North Carolina is a broker-only state: there is no salesperson license, and everyone enters the profession as a Provisional Broker under the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC). This guide covers the 75-hour Prelicensing course, the two-part exam, Postlicensing education, and renewal.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
Quick Overview
- Prelicensing75 Hours
- Application Fee$105
- RenewalAnnual (Jun 30)
- CE Needed8 Hours/Yr
Figures come from official sources and can change. Always confirm with the licensing authority before applying.
3 Steps to Licensure
- 1
Meet the requirements
Requirements for the North Carolina broker license typically 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 via a Criminal Record Check report under 6 months old, plus a character review.
- A passing score on both sections of the licensing exam.
- A completed application to NCREC with the fee.
Requirements can change. Always confirm current licensing rules with the official state licensing authority before applying.
- 2
Submit your application
The path to a North Carolina Provisional Broker license:
- Complete the 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course (live classroom only) within 3 years before applying.
- Obtain a criminal record check report (under 6 months old).
- Submit the application to NCREC with the $105 fee and pass the character review.
- Receive the Notice of Exam Eligibility and schedule the exam through PSI/AMP within the 180-day window.
- Pass both exam sections, then affiliate with a Broker-in-Charge to activate the license.
- Complete 90 hours of Postlicensing education within 18 months to remove provisional status.
Steps can change, so verify the current process with NCREC.
- 3
Pass the real estate exam
The North Carolina broker exam has 150 questions in 4 hours: 100 scored National questions, 40 scored State questions, and 10 unscored pretest questions. Passing requires at least 71 of 100 on the National section and 29 of 40 on the State section, with both sections passed within the same 180-day eligibility window. A failed attempt means a 10-day wait to retest. The exam is scheduled through PSI/AMP after NCREC issues your Notice of Exam Eligibility; note that some third-party sites incorrectly list a different vendor. Always confirm exam requirements with NCREC because formats and policies can change.
License Types
Provisional Broker
The entry-level North Carolina license; work under a Broker-in-Charge while completing 90 hours of Postlicensing.
- Entry-level status
- Supervised by a BIC
Broker / Broker-in-Charge
Full broker status after Postlicensing; a BIC supervises an office and its Provisional Brokers.
- Provisional status removed
- Can supervise an office (BIC)
Details
Experience
No prior work experience is required to become a Provisional Broker; the 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course is the entry requirement. The experience component comes later: removing provisional status requires completing three 30-hour Postlicensing courses (90 hours total) within 18 months of licensure, and becoming a Broker-in-Charge carries its own eligibility rules. Confirm current education rules with NCREC.
Details
Fees
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.
Details
Renewal
All North Carolina real estate licenses expire June 30 and renew annually (Rule 58A.0503). Continuing education is 8 hours per year (a 4-hour General Update or BIC Update course plus a 4-hour elective) completed between July 1 and June 10. Provisional Brokers must also finish the three 30-hour Postlicensing courses within 18 months of licensure. Missing CE or Postlicensing makes the license inactive even if the renewal fee was paid. Requirements can change; confirm current renewal rules with NCREC before your deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Why does North Carolina not have a real estate salesperson license?
North Carolina restructured its licensing into a broker-only system. The entry-level credential is the Provisional Broker license, confirmed on NCREC's own FAQ. A Provisional Broker works under a Broker-in-Charge until Postlicensing education removes the provisional status.
How hard is the North Carolina real estate exam?
The exam has 150 questions in 4 hours, and you must score at least 71 of 100 on the National section and 29 of 40 on the State section, both within the same 180-day eligibility window. If you fail, you wait 10 days to retest. Solid preparation on both national practice and NC license law is essential.
Can I transfer an out-of-state real estate license to North Carolina?
There is no formal reciprocity, but an out-of-state license that was active within the past 3 years can waive the Prelicensing course and the National exam section. The State section must still be passed. Confirm current waiver rules with NCREC.
What happens if I miss Postlicensing as a Provisional Broker?
Provisional Brokers must complete three 30-hour Postlicensing courses (90 hours) within 18 months of licensure. Missing Postlicensing, or annual CE, makes the license inactive even if the renewal fee was paid. Track both deadlines carefully and confirm the rules with NCREC.
