How to Get a North Carolina Real Estate License in 8 Easy Steps

Ready to start your journey toward a rewarding career with a North Carolina real estate license? Whether you dream of closing deals in the mountains or on the coast, you’re in the right place. Getting your real estate license in North Carolina is a whole lot easier than deciding between Eastern and Lexington BBQ. In just six easy steps, you’ll be on your way to becoming a licensed real estate pro, ready to help clients find their own little slice of Carolina heaven!

Quick Facts & Costs for North Carolina Licensees

Types of Licensees in North Carolina & How Much They Earn

• Provisional Broker (Salary Range: $35,000 to $50,000): A newly licensed agent who still needs to complete the required 30-hour post-licensing education. 
• Broker (Salary Range: $50,000 to $75,000): All agents in North Carolina who have completed the required 30-hour post-licensing education and are not on provisional status are called brokers.
• Broker-in-charge (Salary Range: $75,000 to $100,000+): A broker-in-charge supervises other brokers in the office and is responsible for overseeing transactions and legal compliance.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: How to Get a North Carolina Real Estate License

Since you’re reading this article, you’re probably looking for information on how to get your real estate license in NC. We’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps to help you confidently navigate the process. Here’s your step-by-step guide to getting your North Carolina real estate license and starting your new career.

Step 1: Meet North Carolina Real Estate License Requirements

To be eligible for a North Carolina real estate license, you need to:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a US citizen or have legal working status in the US
• Have a Social Security number
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Satisfy the commission that you possess good character

Step 2: Choose an NC Real Estate School for Prelicensing Education

• Cost: $500 to $1100
• Time commitment: 5 to 8 weeks
• Helpful resource: Best Real Estate Schools in North Carolina

Choosing the right North Carolina real estate school for your prelicensing course is the first step toward getting your real estate license. In your real estate prelicensing classes for NC, you’ll learn key topics like real estate laws, contracts, property management, and ethical practices to prepare for the exam. You’ll need to complete 75 hours of coursework, so picking a school that fits your schedule and learning style is key.

One popular option is Colibri Real Estate, known for its flexible online courses that allow you to learn at your own pace. With interactive resources and real-world examples, it’s perfect for busy schedules. Plus, it’s approved by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC), so you know you’re on the right track from the start!

Step 3: Apply for a North Carolina Real Estate License

• Cost: $100
• Time commitment: 30 to 60 minutes
• Helpful resource: Apply for an NC Real Estate License

Once you’ve completed your 75 hours of prelicensing education, it’s time to apply for your North Carolina real estate license officially! The process is pretty straightforward, and you can do it all online through the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) website. You’ll need to submit a few important items to get started.

• Proof of completion of 75-hour prelicensing education
• Apply for a criminal background check report
• Personal identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
• Social Security number or Tax ID number
• Any additional information related to criminal history or prior licensing (if applicable)

There’s a non-refundable application fee of $100. Payment can be made via credit or debit card, and the whole process is much quicker if you opt for the online application. Once you’ve submitted everything, the NCREC will process your application, and you’ll be one step closer to taking your exam!

Step 4: Pass a Background Check

• Cost: $15 to $90 per location
• Time commitment: 2 to 7 business days
• Helpful resource: NC Criminal Records Check FAQs

All applicants must submit a criminal background check for North Carolina real estate license eligibility. You will be asked to “Apply for a Background Check” during the application process. Here are the details:

• From the application portal, select “Apply for Background Check.”
• Additional fees will be added to your application.
• Once the report is complete, the reporting agency will email a copy to you for your personal records.
• An additional copy will be submitted to NCREC and attached to your application.
• Once this is completed, you can finalize your application.

Note: The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) does not require fingerprints as a part of the criminal background check at this time.

Step 5: Pass the North Carolina Real Estate License Exam

• Cost: $56
• Time commitment: 4 hours
• Helpful resource: 7 Hacks to Help You Ace Your Real Estate Exam and Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina Handbook

Test Format and Number of Questions	Multiple choice format and 120 total questions
Where to Register for Exam	PearsonVue
Items to Bring to Testing Center	One valid form of government-issued photo ID Test reservation confirmation number
Passing Grade	70%

If you pass the exam, congrats—you can move on to the next step! But if you don’t pass one or both sections, you’ll need to wait at least 10 days before trying again. Keep in mind, if you haven’t passed both sections within 180 days, you’ll have to start over, which means paying the $100 application fee and the $60 exam fee again. 

The good news is that if you don’t pass, you’ll receive a diagnostic report highlighting your strengths and areas that need improvement. This way, you can focus on studying the specific portion—whether it’s the national or state section—before retaking the exam.

Step 6: Join a Real Estate Brokerage

In North Carolina, every new agent is required to work under a broker-in-charge (BIC) before they can practice real estate. This is where you’ll get hands-on experience, mentorship, and support as you start your career. Take your time to research different brokerages to find one that aligns with your goals, offers good training programs, and has a positive reputation. Once you’ve found the right fit, your broker will help activate your license with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

Start looking for brokerages in the areas you’d like to work in to jump-start your new career and check out our Best Real Estate Company to Work For in 2024 guide to learn about some of the larger firms.

Step 7: Finalize Your North Carolina Real Estate License Application

Now that you’ve passed your North Carolina real estate exam, it’s time to wrap up your license application. Even though you submitted most of the required documents earlier, you’ll need to finalize everything with the NCREC. This involves the commission reviewing your character and qualifications to officially approve your license.

Once that’s done, you should receive your license certificate within ten days. But don’t get too comfortable yet—there’s one more step! Let’s look at what you’ll need to affiliate your license with a real estate brokerage. 

Step 8: Start a Successful Career in North Carolina

You’ve got your license, now it’s time to hit the ground running and build a thriving real estate career! Here are some tips to help you kick off your journey as a successful agent in North Carolina:

• Build a strong network: Networking with other agents, lenders, and industry professionals is super important. Attend local real estate events and connect with mentors who can guide you.
• Develop a marketing strategy: Utilize social media, create a professional website, and explore digital marketing tools to reach potential clients. 
• Stay educated: The market and laws are constantly changing. Keep learning by taking continuing education courses and staying updated with industry news. 
• Focus on building solid relationships: Providing excellent customer service is key to building long-term relationships and gaining referrals. 
• Manage your time wisely: Time management can make or break your success in real estate. Prioritize tasks and set daily goals to stay on top of your workload. 

These steps will set you on the path to success in your new career!

FAQs

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Back to You

Now that you know the steps to get your North Carolina real estate license, it’s time to take the leap! Whether you’re just starting out or transitioning into real estate from another career, the opportunities are endless. So, are you ready to begin your journey?

Share your own experiences—we’re here to help you every step of the way!