North Carolina Real Estate Licenses
Looking to obtain a North Carolina real estate license? This guide provides a detailed overview of the necessary steps and real estate continuing education requirements.
It’s suitable for everyone in the state, with special attention to resources in Charlotte (NC) and other major cities.
We highlight the best real estate classes and online courses, offering you the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in North Carolina’s real estate market.
Don't Become a Realtor If...
If you’re seriously interested in getting your real estate license, here are some great additional resources:
Requirements
To become a real estate agent in North Carolina, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Like all US states, North Carolina allows out-of-state applicants, so you do not need to reside there to become licensed as a real estate agent.
Pre-Licensing Education
Complete 75 hours of pre-license education through courses approved by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC). These courses include:
- Salesperson Pre-License Course (75 hours)
Examination
North Carolina Real Estate Exam Details
Exam Structure
- Total Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
- National Portion: 80 questions
- State-Specific Portion: 40 questions
- Time Limit: 4 hours total
- Passing Score: 75% on each section
Registration and Fees
- Exam Fee: $56, payable when scheduling the exam.
- Registration: After completing your pre-licensing education, submit your initial application via the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) website. Once approved, register for the exam through PSI Services.
Identification Documents
- Candidates must bring two forms of identification on exam day, including a government-issued photo ID with a signature (e.g., driver’s license or passport).
Exam Difficulty and Passing Rates
The North Carolina Real Estate Exam is considered moderately challenging, with a passing rate of approximately 60-70%. Thorough preparation for both the national and state-specific sections is recommended.
Required Forms and Documents
- Pre-License Education Certificate
- Proof of completing the required 75 hours of pre-license education from an approved provider.
- Initial License Application
- Submit your initial license application through the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) website after completing your pre-licensing education.
- Exam Authorization
- Once your application is approved, you will receive authorization to register for the exam with PSI.
- Application Fee
- The application fee is $100, payable when you submit your license application.
Background Check
- Fingerprinting
- Approved Vendor: You must submit fingerprints as part of a state and federal background check. The approved vendor for North Carolina is typically IdentoGO.
- Cost: The fee is around $38 for the fingerprint processing.
- Submission: The fingerprint results will be sent directly to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- Processing
- The North Carolina Real Estate Commission will review the background check results before issuing your license.
Application
After passing the exam and completing the background check, submit your license application to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- Application Fee: $100
Post-Licensing Education
Total Hours Required: 90 hours of post-licensing education within 18 months of obtaining their license.
Course Breakdown:
- Broker Relationships and Responsibilities: 30 hours
- Contracts and Closings: 30 hours
- Selected Topics: 30 hours
Application Fee
- There is no separate post-licensing application fee. However, you must renew your license each year, which incurs a renewal fee of $45.
Continuing Education
After completing the post-licensing requirements, all real estate brokers in North Carolina must complete 8 hours of continuing education annually. This includes:
- General Update Course: 4 hours
- Elective Course: 4 hours
By following these steps, candidates can successfully obtain and maintain a real estate license in North Carolina. For more details, visit the North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s website.
North Carolina Real Estate Education Options
Online Options
North Carolina offers a variety of top-notch online real estate education options, with a variety of reputable schools providing comprehensive digital courses to help you earn your real estate license.
Aceable Agent stands out as a premier choice in North Carolina, boasting impressive pass rates, excellent customer reviews, and high-quality course materials that make it a standout option for aspiring real estate agents.
Residents of North Carolina are fortunate to have access to Aceable Agent’s courses, which are offered in select states, including North Carolina.
Although Aceable Agent isn’t available nationwide, its curriculum remains exceptional wherever it’s offered. Be sure to take advantage of the exclusive 10% discount we’ve secured for you below.
If you’re exploring other options, we’ve also arranged special discounts for additional programs. The CE Shop is a reliable, budget-friendly alternative, and when you combine our 30% discount with their 20% military discount, you can save even more.
Ultimately, while all of these courses are reasonably priced, we highly recommend Aceable Agent for the best balance of value and success. If their pricing is a bit higher than expected, it might be worth investing a little extra to ensure you’re getting the best foundation for your real estate career.
1. Aceable Agent – Best Overall Course
Aceable Agent is the best choice for real estate education in North Carolina, offering a mobile-first platform and engaging content.
Pros
- Mobile-first platform: Study anywhere, anytime.
- Interactive content: Engaging quizzes, videos, and real-world scenarios.
- High pass rates: Proven success in preparing students for licensing exams.
Cons
- Slightly higher pricing: More expensive without discounts, but worth it.
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2. The CE Shop – Best Budget Course
The CE Shop is the most affordable option for real estate education in North Carolina, providing a solid self-paced curriculum.
Pros
- Most affordable: The 30% discount makes it the cheapest option.
- Self-paced: Flexibility for students to study at their own speed.
Cons
- Mixed reviews: Some students report engagement issues and customer service problems.
- No live instruction: Entirely self-paced learning.
Get 30% off with Discount Code “INBOUNDREM” using our CE Shop discount link.
3. Kaplan Real Estate
Kaplan Real Estate offers a structured learning experience for North Carolina students, with live online and self-paced formats.
Pros
- Multiple formats: Offers live online classes and self-paced options.
- Experienced instructors: Known for delivering high-quality education.
Cons
- Higher cost: More expensive than budget options, but justified for quality.
Get 10% off with our Kaplan Real Estate discount link.
4. Colibri Real Estate
Colibri Real Estate provides flexible learning formats, including self-paced courses and live webinars, suitable for North Carolina students.
Pros
- Flexible formats: Self-paced and live webinars available.
- Pass guarantee: Refund if you don’t pass the state exam.
Cons
- Additional costs: Study resources may increase the total price.
Up to 15% off with our Colibri Real Estate discount link.
In-Person Options by Major Cities
Charlotte:
- Superior School of Real Estate: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education courses.
- Central Piedmont Community College: Provides in-person real estate courses, including pre-licensing education.
Raleigh:
- J.Y. Monk Real Estate School: Offers in-person pre-licensing and continuing education classes.
- Wake Technical Community College: Provides in-person real estate education.
Greensboro:
- Triad Real Estate School: Offers a variety of in-person educational courses for pre-licensing and continuing education.
Reciprocity
Full Reciprocity
North Carolina offers full reciprocity with the following states:
- Arkansas
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Louisiana
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
If you hold an active real estate license in one of these states, you can apply for a North Carolina real estate license without additional education or examination requirements. You must submit an application and pass a background check.
Partial Reciprocity
North Carolina offers partial reciprocity with other states. If you hold an active real estate license in another state, you may qualify for a waiver of some of the pre-licensing education requirements.
You will still need to pass the North Carolina state-specific portion of the real estate exam and fulfill other state-specific requirements.
For detailed information and required forms, visit the North Carolina Real Estate Commission Reciprocity Information.
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Broker's License
To become a real estate broker in North Carolina, you must:
- Have at least two years of active real estate salesperson experience within the last five years
- Complete 90 hours of broker pre-license education
- Pass the North Carolina Real Estate Broker Examination
- Submit a broker license application to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission
Criminal Record
The North Carolina Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis.
If you have a felony or other serious criminal conviction, you may still apply for a real estate license, but the Commission will consider the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation.
Crimes involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude are particularly scrutinized. It’s recommended to contact the North Carolina Real Estate Commission directly to discuss your specific circumstances and determine your eligibility.
Cost Breakdown
Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Total | $956 – $1,664 |
Pre-License Education | $400 – $700 |
Exam Fee | $56 |
Background Check | $50 – $100 |
Application Fee | $100 |
Post-Licensing Education | $300 – $500 |
Continuing Education | $50 – $200 per cycle |
Resources and Contacts
- North Carolina Real Estate Commission:
- Street Address: 1313 Navaho Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609
- Mailing Address: P.O. Box 17100, Raleigh, NC 27619-7100
- Telephone: (919) 875-3700
- Fax: (919) 877-4216
- Contact NC Real Estate Commission
- License Renewal Website
- License Lookup Website
- CE Information
- Post Licensing Information
- PSI Examination Services: (800) 733-9267
Document Checklist
- Proof of age (ID, birth certificate)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Completion certificates for 75 hours of pre-license courses
- Exam pass notification from PSI
- Fingerprint submission and background check confirmation
- Completed application form for the North Carolina Real Estate Commission
- Payment for application fee
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Real Estate Agent in North Carolina
- Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you are at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, and have a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
- Complete Pre-License Education: Enroll in and complete 75 hours of pre-license courses approved by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- Schedule and Pass the Examination: Register for the North Carolina Real Estate Salesperson Examination through PSI. Study for and pass the exam, ensuring you achieve a minimum score of 75% on both the national and state-specific portions. Pay the exam fee of $64.
- Submit to a Background Check: Arrange for fingerprinting and a criminal background check through a North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation-approved vendor. Ensure all required documentation is submitted to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- Submit Your Application: Complete and submit the real estate license application to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, including the application fee of $100.
- Find a Sponsoring Broker: To activate your license, find a licensed North Carolina real estate broker to work under. This is required for both temporary and permanent licensure.
- Complete Post-Licensing Education: Within the first three years of obtaining your license, complete 90 hours of post-licensing education, divided into three 30-hour courses.
- Begin Your Real Estate Career: Once your license is issued, start your career as a licensed real estate agent in North Carolina.
- Complete Continuing Education: Every year, complete 8 hours of continuing education, including mandatory and elective courses, to maintain and renew your license.
North Carolina Real Estate Agent Salary
In North Carolina, real estate agents earn an average salary of $71,235 per year, with typical earnings ranging from $30,000 to $140,000.
The median salary is around $68,000, reflecting a relatively even income distribution.
Top agents, particularly in growing cities like Charlotte and Raleigh, can earn upwards of $160,000 annually.
North Carolina’s expanding economy and diverse real estate market provide numerous opportunities for agents.
The state’s moderate cost of living enhances the value of these earnings, making it an attractive market for real estate professionals.
FAQs
Can I become a real estate agent in North Carolina if I have a felony?
The North Carolina Real Estate Commission reviews applications from individuals with a criminal record on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies, particularly those involving fraud or moral turpitude, may disqualify you. Contact the Commission for specific inquiries.
How long does it take to become a real estate agent in North Carolina?
It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the pre-license education, pass the exam, and obtain your license.
What is the cost to become a real estate agent in North Carolina?
The total estimated cost ranges from $964 to $1,664, including education, exam fees, background checks, and application fees.
Does North Carolina have reciprocity with other states?
North Carolina has full reciprocity with several states and partial reciprocity with others. You may need to pass the North Carolina state-specific portion of the real estate exam and meet other requirements.
Summary
Becoming a real estate agent in North Carolina involves meeting educational requirements, passing an exam, undergoing a background check, and completing post-license and continuing education.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided resources, you can successfully start and maintain your real estate career in North Carolina.
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We have an agreement with The CE Shop to promote online course information to consumers and real estate licensees. We are not the developer of these courses and is simply providing a referral. All education is provided by The CE Shop and any questions regarding course content or course technology should be directed to The CE Shop.
