How to Become a Real Estate Agent in North Carolina: A Step-by-Step Licensing Guide for 2025
Starting a career in real estate in North Carolina is an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking professional independence, financial growth, and a role in helping clients buy or sell property. In North Carolina, all real estate agents are licensed as brokers, and new licensees begin as Provisional Brokers.
This guide outlines the step-by-step process to obtain your North Carolina real estate broker license in 2025, in compliance with regulations from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC).
Step 1: Meet North Carolina Real Estate License Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for your real estate license, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria established by the NCREC:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien
- Possess a valid Social Security Number (SSN)
- Pass a criminal background check
- Satisfy all education requirements set by the Commission
Step 2: Complete the 79-Hour North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course
To qualify for licensure, you must complete a 79-hour Broker Prelicensing Course from a Commission-certified education provider.
Course Requirements:
- Covers North Carolina real estate law, brokerage practices, agency relationships, and contract law
- Must be taken in person or via synchronous online learning
The 79-hour requirement is strictly enforced by the NCREC to ensure brokers have the foundational knowledge to practice real estate lawfully and ethically in the state.
Step 3: Submit License Application and Schedule the North Carolina Real Estate Exam
Once your pre-licensing education is complete, take the following steps:
- Submit your license application via the NCREC Online Services Portal
- Pay the $100 application fee
- Order a criminal record report from a Commission-approved vendor (valid for 6 months)
- Receive your Notice of Exam Eligibility from the NCREC
- Schedule your exam through PSI Testing Services
- PSI is the official exam administrator for the North Carolina real estate exam and offers both in-person and online testing options.
Step 4: Pass the North Carolina Real Estate License Exam
The North Carolina Real Estate License Exam consists of two separate sections:
- National Portion: 80 questions
- North Carolina State Portion: 40 questions
You must achieve a score of at least 75% on each section to pass.
Proctored Exam Details:
- Final exams must be proctored by a disinterested third party
- Exams are completed in a single sitting with a 3.5-hour time limit
- Online proctoring options are available through approved services
Step 5: Affiliate with a North Carolina Broker-in-Charge (BIC)
To engage in real estate transactions, you must be supervised by a licensed Broker-in-Charge (BIC).
A BIC is responsible for overseeing your professional activities and ensuring compliance with North Carolina real estate law. Choosing the right sponsoring broker is critical for support, mentorship, and long-term career success.
Step 6: Receive Your North Carolina Broker License
After successfully passing the PSI exam and meeting all application requirements, the NCREC will issue your Provisional Broker License.
This license allows you to legally practice real estate under the supervision of a BIC but requires additional post-licensing education to remove the provisional status.
Step 7: Complete 90 Hours of Post-Licensing Education
To convert from a Provisional Broker to a Full Broker, you must complete 90 hours of post-licensing education within 18 months of licensure.
The post-license coursework includes three 30-hour courses:
- Broker Relationships & Responsibilities
- Contracts & Closing Transactions
- License Law, Commission Rules & Legal Concepts
These courses must be completed through an NCREC-approved real estate school. Failure to meet this deadline can lead to license status issues or ineligibility to practice.
Start Your Real Estate Career in North Carolina
Now that you understand the process of becoming a licensed real estate broker in North Carolina, it’s time to begin. Start by selecting a Commission-certified education provider, prepare for the exam with study resources, and choose a Broker-In-Charge who supports your professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Most candidates complete the process in 3 to 6 months, depending on how quickly they complete the 79-hour pre-license course, pass the PSI exam, and affiliate with a Broker-in-Charge.
Here’s a breakdown of estimated costs:
• Pre-licensing course: $400–$700
• License application fee: $100
• PSI exam fee: $56
• Background check: $20–$50
• Post-licensing courses: $250–$500
Estimated total investment: $800–$1,500
Yes, the North Carolina real estate exam is considered challenging—especially the state-specific portion. Many applicants use exam prep courses, practice tests, and flashcards to improve their chances of passing on the first attempt.
Earnings depend on experience, market conditions, and effort. Based on current data from Indeed:
• Entry-level agents: $40,000–$60,000 annually
• Mid-level agents: $70,000–$100,000
• Top agents: $150,000+
Since real estate income is commission-based, actual earnings vary by sales volume and market area.