North Carolina Real Estate Exam Prep

Unlike most states, North Carolina does not issue a real estate salesperson license. Everyone enters the profession as a Provisional Broker, working under a Broker-in-Charge until the provisional status is removed through Postlicensing education. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) sets the licensing standards, and the exam is scheduled through PSI/AMP after you receive a Notice of Exam Eligibility.

Candidates first complete the 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course, then pass a two-part exam covering national real estate practice and North Carolina law. Because the broker-only structure differs from other states, study materials written for generic salesperson exams may not match the North Carolina exam outline. The sections below summarize the license types, exam format, and typical requirements.

North Carolina recognizes these real estate credential types:

• Provisional Broker (PB) - The entry-level status; must work under a Broker-in-Charge.
• Broker - Provisional status removed after completing Postlicensing education.
• Broker-in-Charge (BIC) - Supervises an office and its Provisional Brokers.
• Firm License - Required for any business entity engaging in brokerage.
• Limited Nonresident Commercial - For out-of-state brokers doing commercial work in North Carolina.

The North Carolina broker exam has 150 questions with a 4-hour time limit: 100 scored National questions, 40 scored State questions, and 10 unscored pretest questions. It is scheduled through PSI/AMP after NCREC issues your Notice of Exam Eligibility, and you have a 180-day eligibility window. Both sections must be passed within the same 180-day window.

To pass, you need at least 71 of 100 on the National section and at least 29 of 40 on the State section. If you fail, you must wait 10 days to retest, and both sections must be passed within the same 180-day eligibility window. Confirm the current requirements with NCREC before your exam date.

Typical requirements for the North Carolina broker exam include:

• Completion of the 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course (live classroom only, completed within 3 years before applying).
• Minimum age of 18.
• A background check with a criminal record report under 6 months old, plus a character review.
• A completed application submitted to NCREC with the application fee.

Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.

The NCREC application fee is $105 and annual renewal is $50, effective April 1, 2026 (previously $100 and $45). The exam registration fee has been $66; confirm the current amount in the RELINC booklet. A background check for NC-only history costs under about $30, and reinstatement is $90. Always confirm current fee amounts with NCREC before submitting payment.

A focused 4 to 6 week study plan works well for most candidates:

• Week 1-2: Review Real Estate Principles and Contracts and Agency alongside your 75-hour Prelicensing course materials.
• Week 3-4: Work through Real Estate Finance and North Carolina License Law, then take a full-length practice test.
• Week 5-6: Review every missed question, drill the State section separately, and simulate the 4-hour exam timing.

Practice topics on ExamsLib cover Real Estate Principles, Contracts and Agency, Real Estate Finance.