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North Carolina Real Estate License Requirements

Getting your North Carolina real estate license requires completing 75 hours of state-approved education, passing the official exam, submitting a background check, and securing a sponsoring broker-in-charge. The entire process can typically be completed in five to nine weeks, depending on your personal schedule and how quickly you move through the required steps. This guide provides everything you need to know to become a licensed real estate provisional broker in North Carolina.

Quick North Carolina License Facts

Requirement

Details

Education Hours

75 hours (One primary course)

Estimated Timeline

5-9 weeks, varies by study schedule

Age Requirement

18+ years old

Background Check

Required

Exam Format

Computer-based, multiple-choice

Official Body

North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC)

Disclaimer: Always verify current requirements with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) at ncrec.gov.

How to Get Your North Carolina Real Estate License in 4 Steps

Step 1: Complete 75 Hours of Pre-License Education

North Carolina requires aspiring agents to complete a 75-hour Broker Pre-licensing Course from an NCREC-approved education provider.

  • Required Course: 75-hour Broker Pre-licensing Course
  • Study Schedule Considerations: The time it takes to complete your education depends entirely on your availability and learning pace. Dedicated students may finish in a few weeks, while others might take a couple of months.

Step 2: Pass the North Carolina Real Estate Exam

After successfully completing your coursework, you must pass the North Carolina Real Estate Broker License Examination. The exam is administered by PSI.

  • Format: Computer-based test with national and state-specific sections.
  • Passing Score: You must pass both sections of the exam.
  • Exam Topics Include:
  • North Carolina real estate law and commission rules
  • Real property, agency relationships, and contracts
  • Property valuation, finance, and closing procedures
  • Federal and state housing laws

Always check with the NCREC and PSI for the most current exam details, fees, and scheduling information.

Step 3: Submit Your License Application & Background Check

  • Application: You must submit a license application to the NCREC. This is often done before taking the exam, as the commission must determine your eligibility to test.
  • Background Check: You must complete a criminal background check as part of the application process.
  • Fees: Pay all required application and background check fees.
  • Disclosure: North Carolina law requires full disclosure of any past criminal history, which is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Step 4: Affiliate with a Broker-in-Charge

As a new licensee (a “provisional broker”), you must work under the supervision of a licensed broker-in-charge. Your broker-in-charge will activate your license and provide the necessary mentorship and oversight for your initial transactions.

  • Broker Role: Your broker-in-charge is responsible for your training, ensures you comply with state laws, and helps you navigate the start of your career.
  • Finding a Broker: Research local brokerages to find one that aligns with your career goals, offers a supportive training environment, and has a commission structure that works for you.

North Carolina Real Estate License Costs

The total cost to get your license in North Carolina can vary. The chart below provides a visual breakdown of typical startup expenses.

For a detailed, interactive chart, please see the document below this guide.

Expense Category

Estimated Cost Range

Notes

Pre-License Education

$200 – $400

Varies by school and format (online vs. in-person).

License Application Fee

~$100

Set by the NCREC.

State Exam Fee

~$61

Paid to the testing vendor (PSI).

Background Check Fee

~$45

Varies by vendor and location.

Total Estimated Cost

$406 – $606

Does not include optional materials or post-license costs.

Note: These are estimates. Always check the official NCREC and PSI websites for the most current fee schedules.

Ongoing Costs to Consider:

  • License Renewal: Your license must be renewed annually by June 30th.
  • Continuing Education: Required for every renewal cycle.
  • MLS Fees: Varies by local board/association.
  • Errors & Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Often required by your brokerage.
  • Professional Association Dues: Optional fees for joining local, state, and national Realtor® associations.
North Carolina Real Estate License Cost Breakdown

Estimated Initial Licensing Costs in North Carolina

A visual breakdown of typical startup expenses for a North Carolina license.

Disclaimer: These figures are estimates for 2025 and can vary significantly based on the school chosen, background check vendor, and optional materials purchased. Always check official sources like the NCREC and PSI for the most current fees.

North Carolina Real Estate Schools

When selecting a real estate school, consider factors like learning format, student support, pricing, and pass rates. Here are some well-known state-approved providers based on your data:

  • The CE Shop
  • Benefits: Offers a 40% military discount and provides career resources.
  • Website: theceshop.com
  • Colibri Real Estate
  • Benefits: Features a “Pass or Don’t Pay” guarantee and offers instructor support.
  • Website: colibrirealestate.com
  • Superior School of Real Estate
  • Benefits: Specifically focused on the North Carolina market and known for high pass rates.
  • Website: superiorschoolnc.com

School Selection Tips:

  • Verify the school is currently approved by the NCREC.
  • Compare current pricing, package options, and learning formats.
  • Read recent student reviews and testimonials.
  • Check for money-back or pass guarantees.
  • Contact schools directly for the most current information.

North Carolina Real Estate Exam Preparation

Study Strategies for Success

  • Create and stick to a consistent study schedule.
  • Focus on understanding core concepts rather than just memorizing terms.
  • Use practice exams to simulate the testing environment and identify weak areas.
  • Pay close attention to North Carolina-specific laws, regulations, and agency practices.
  • Give yourself plenty of time to review after completing your 75-hour course.

Key Areas to Master

  • Agency relationships and duties in North Carolina.
  • Real estate math and closing calculations.
  • Contract law and the Offer to Purchase and Contract form.
  • Property ownership and land use controls.
  • Fair Housing laws.

Success Timeline by Professional Background

Your professional background can give you a unique advantage in real estate:

  • Sales Professionals: Your experience with client relationships, negotiation, and commission-based work will be a major asset.
  • Teachers and Educators: You likely have strong study habits and the ability to explain complex topics clearly to clients.
  • Military and Veterans: Your discipline, reliability, and understanding of the relocation process (especially with VA loans) can build immediate trust with clients.
  • Career Changers: While you may need more time to learn industry-specific concepts, you bring a fresh perspective and valuable transferable skills from your previous career.

North Carolina Real Estate Market Context

  • Market Characteristics: North Carolina’s real estate market is incredibly diverse, featuring:
  • Major metropolitan hubs like Charlotte and the Research Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill).
  • Popular coastal and beach communities.
  • Desirable mountain retreats in the west.
  • A healthy mix of historic properties, suburban neighborhoods, and new construction.
  • Opportunities for New Agents: Potential specialization areas include first-time home buyers, corporate relocations (especially near major cities), new construction, or vacation and second homes.

North Carolina-Specific Legal Requirements

  • Disclosure: North Carolina has very specific requirements for property condition disclosures (Residential Property and Owners’ Association Disclosure Statement) that agents must understand and facilitate.
  • Criminal History: The NCREC requires a criminal history report and reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. Honesty and full disclosure are critical for a successful application. 
  • Agency: North Carolina has detailed rules about agency relationships and how they must be disclosed to clients and customers using the “Working with Real Estates Agents” brochure.

Getting Started – Action Steps

  1. Research & Enroll: Visit the NCREC website to verify requirements, then research the approved schools listed above and enroll in your 75-hour pre-licensing course.
  2. Create a Study Plan: Based on your target timeline, map out a weekly study schedule to complete your coursework.
  3. Start Networking: Begin researching local brokerages and talking to agents in your area to learn more about the business and find a potential future home for your license.

Continuing Education and License Renewal

  • Post-licensing Education: Provisional Brokers must complete 90 hours of Post-licensing education within 18 months of initial licensure to maintain an active license.
  • Continuing Education (CE): After completing post-licensing, brokers must complete 8 hours of CE each year to renew their license.
  • Renewal Deadline: All licenses must be renewed annually between May 15 and June 30.

Official Resources and Support

  • North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC): The official source for all licensing rules, applications, and fee schedules. ncrec.gov
  • PSI: The official vendor for scheduling and taking the state exam.
  • NC REALTORS®: The state’s largest professional association for real estate agents, offering resources, education, and advocacy.

Disclaimers

    • Accuracy Notice: This guide is for informational purposes. All requirements, fees, and timelines are subject to change. Always verify information with the official North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
    • No Legal Advice: This content is not legal or financial advice.
    School Information: School offerings, prices, and promotions change. Contact schools directly for the most current details.

This guide was last updated in July 2025. For a personalized plan based on your background and goals, use the AI Real Estate Career Planner tool.