How to Become a Real Estate Agent in North Carolina

Becoming a real estate agent in North Carolina is a rewarding way to build a career in one of the Southeast’s most dynamic housing markets. From the fast-growing suburbs of Charlotte to the coastal charm of Wilmington and the vibrant culture of cities like Raleigh, Durham, and Asheville, North Carolina offers endless opportunities for motivated professionals ready to dive into real estate.

Whether you’re starting a new career or making a professional pivot, earning your real estate license in North Carolina is a clear and achievable process. To get started, you’ll need to meet state education and testing requirements, submit an application, and activate your license. Here’s a quick overview of the steps:

• Be at least 18 years old and meet the basic eligibility requirements
• Complete a 75-hour state-approved prelicensing course
• Pass the North Carolina real estate licensing exam
• Submit a license application and background check
• Find a sponsoring broker-in-charge to activate your license
• Complete post-licensing education within your first 18 months

Table of Contents

• Steps to Get Your North Carolina Real Estate License
• North Carolina Post-Licensing Requirements
• North Carolina Continuing Education Requirements
• How to Renew Your North Carolina Real Estate License
• Does North Carolina Have Real Estate License Reciprocity?

Steps to Get Your North Carolina Real Estate License

Launching your real estate career in North Carolina starts with a structured licensing process designed to equip you with the knowledge and credentials needed to succeed. From fulfilling educational requirements to passing the state exam and securing a sponsoring broker, each step moves you closer to becoming a licensed real estate agent in North Carolina.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before enrolling in coursework or applying for your license, you must meet the North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s (NCREC) basic qualifications. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national, or a qualified alien under federal law
• Have a social security number
• Pass a background check

Step 2: Complete the 75-Hour Prelicensing Course

Next, you must complete a 75-hour state-approved prelicensing course that covers real estate principles, agency relationships, contracts, and North Carolina real estate law. Kaplan offers both live online classes and pre-recorded prelicensing course options, giving you the flexibility to complete your education on a schedule that works best for you.

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Step 3: Submit Your Criminal Background Check

As part of the application process, you’ll need to obtain a Criminal Record Check through a state-approved vendor. This step ensures compliance with the NCREC’s character requirements and should be completed before submitting your license application.

Step 4: Apply for Your Real Estate License

After finishing your prelicensing course and passing the course final exam, you’ll need to submit an official license application to the NCREC. Applications are available online at ncrec.gov. 

Step 5: Schedule Your Licensing Exam

Once your application is approved, you'll receive a Notice of Exam Eligibility. You can then schedule your licensing exam through PSI, the state’s testing provider, either online at psionline.com or by calling 855-579-4638.

Step 6: Pass the North Carolina Real Estate Exam

The licensing exam consists of both national and state-specific sections and is administered electronically at authorized testing centers. You’ll receive your results immediately after completing the exam. Kaplan offers exam prep tools and practice tests to help you feel confident on test day.

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Step 7: Activate Your License with a Broker-in-Charge

After passing the exam, you’ll be issued a provisional broker license. To begin working as a real estate agent in North Carolina, you must affiliate with a licensed broker-in-charge who will supervise your work and guide your professional development.

North Carolina Post-Licensing Requirements

Once you’ve earned your provisional broker license in North Carolina, your next step is to complete the state’s required post-licensing education to maintain your active status. These courses are essential for advancing your knowledge and transitioning from a provisional to a full broker license. 

As of July 1, 2020, all newly licensed provisional brokers in North Carolina must complete 90 hours of post-licensing education within 18 months of initial licensure. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the loss of license eligibility. 

The 90-hour requirement is divided into three 30-hour courses:

• Post 301: Broker Relationships & Responsibilities
• Post 302: Contracts & Closing
• Post 303: NC Law, Rules & Legal Concepts

Each course includes a final exam and must be completed through an NCREC-approved education provider. Only licensed brokers are eligible to enroll in post-licensing courses, and you’ll need your North Carolina real estate license number to register. 

By completing these courses on time, you’ll not only stay compliant with state requirements but also build a solid foundation for long-term success in North Carolina’s competitive real estate market. 

North Carolina Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain an active real estate license in North Carolina, all real estate agents complete 8 hours of continuing education (CE) each year during the annual license period. This ongoing education ensures that real estate professionals stay up to date with current laws, regulations, and best practices in the industry.

The 8-hour requirement includes:

• 4 hours of a required update course: Take the General Update Course if you’re a regular broker or take the Broker-in-Charge Course if you’re a designated broker-in-charge
• 4 hours of an elective course approved by the NCREC

These courses must be completed by June 10th each year to avoid license inactivity. Staying compliant with North Carolina’s CE requirements not only keeps your license active–it also helps you sharpen your skills, stay informed about regulatory changes, and remain competitive in the real estate industry.

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How to Renew Your North Carolina Real Estate License

Renewing your North Carolina real estate license is a key part of staying active and compliant as a licensed real estate agent. Whether you’re renewing for the first time or continuing your career long-term, it’s important to understand the process and deadlines set by the NCREC.

First-Time License Renewal

Your first license renewal takes place by June 30th of the first full license year following initial licensure. Even if your license is issued late in the license year, renewal is still required. To be eligible to renew, you must:

• Submit the $45 renewal fee via the NCREC online portal between May 15 and June 30
• Complete 8 hours of CE before June 10 (unless exempt)

Note: If your license was issued on or after July 1, you’re not required to complete CE for your first renewal, but you must still renew your license and pay the renewal fee.

Subsequent Renewals

For all renewals after your first year, the process remains the same:

• Renew annually between May 15 and June 30 through the NCREC website
• Pay the $45 renewal fee
• Complete 8 hours of CE each license year, including: 4 hours of the required Update Course (General Update or Broker-in-Charge Update) and 4 hours of a Commission-approved elective course

Failing to renew by June 30 will result in an inactive license status, which means you cannot legally practice real estate until all requirements are met and the license is reactivated.

Does North Carolina Have Real Estate License Reciprocity?

While North Carolina does not have formal reciprocity agreements with other states, it does offer a streamlined process for out-of-state real estate licensees to earn their North Carolina real estate license. If you’re licensed and in good standing in another state, you may be able to bypass certain requirements and quickly transition into the North Carolina market.

How Reciprocity Works in North Carolina

Out-of-state real estate agents with an active license may be eligible to:

• Skip the 75-hour North Carolina prelicensing course
• Take only the state-specific portion of the North Carolina licensing exam
• Submit a license application and criminal background check to the NCREC

To qualify, you’ll need to provide a certification of licensure from your current state and meet North Carolina’s character and background requirements. Once approved, you can take the state portion of the licensing exam through PSI, the official testing provider. Keep in mind that even after receiving your North Carolina license, you’ll still need to meet all post-licensing and CE requirements to remain active and compliant.