S.C. Code 15-11-30
A suit to enforce a South Carolina mechanics' lien must be commenced, and notice of pendency filed, within how long after the claimant ceases work?Answer: Six months. Source: S.C. Code 29-5-120(A)
After a South Carolina delinquent tax sale, how long do the defaulting taxpayer and mortgage or judgment creditors have to redeem the real estate?Answer: Twelve months from the sale. Source: S.C. Code 12-51-90(A)
After how long from its maturity date does a South Carolina mortgage stop being a lien on real estate, if no payment or acknowledgment is noted on the record?Answer: Twenty years. Source: S.C. Code 29-1-10
Does possession of South Carolina land give notice of an unrecorded deed that the law requires to be recorded?Answer: No, possession does not operate as notice of the instrument. Source: S.C. Code 30-7-90
From what moment is a South Carolina deed valid against later purchasers for value without notice?Answer: From the day and hour it is recorded. Source: S.C. Code 30-7-10
The holder of a paid-off South Carolina mortgage receives a written request, with the recording fee, to enter satisfaction. How long does the holder have?Answer: Three months. Source: S.C. Code 29-3-310
How early may a South Carolina plaintiff file a notice of lis pendens in an action affecting title to real property?Answer: Not more than twenty days before filing the complaint. Source: S.C. Code 15-11-10
How long does a South Carolina judgment lien on real estate continue?Answer: Ten years from the date of the judgment. Source: S.C. Code 15-35-810
Two buyers for value without notice hold deeds to the same South Carolina land. Under S.C. Code 30-7-10, what decides priority?Answer: The time each deed was filed for record. Source: S.C. Code 30-7-10
What rank does the lien for South Carolina property taxes hold on the property taxed?Answer: A first lien in all cases. Source: S.C. Code 12-49-10
When does a South Carolina judgment become a lien on the debtor's real estate in a county?Answer: When it is entered on the book of abstracts of judgments and indexed there. Source: S.C. Code 15-35-810
Which work counts as labor that can support a South Carolina mechanics' lien under S.C. Code 29-5-10?Answer: Preparing plans, specifications and design drawings. Source: S.C. Code 29-5-10(a)
Who may practice law in South Carolina under S.C. Code 40-5-310, the statute behind the unauthorized practice of law rule?Answer: A member of the South Carolina Bar or a person the Supreme Court authorizes. Source: S.C. Code 40-5-310
How this list was compiled: South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 38 (chapters 43, 57 and 75), Title 27 (chapters 5, 7 and 31), Title 30 (chapters 5 and 7), Title 29 (chapters 1, 3 and 5), Title 15 (chapters 11, 35 and 67), Title 12 (chapters 49 and 51), Title 62 (articles 2 and 3) and sections 40-5-310 and 56-19-510, read on October 13, 2026 on the South Carolina Legislature's site (https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/statmast.php, one page per chapter). The topics follow the Title Insurance Producer content outline (60 scored questions; effective September 15, 2026), which prints Code references beside its South Carolina topics; the South Carolina Department of Insurance links the outlines from its licensing page (https://doi.sc.gov/354/Licensing-CE; the outlines: https://www.pearsonvue.com/content/dam/VUE/vue/en/documents/publications/125010.pdf). Licence: Own work. Every question, wrong choice and explanation was written for this site from the text of the law. Nothing comes from a testing vendor, a prep course or an exam question pool.
How it works
This unofficial South Carolina title insurance exam study guide is 71 practice questions of our own from the South Carolina Code of Laws, without policy forms or textbook theory. Not affiliated with the South Carolina Department of Insurance.
Read the full guide
What South Carolina law adds
Deeds here need a derivation clause and two witnesses, a judgment lien runs ten years, and possession alone is not notice of an unrecorded deed. Title 38 caps a title commission at sixty percent and makes a referring producer disclose a financial interest.
A mechanics' lien is lost unless the statement is served and filed within ninety days and suit begins within six months (29-5-90, 29-5-120).
After a delinquent tax sale the owner and lienholders have twelve months to redeem (12-51-90).
A manufactured home becomes real property when the retirement-of-title affidavit is filed with the register of deeds (56-19-510).
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the South Carolina title insurance exam?
The content outlines effective September 15, 2026 give the Title Insurance Producer exam 60 scored questions. The candidate handbook lists 65 minutes for it and says the Department sets the passing score, reported as 70 on a scale and not as a percent.
What does the South Carolina title insurance exam cover?
Four parts, by scored questions: South Carolina laws and regulations 9, real property 20, title and general insurance principles 13, title exceptions and clearing title 18. Commitments, policy schedules and types of legal description are in the outline but not asked here.
Who needs a title insurance producer license in South Carolina?
S.C. Code 38-43-20 bars anyone from selling, soliciting or negotiating insurance without a license for that line of authority, and 38-43-100 makes a resident applicant pass an examination on the line and on the state's insurance laws.
Are these the real South Carolina title exam questions?
No. They are our own, written from the South Carolina Code of Laws. This site has never seen the state exam, and the South Carolina Department of Insurance did not write or review them.