Starting a career in real estate can be an exciting and financially rewarding decision, but it requires dedication and proper education—especially in North Carolina, where the licensing process is specific and regulated. If you’re considering entering the real estate industry in the Tar Heel State, this guide will walk you through each essential step to earning your North Carolina real estate license.
Step 1: Understand the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before diving into coursework or applications, make sure you meet the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) eligibility standards:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You must have a valid Social Security Number
- U.S. citizenship is not required, but you must be lawfully present in the United States
- You must possess good moral character, which includes passing a criminal background check
Step 2: Complete the 75-Hour Pre-Licensing Course
North Carolina mandates that all aspiring real estate brokers complete a 75-hour pre-licensing course from an NCREC-approved education provider. This course includes:
- Real estate law and principles
- North Carolina real estate license law
- Brokerage relationships and responsibilities
- Property valuation, contracts, finance, and closing procedures
The course can be taken in person or online, depending on your learning preference and the provider’s offerings. At Navigate School of Real Estate, we offer flexible online and in-person formats with experienced instructors who make the material both engaging and practical.
Step 3: Pass the Course Final Exam
At the conclusion of the pre-licensing course, you’ll need to pass a proctored final exam administered by your education provider. This is a separate requirement from the state licensing exam, and you must pass this course exam before applying for your license.
The course exam typically mirrors the structure of the state exam, so it’s an excellent opportunity to test your knowledge and prepare yourself for what’s ahead.
Step 4: Submit Your Application to the NCREC
Once you’ve passed your course exam, the next step is to submit your license application to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
The application process includes:
- Completing the online application form
- Paying a non-refundable application fee (typically around $100)
- Requesting and submitting a criminal background check
The NCREC evaluates your moral character, educational background, and eligibility as part of the application review process.
Step 5: Schedule and Pass the North Carolina Licensing Exam
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive authorization to take the licensing exam through PSI, the state’s official testing vendor. The exam consists of two sections:
- National Section: 80 multiple-choice questions covering general real estate practices
- State Section: 40 multiple-choice questions specific to North Carolina real estate law and procedures
You must pass both sections with minimum required scores:
- 57/80 correct on the National section
- 29/40 correct on the State section
The exam is administered at PSI testing centers throughout the state. Results are provided immediately after you finish.
Step 6: Receive Your Provisional Broker License
Once you’ve passed both parts of the exam, congratulations! You’ll receive your Provisional Broker License, which is the initial license status for all new agents in North Carolina.
As a provisional broker, you must operate under the supervision of a Broker-in-Charge and complete 90 hours of post-licensing education within the first 18 months of licensure.
Step 7: Join a Brokerage and Start Your Career
Your next move is to affiliate with a licensed North Carolina brokerage. This is a crucial step because your license isn’t active until you’re under a Broker-in-Charge.
At Navigate Realty, we help new agents hit the ground running by offering mentorship, training, and access to powerful tools and leads.
Bonus Tips for Success:
- Take Practice Exams: Familiarize yourself with the test format to reduce anxiety on exam day
- Stay Organized: Track deadlines for applications, background checks, and exam scheduling
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to lean on your instructors and peers
Why Choose Navigate School of Real Estate?
At Navigate, we’re more than just a school—we’re a launchpad for your career. Our instructors are working professionals who know what it takes to succeed in the North Carolina market. We offer:
- Personalized support and mentorship
- Modern online learning tools
- Real-world scenarios to prepare you beyond the exam
Whether you’re just starting your journey or already mid-process, following these steps will ensure you’re on track to become a licensed real estate professional in North Carolina. It’s a career path full of opportunity—and it all starts with taking that first step.
Ready to get started? Enroll in our next pre-licensing course and take the first step toward becoming a North Carolina real estate agent today.
