How to become a real estate agent in North Carolina
North Carolina real estate agents are licensed by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. Here is what it takes to work as a licensed real estate agent in North Carolina, from official sources checked November 4, 2026.
Who can become a real estate agent in North Carolina?
- At least 18 years old
- U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, qualified alien, or lawfully present and authorized to work in the U.S.
- Social Security Number
- Criminal record report from the Commission's approved vendor and a character review
North Carolina real estate agent license requirements
| Licensed by | North Carolina Real Estate Commission |
|---|---|
| License name | Broker (issued on provisional status as a Provisional Broker) |
| Education or training | 75-hour North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course with an end-of-course exam from a Commission-certified provider |
| Exam | Pearson administers a two-part exam with a National section (80 scored items) and a State section (60 scored items), scored separately. |
| Works under a broker | Yes. A provisional broker must be supervised by a Broker-in-Charge to be on active status. |
| License term | Annual; all licenses expire June 30 and are renewed May 15 to June 30 |
| Continuing education | 8 hours each license year (4-hour Update course plus a 4-hour elective) by June 10, starting with the first full license period; provisional brokers must also finish 90 hours of postlicensing (Post 301, 302, 303) within 18 months of licensure. |
| Reciprocity | Applicants with an equivalent license active within the past three years can waive the prelicensing course and National section, then either pass the State section or waive it and be licensed on provisional status. |
How much does it cost?
| License application | $105 |
|---|---|
| Pearson exam, both sections | $63 |
| Pearson exam, single section | $53 |
| Annual license renewal | $50 |
| Criminal history pre-determination petition (optional) | $45 |
Fees as listed by the state. Schools, courses, exam prep, insurance and equipment cost extra and vary by provider.
Steps to become a real estate agent in North Carolina
- Complete the 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course
- Order a criminal record report and apply online with the $105 fee
- Get the Notice of Examination Eligibility
- Schedule and pass both exam sections with Pearson
- Pass the Commission's character review and receive a provisional broker license
- Affiliate with a Broker-in-Charge to go active
- Complete the 90-hour postlicensing program within 18 months
Apply on the official North Carolina site
How do you check a real estate agent's license in North Carolina?
- Search the name or license number on the official North Carolina real estate agent license lookup.
- Check that the status is active and the name matches the person or company you're hiring.
- Ask how long they've been licensed and whether any complaints or discipline are on record.