North Carolina State Required Pre-Licensing Hours: 12 hours 
Agent Real Estate Schools North Carolina Course Hours Offered: 12 hours 

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Step 1: Meet the state’s requirements as outlined on the North Carolina Real Estate Commission website. 

They include:  

  • You must be 18 years old and above 
  • You must have a Social Security Number (SSN) 
  • You must have a high school diploma or its equivalent 
  • You must have two years full-time real estate brokerage experience within the last five years. 

 

Step 2: Complete the Commission's 12-hour broker-in-charge course either within three years prior to designation or within 120 days following designation. Brokers will receive four hours of Continuing education elective credit for the 12-hour course. 

Step 3: Submit a "Broker-in-Charge Declaration" form (REC Form 2.04) 

Step 4: Register and pass the licensing exam. 

Step 5: You must pass a criminal background check. 

How Long Does It Take to Get a North Carolina Broker in Charge License?

It can vary from person to person depending how fast or slow you can complete the required 12 hours of pre-licensing courses. You must also pass your licensing examination as well as completing the application process, fingerprinting process, and the application processing times are also a factor.  

What Kind of Information Will I Learn to Help Me Get a Broker in Charge License in North Carolina?

All courses are approved by North Carolina Real Estate Commission and once you complete them you are eligible to sit for the North Carolina Licensing Exam.

You have to complete the 12-hour broker-in-charge course no earlier than one year prior to application and no later than 120 days after application.

The required courses within the 12 hours include: 

  • Brokerage Start-Up 
  • Trust Accounts Management 
  • Agency 101 
  • Non-Agency Relationships 
  • Property Representation 
  • Advertising 
  • Training and Supervision 
  • Ethics and Negotiation 
  • Financing 
  • Risk Managements 
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How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate Broker in Charge License in North Carolina? 

Becoming a broker in charge in North Carolina requires time and money but is very rewarding. An aspiring agent will spend up to $600. 
   
How these costs break down:  

  • Pre-licensing exam coursework can run up to $350.  
  • Exam fees run $64.  
  • License fees for an agent cost $100.  
  • Required fingerprints will cost $30.  

Real Estate License Reciprocity 

Currently, the state of North Carolina has reciprocity agreements in place with multiple states. 
 
These states include: 

  • Arkansas 
  • Connecticut 
  • Georgia 
  • Iowa 
  • Louisiana 
  • Mississippi 
  • Nebraska 
  • South Carolina 
  • Tennessee 
  • West Virginia 

 

If you hold a current real estate license in another jurisdiction that is equivalent to North Carolina’s full broker license and that has been on active status within the previous three years, you are required to: 

  • Submit an application  
  • Provide evidence of completing the criminal background check 
  • Provide certification(s) of licensure from your respective jurisdictions 
  • Submit proof of paying the application fee, 
  • Pass the State portion of the license examination,

 

You will be issued a full broker license and be subject to the post-licensing education requirement. 

How Do I Apply for The North Carolina Real Estate Broker Licensing Exam? 

The state licensing exam is administered by PSI at one of PSI’s testing centers. You can make your exam appointment online through PSI website or by phone at 800-733-9267.

Note: Fees paid to the NCREC do not include the exam fee. The exam fee must be paid separately to PSI. Commission determines applicant's eligibility for licensing exam. Once applicant is deemed qualified, Commission sends a "Notice of Examination Eligibility" which is good for 180 days. 

How Do I Submit My Fingerprints for The Background Check?

As an applicant for your broker in charge license, you are required to submit fingerprints and complete a background check. You must submit a criminal record report, which was generated within 6 months of filing your license application.   
 
A criminal record report must be obtained from CriminalRecordCheck.com. The cost of the report varies depending on the location. 

How Do I Take the North Carolina Broker in Charge Licensing Exam?

As of May 4th, 2021, North Carolina Real Estate license candidates will have the opportunity to take their licensing exams via remote testing. 

The North Carolina Real Estate Broker Exam is divided into two parts: 

  • Part 1: National Exam which consists of 80 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 120 minutes. You must answer at least 57 out of the 80 questions correctly to pass. 
  • Part 2: State Exam portion which consists of 40 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of 90 minutes. You must answer at least 29 out of 40 questions correctly to pass. 

 

You must successfully pass both portions of the exam within 180 days. If you do not pass both portions, you must reapply to take the exam and pass both portions within the subsequent 180-day exam eligibility period.

Broker licensing exams in North Carolina are administered by PSI exams at PSI but before registering, the commission must deem you eligible for licensing exam. Once applicant is deemed qualified, Commission sends a "Notice of Examination Eligibility" which is good for 180 days. 

How Do I Submit My North Carolina Broker in Charge License Application?

You must submit your application and fee and required documentation to state prior to attempting to schedule exam with testing provider. Once your application is processed, the Commission will email you a Notice of Exam Eligibility within 2-3 days. You can apply online at www.ncrec.gov/  

Can You Apply For North Carolina Broker in Charge License Online?

Yes, you can apply online at www.ncrec.gov/  

North Carolina Broker in Charge License Renewal

You are required to renew the North Carolina real estate license every year before June 30. It applies even if you just got your license in May or June.

You could renew it online at the NC Real Estate Commission website. The renewal fee is $45 

You need to complete the Broker-in-Charge Update course and one elective by June 10 each year. 

Does North Carolina Require Post-Licensing Education?

Brokers must complete all three post-licensing courses within 18 months of initial licensure to retain eligibility. You must also complete 90 hours of education and the final exams.

Note: Only licensed students may enroll in post licensing education courses. The required identifier (North Carolina Real Estate License) is needed to purchase these courses. 

Special Considerations

Obtaining Certificate of Course Completion: Upon completion of the course, you will be provided an electronic certificate of completion which can be found in the “my courses” tab in your student portal. Next to each completed course you will find an icon for the course completion certificate. 

You will be required to submit your certificate of completion with your license request, please refer to your license application to determine if this is necessary.

North Carolina Real Estate Commission 
1313 Navaho Drive 
Raleigh, NC 27609 
Phone: 919-876-3700 
Regulatory Affairs: 919-719-9180 
Website: https://www.ncrec.gov/

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