Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina

Alamance

Alexander

Alleghany

Anson

Ashe

Beaufort

Bertie

Bladen

Burke

Cabarrus

Caldwell

Caswell

Catawba

Chatham

Clay

Cleveland

Columbus

Craven

Cumberland

Dare

Davidson

Davie

Duplin

Durham

Edgecombe

Franklin

Gaston

Gates

Graham

Granville

Greene

Halifax

Harnett

Henderson

Hoke

Hyde

Iredell

Jackson

Johnston

Jones

Lenoir

Lincoln

McDowell

Macon

Madison

Martin

Mitchell

Moore

Nash

Northampton

Onslow

Orange

Pamlico

Pender

Person

Pitt

Polk

Robeson

Rowan

Rutherford

Sampson

Scotland

Stanly

Stokes

Surry

Swain

Transylvania

Tyrrell

Union

Vance

Wake

Warren

Washington

Watauga

Wayne

Wilkes

Wilson

Yadkin

Yancey

PKY

Asheville

Asheboro

Greensboro

Durham

Charlotte

Raleigh

Washington

Jacksonville

Wilmington

Fayetteville

New Bern

Rocky Mount

Winston-Salem

Haywood

Buncombe

Avery

Pasquotank

Perquimans

Currituck

Camden

Chowan

Randolph

Montgomery

Mecklenburg

Rockingham

Lee

Richmond

Forsyth

Guilford

Carteret

Hertford

Brunswick

Cherokee

Real Estate

Licensing in

North Carolina

Published by the North Carolina

Real Estate Commission

March 2024

This booklet contains:

• Information on the Licensing Process and License

Qualications

• Instructions for Filing an Application

• License Examination Information

Scan the code below to access the

Commission website from your

mobile devices.

3,000 copies of this public document were printed at a cost of $ 1.74 per copy.

2000, 1998, 1997, 1996,1995, 1994, 1993,1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983

North Carolina Real Estate Commission

1313 Navaho Drive, P.O. Box 17100

Raleigh, North Carolina 27619-7100

Phone 919/875-3700

USING THIS BOOKLET

North Carolina’s License Application Process and Qualication Requirements

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission licenses individuals and business entities as real estate brokers.

This booklet is designed to guide all prospective applicants for individual real estate broker licenses through

the license application process. If you are interested in applying for an individual real estate broker

license, you should read this booklet carefully and follow all instructions precisely. Use the detailed

Contents page to locate specic information you need.

To request a rm license for a business entity (e.g., LLC, corporation, or partnership), complete and submit

Firm Application (form REC 1.72). The electronic application is also accessible on the Commission’s

website, (www.ncrec.gov) under Forms\ Application Forms.

To request a Limited Nonresident Commercial Broker License, complete and submit a Nonresident

Commercial License Application. The application form and instructions for this license are provided on the

Commission’s website (www.ncrec.gov) under Forms\ Application Forms.

The License Examination

Pages 15-29 contain essential information for all persons required to take the license examination. General

information is provided about the examination composition, fee, and scheduling plus rules and procedures

pertaining to the actual taking of the examination.

New Licensee Information

Information about license issuance and activation, Postlicensing education, Continuing Education, and

license renewal begins on page 29.

License Reinstatement

Information about license reinstatement is on page 31.

North Carolina Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules

The North Carolina Real Estate License Law and Commission Rules, also includes License Law and Rules

Comments may be found on the Commission’s website, www.ncrec.gov.

Contents Page

Use the Contents page to nd information on specic topics.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................3

LICENSE CATEGORIES & STATUS LEVELS ....................................................4

LICENSE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS .................................................6

Education Requirement ..........................................................................................6

Education Qualication Options ............................................................................6

APPLICATION PROCESS .......................................................................................8

Overview ................................................................................................................8

Timeframe for Obtaining a License .......................................................................9

The Online Application Form ................................................................................9

Instructions for Selected Application Items .........................................................10

CONSIDERATION OF APPLICANT’S CHARACTER .....................................12

Requirement to Demonstrate Good Character .....................................................12

Criminal Record Report Requirement ..................................................................12

What is a “Character Issue”? ................................................................................13

Procedures for Applicants with Character Issues .................................................14

Requirement to Update Application Information .................................................14

Petition for Pre-Determination .............................................................................15

THE LICENSE EXAMINATION ..........................................................................15

Examination Sections ...........................................................................................15

Examination Item Formats ...................................................................................16

Examination Content Outline ...............................................................................17

Number and Value of Items ..................................................................................18

Helpful Hints ........................................................................................................18

APPLYING FOR AND SCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION............................19

Obtaining a Notice of Exam Eligibility ................................................................19

180-Day Examination Eligibility Period ..............................................................19

Examination Fee to Pearson VUE ........................................................................19

Making an Examination Appointment with Pearson VUE ..................................20

On-line Scheduling via Pearson VUE Website.....................................................20

Pearson VUE Test Center Policies .......................................................................25

Rescheduling a Scheduled Examination with Pearson VUE ...............................26

Special Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities .................................26

Test Center Arrival and Check-in Procedures ......................................................26

Required Identication and Signature ..................................................................26

Examination Security ...........................................................................................27

Taking the Examination .......................................................................................27

License Issuance for Passing Applicants ..............................................................28

Applicants Who Must Rele a License Application with the Commission .........28

OTHER EXAMINATION INFORMATION ........................................................28

Forfeiture of Fees .................................................................................................28

Excused Absences ................................................................................................28

Inclement Weather, Power Failure, or Emergency ...............................................29

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 20242

LICENSEE INFORMATION .................................................................................29

Issuance of Licenses .............................................................................................29

Initial Licenses Are Inactive Provisional Broker Licenses ..................................29

Activation of Initial Inactive Provisional Broker License ...................................29

Requirement for Active Status and Notice of Changes in Employment/Address.......30

License Renewal ..................................................................................................30

Postlicensing Education for Provisional Brokers .................................................30

Postlicensing Education Waiver Based on Equivalent Education/Experience.....30

Postlicensing Education vs. Continuing Education ..............................................31

License Reinstatement..........................................................................................31

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 3

INTRODUCTION

he North Carolina Real Estate Commission has prepared this publication for the purpose of providing

information to interested persons regarding the requirements and procedures for obtaining a North

Carolina real estate license. Although every eort has been made to consolidate into this single publication

basic information concerning the major areas of interest to prospective real estate licensees, some questions

may be left unanswered. Therefore, persons who desire more detailed information are advised to contact the

Education and Licensing Division at the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.

WHO IS REQUIRED TO HAVE A REAL ESTATE LICENSE IN NORTH CAROLINA?

In general, any person or business entity who transacts real estate brokerage business (including time share

transactions) for compensation as an agent for others must rst obtain a real estate license issued by the

North Carolina Real Estate Commission, even those actively licensed in other states or jurisdictions. The

Real Estate Commission, an independent government agency of the State of North Carolina, is responsible

for licensing and regulating all real estate brokers in this state. Operating as a real estate broker in North

Carolina (NC) without the proper license is a criminal oense. The types of real estate licenses issued in

NC are discussed below. For more information concerning NC real estate licenses and the laws and rules

governing real estate brokerage practice in North Carolina, visit the Commission’s website at www.ncrec.

gov.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 20244

LICENSE CATEGORIES / STATUS LEVELS

Following are the categories and status levels of real estate broker licenses in North Carolina.

Broker License (For Individuals):

Provisional Broker Status:

This is the entry-level license status for an individual broker license. Upon satisfying all the license

qualication requirements (including passing the license examination) most license applicants are initially

issued an inactive broker license on provisional status and are called Provisional Brokers or PBs. A

Provisional Broker must be under the supervision of a Broker-in-Charge to be on active status and legally

provide brokerage services. To remove provisional status, a Provisional Broker must complete the 90-hour

NC Postlicensing education program within 18 months of the date of initial licensure. (See Commission

Rule 58A .1902 info on page 30.).

Broker Status:

This is the primary license status for a broker license. One generally becomes a broker by rst becoming a

Provisional Broker and then satisfying the Postlicensing education requirements to remove the provisional

status of the license. A non-provisional or “full” broker can engage in brokerage EITHER as an aliated

broker of a Broker-in-Charge (BIC) of a real estate brokerage company (rm or sole proprietorship) OR

independently as a sole proprietor or an entity. An independent broker-sole proprietor must be a Broker-in-

Charge to lawfully engage in most brokerage activities.

BIC Eligible Status:

This status is granted to a broker who has…

• satised the BIC Eligible qualication requirements noted in Commission Rule 58A .0110(e);

• submitted a Request for BIC Eligible Status and/or BIC Designation form (REC 2.25); and

• successfully completed the Commission’s 12-hour Broker-in-Charge Course within one year prior to or

within 120 days after submitting form REC 2.25.

Broker-in-Charge Designation:

A broker with BIC Eligible status may be designated as a Broker-in-Charge (BIC). Most real estate rms

or sole proprietorships must have a BIC for each oce. A BIC is responsible for:

(1) assuring that all brokers aliated with the BIC at that oce are maintaining current, active licenses

and up-to-date information in Commission records;

(2) notifying the Commission of company name or address changes;

(3) advertising by or in the name of the company at that oce;

(4) maintaining any company trust/escrow account(s);

(5) retaining all transactional records;

(6) supervising aliated Provisional Brokers;

(7) ensuring that all aliated brokers adhere to agency agreement and disclosure requirements; and

(8) notifying the Commission in writing that they are no longer serving as BIC of a particular oce

within 10 days following any such change.

[Visit the Commission’s website (www.ncrec.gov) for more information on Broker-in-Charge requirements

and responsibilities.]

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 5

Firm License (for Entities):

This license is issued to a legally established business entity that is authorized by the NC Secretary of State

to conduct business in North Carolina, such as a corporation, limited liability company, limited partnership,

general partnership, association, or joint business venture. To obtain a rm license, the entity will need one

of the owners/managers/ocers to hold an active NC broker license and serve as the Qualifying Broker

(QB). Responsibilities of the QB are noted in Commission Rule 58A .0502(g). The Firm Application

(Form REC 1.72) includes instructions for this license and is also accessible under Forms\Application

Forms on the Commission’s website (www.ncrec.gov).

Limited Nonresident Commercial License (for Individuals):

A limited nonresident commercial broker license (LNCL) is a license issued to a person who:

• does NOT live or have any home, business, or delivery address in North Carolina (NC);

• has an active real estate broker or salesperson license in another state;

• wants to enter NC to engage in a commercial transaction as an aliated agent of their out-of-state

brokerage company; and

• must enter into a Declaration of Aliation and a Brokerage Cooperation Agreement with a resident NC

broker who will be responsible for supervising the nonresident.

This restricted license permits the nonresident to enter NC to engage only in “commercial real estate

transactions” as dened in Commission Rule 58A .1802(1).

If the LNCL broker obtains any home, business, or delivery address in North Carolina, the individual must

apply for and obtain an unrestricted NC broker license in order to engage in brokerage within NC. The

Nonresident Commercial License application (Form REC 1.78) includes instructions and is also accessible

on the Commission’s website (www.ncrec. gov) under Forms\ Application Forms.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 20246

LICENSE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To qualify for an individual real estate broker license, an applicant must:

1) Be at least 18 years of age;

2) Be a United States citizen, a non-citizen national or a qualied alien under federal law, or have a

lawful presence in the U.S. and be authorized to work in the U.S. in the real estate brokerage eld. [Note: A

holder of a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”) is a “qualied alien.” Work authorization in the

U.S. for most other aliens (including DACA) requires a U.S. immigration visa (rather than a visitor visa) and/

or an Employment Authorization Document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service that permits

work in the real estate brokerage eld.];

3) Have a Social Security Number;

4) Satisfy one of the Education Qualication Options listed below;

5) File a complete application with $100 application fee;

6) Pass the two-part real estate license examination (Exceptions: Persons eligible to bypass the license

examination, or to take only the State section of the examination under qualication option #4 below,

and some license reinstatement applicants); and

7) Satisfy the Commission that the applicant possesses the requisite character for licensure.

Education Requirement

License applicants must successfully complete the North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course containing at least

75 instructional hours with a mandatory end-of-course examination provided by a Commission-certied Education

Provider. An applicant may also apply based on education and/or real estate brokerage experience that the Commission

nds equivalent to such a course [see Options 2-4 below].

Education Qualication Options

Shown below are four (4) options for satisfying the education requirement. Option 1 is the requirement

to successfully complete the North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course, which will be the required

qualication method for a vast majority of license applicants. Options 2-4 are options for demonstrating

“equivalent real estate education and/or experience.”

NOTE: Passing the real estate license examination is required for most applicants. Applicants applying under

Education Qualications Options 1-3 below must pass both the National and State sections of the North Carolina real

estate license examination. Applicants qualifying under Education Qualication Option 4 may choose to take only the

State section of the NC real estate license examination or to bypass the examination.

• OPTION 1: COMPLETION OF THE NORTH CAROLINA BROKER PRELICENSING

COURSE, containing at least 75 instructional hours and an end-of-course examination

An applicant (resident or nonresident) may qualify to take the North Carolina real estate license

examination by successfully completing, within three (3) years prior to license application, a

Commission-approved North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course. This course is only provided by

Commission-certied Education Providers authorized to oer a Prelicensing course.

Required Documentation

Commission-certied Education Providers will electronically report all successful completions of the

North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course automatically to the Commission to be paired with online

license applications.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 7

• OPTION 2: COMPLETION IN ANOTHER STATE OF AN EQUIVALENT REAL ESTATE

SALESPERSON PRELICENSING COURSE

An applicant may seek a waiver of the North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course based on

completion of equivalent salesperson prelicensing education in another state.

Per Commission Rule 58A .0304, to qualify for such a waiver, the completed prelicensing

education in the other state MUST:

1) have consisted of at least 75 hours of instruction [no partial credit granted];

2) have been completed within one (1) year prior to North Carolina license application and while the

applicant was a resident of the other state; and

3) be parallel to the topics and timings described in the Commission’s Prelicensing course syllabus.

Required Documentation

A course completion certicate or transcript evidencing the successful completion of a prelicensing

education program that meets the requirements stated in Rule 58A .0304.

• OPTION 3: BACCALUREATE OR HIGHER DEGREE FROM ACCREDITED INSTITUTION

Per Commission Rule 58A .0304, an applicant can qualify for a waiver of the North Carolina Broker

Prelicensing Course, if the applicant has a baccalaureate or higher degree in the eld of real estate,

real estate brokerage, real estate nance, real estate development, or a law degree conferred on the

applicant from any college or university accredited by a college accrediting body recognized by the

U. S. Department of Education.

Required Documentation

A transcript and copy of the degree evidencing the successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher

degree that meets the requirements stated in Commission Rule 58A .0304.

• OPTION 4: CURRENT LICENSURE AS A REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON OR BROKER IN

ANOTHER STATE

Applicants applying under this option are not required to pass the North Carolina Broker Prelicensing

Course or retake the National section of the license examination.

An applicant who holds a current (unexpired) real estate license in another state (or U.S. territory or

Canadian jurisdiction) that has been on active status sometime within the previous three (3) years may:

Either A

1) Submit an application with fee, including current criminal record report and ocial certication(s)

of licensure from the other jurisdiction(s),

2) pass the State section of the NC license examination, and

3) be issued a North Carolina real estate license equivalent to the license held in the qualifying state

(assuming NC requisite character requirements are met). IF the NC license issued is on provisional

status, the new PB will be subject to the NC Postlicensing education requirement;

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 20248

Or B

*NOTE: Any new NC licensee who applied for an NC license based on current licensure in another jurisdiction AND

who opted out of the NC State section of the license examination is NOT eligible for any waiver of NC Postlicensing

education per Commission Rule 58A .1905. Information about Postlicensing requirements is located on page 30.

Required Documentation

An ocial Certication of Licensure is required from the licensing agency in the state or jurisdiction

in which the applicant is currently licensed. The certication must have been issued within the six (6)

months immediately preceding the NC application and must indicate the license (and status) history and

any disciplinary action taken or complaints pending against the applicant. We will not accept a copy of the

applicant’s real estate license certicate, pocket identication card, or screenshots of a regulatory agency

website. Proof of education is not required.

NOTE: In order for an applicant to qualify for NC licensure based on Option 4, the certication of licensure from

that state’s licensing agency must show that the applicant still holds the license in the other jurisdiction at the time of

application to NC, and that if the license in the other jurisdiction is now on inactive status, it was on active status at

some point within the three (3) year period prior to application to NC. See Commission Rule 58A .0511.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Overview

• Successfully complete the North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course or one of the other Education

Qualication Options.

• Submit a complete license application, including appropriate nonrefundable fee and all required

documentation.

• Your application is processed by Commission sta.

• If you do not qualify for licensure based on one of the four (4) education qualication options

previously discussed, your application will be canceled and returned to you.

• If your application is incomplete, the application will be returned to you for proper completion.

• Note that the application fee is nonrefundable. Commission rules provide that once an application

has been processed by the Commission, the application fee may not be refunded, so review your

information carefully before submission.

• Unless you are exempt from the license examination requirement based on Education Qualication

Option 4, a Notice of Exam Eligibility will be emailed to you within 5-7 days after application receipt.

NOTE: Add “[email protected]” as a safe e-mail address in your anti-spam lter in order

to receive the Notice.

• You contact the testing service to pay the examination fee and to schedule an appointment to take the

license examination.

• When you PASS required sections of the NC license examination (or if you are exempt from the license

examination requirement based on Education Qualication Option 4):

1) Submit a license application with fee, including criminal record report and ocial certication(s) of

licensure from the other jurisdiction(s),

2) waive taking the State section of the NC license examination, and

3) be issued a North Carolina broker license on Provisional Broker status (assuming requisite character

requirements are met) and be subject to the Postlicensing education* requirement, regardless of their

license level in the qualifying state.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 9

• If there are no issues relating to character, your NC license will be promptly issued. NCREC will send a

notication e-mail containing your new license number, and you should receive your frameable license

certicate in the mail within 7-10 business days after your last examination date.

• If there is an issue relating to character, your application will be reviewed by Commission sta and may

be referred to the Commission for further consideration. This process may become quite lengthy. (See

Consideration of Applicant’s Character.)

If you FAIL one or both sections of the license examination, you may reschedule and retake the necessary

examination sections (as described under The License Examination).

NOTE: The $100 license application fee paid to the Commission PLUS the separate examination fee paid to

Pearson VUE will be collected each time an applicant takes one or both sections of the license examination.

Timeframe for Obtaining a License

If a qualied applicant les a complete application, schedules and takes the examination promptly after

receiving Notice of Exam Eligibility, passes the examination on the rst attempt, and has no character issues,

the entire application-examination-licensing process may be completed in as little as ten (10) business days.

The process may be slowed by many factors, such as ling an incomplete application or not passing the

required examination section(s) on the rst attempt. However, the main factor that slows the process is the

character review process. (See Consideration of Applicant’s Character.)

Watch this video, Overview of the Licensing Process.

The Online Application Form

ALL persons applying for a broker license, including those applying by examination, based on licensure in

another jurisdiction, or for reinstatement of an expired license, must apply online. The online application,

Application for Real Estate License, is available through the Commission’s website (www.ncrec.gov).

General information regarding the application is provided below, along with special instructions for each

item. You may begin to complete (but not submit) the application prior to completion of the North Carolina

Broker Prelicensing Course.

To access the online application system:

Scroll to the bottom of the Commission’s homepage (www.ncrec.gov) and click on “Apply Here”. Please

take time to view the video, Real Estate Licensing Requirements, before starting your application. To begin

a new online application:

1. Click on “Create a Login.” The New Applicant Registration Information will appear.

2. Enter your FULL rst, middle, and last names. Do not use punctuation. Do not enter nicknames or

initials in any eld. [See instructions regarding “Full Legal Name” on page 10.]

3. Click on the drop-down list to select a sux (if applicable).

4. Enter your street address. Do not use punctuation.

5. Enter your City and State. Do not use punctuation.

6. Enter you 9-digit zip code. A link to the US Postal Service (USPS) website will enable you to locate

your 9-digit zip code. Without this information, the online application system will not allow you to

submit your application. You must enter your address exactly as provided by the USPS.

7. Enter your Social Security Number. Do not enter dashes.

8. Enter your E-mail Address (twice).

9. Click on “Next”

10. You will be prompted to create a Password. Be sure to make a note of your password for future use.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202410

NOTE: Once you complete the New Applicant Registration Process, you are considered ocially registered in the

system. You may exit the application and return to it at any time, until you enter your payment and submit the application

to the Commission for review. Your application USER NAME will be your e-mail address. Be sure to make a note of

which e-mail you use.

When you login to the online application, you may choose to “Apply for background check” and to access

the “Application.”

• Selecting “Apply for background check” will enable you to place an order for the required criminal

record report. Additional fees will apply. When the criminal record report is complete, the reporting

agency will e-mail a copy to you for your personal records and will link the completed background

report electronically to your online broker application that the Real Estate Commission can access once

you submit your license application.

• Selecting “Application” will take you to the comprehensive application. Instructions for specic items

are provided below.

The online application program will not allow you to enter credit card payment and nalize your application until

1. you have completed the North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course by passing the end-of-exam,

2. the Education Provider has electronically reported your successful completion of the Course, and

3. you have obtained a criminal record report as described on page 12.

Once you enter your payment for the license application fee, the application will enter the normal and

customary Commission sta review process and you will no longer be able to access it.

NOTE: The credit card information will not be accepted if there are INCOMPLETE application elds, or if your

course completion has not been reported by your Education Provider, or if you have not obtained your criminal record

report. If you receive an error message indicating that your credit card cannot be accepted, you should rst review

all application elds to be sure that all elds have been properly and accurately completed. Remember to “save” all

updates in order to properly update your application.

Special Notes:

•

Be sure to “SAVE” updates each time you change any information; there is no auto save.

•

NO punctuation marks (including commas, single and double quotation marks, hyphens, etc.) are accepted.

If you have a hyphenated last name, enter both names in the last name blank leaving a space between the

two names and omitting the hyphen.

Instructions for Selected Application Items

• 4 Certications 1) Conrmation of reading this entire mandatory booklet, Real Estate Licensing in

North Carolina (RELINC). It addresses most issues that cause delay for license candidates. 2) Verify

understanding of Rule 58A.0302(b) about maintaining accurate application information. 3) Verify

understanding the eect of an incomplete application. 4) Statement about involvement in an Employee

Misclassication investigation.

• Full Legal Name. Enter your true legal name, including your FULL rst and middle names. Your legal

name is the name you were given at birth or subsequently acquired through marriage, court order, or

adoption, and should be the name that appears on your Social Security card. Include any sux (Jr,

III, etc.) in the applicable space. If you have no middle name, enter “None”. If you have a double last

name, enter both of your last names in the last name space with a space between the names; do not use

a hyphen. Do not enter a nickname or an initial in any space.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 11

• Mailing & Street Address. Enter your full address, including the 9-digit zip code. Use the “Find

Zip+4” button to verify your full address with 9-digit zip code via US Postal Service.

• Social Security Number & Date of Birth. Providing your Social Security Number is MANDATORY,

not optional. The Commission is required by law to collect your Social Security Number but also to

protect the number from public access and improper disclosure. Your Social Security Number is not

“public information” and may only be disclosed as authorized by law. Additionally, the Commission

requires each Education Provider to collect the last four digits of each student’s Social Security Number

no later than the completion date of the student’s prelicensing course.

• Contact Info. Continue to keep this information accurate since it is the only way NCREC and the

examination service provider will communicate with you.

• First-time Exam Takers. If you have never previously taken the North Carolina real estate license

examination and this will be your rst time taking the examination, mark, “Yes.” If you have taken the

North Carolina real estate license examination before, are applying for license reinstatement, or you are

not required to pass the examination, mark “No.”

• Basis for Qualifying. If you are applying to take the examination based on the completion of the

North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course, enter the Education Provider code, instructor code, and

prelicensing course completion date using information found on your course completion certicate. If

you are applying to take the examination based on any other option, carefully follow the instructions

for your selected option.

• License History. Indicate whether you have ever held a real estate license in NC or elsewhere. If you

have, you must provide that license information per the additional directions.

• Places of Residence. List all places you have lived during the past seven (7) years, beginning with your current

address and working backwards in time. This history should also include residences used if attending schools

away from your “home” residence during the past 7 years. Do not leave any gaps in the history. The online

application system will not allow you to submit your application if there are gaps in your residence history.

• Employment History. Describe all employment during the past three (3) years, including self-

employment or work as an independent contractor. List present employment rst and work backwards

in time. Indicate “None” for any period you were not employed. Do not leave any gaps in the history.

If there are any gaps in your employment history within the past three (3) years, the online application

system will not allow you to submit your application.

• Military Service. “Yes” for either veteran or active duty.

• Criminal Oenses, Professional License Disciplinary Actions, and Liens or Unpaid Judgments.

These three (3) questions relate to matters that may aect the Commission’s determination as to

whether you possess the requisite “Character” for licensure. It is extremely important that you honestly

answer these questions and provide the required explanations and documentation. Failure to disclose a

matter relating to your character is a separate character issue that may be considered in addition to the

underlying oense or issue. Failure to answer or provide all required information will result in your

application being returned or an application processing delay.

NOTE: If you check “Yes” to any of the “Character” questions, you must provide additional information. Be sure to

provide a detailed account of the actions that led to each specic criminal oense (including military court-martial),

professional license disciplinary action, lien, or unpaid judgment. In the online application, a drop down box will

provide space to type any necessary explanations. You may also attach additional documents.

• Another application led within past 6 months. If “Yes,” your previous criminal record report (CRR)

may still be valid. If “No,” a new CRR needs to accompany this application.

• Signature. By signing the application, you are certifying that all information provided in connection

with your application is accurate and complete. Any omission, inaccuracy, or failure to make full

disclosure in the application may be deemed sucient reason to deny permission to take an examination,

to deny license issuance, or to revoke a license after issuance. In the online application, you may submit

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202412

an electronic signature by checking the box “I certify that I am the person shown above, and all the

information is correct…” By submitting an electronic signature, you are agreeing to all of the terms

outlined in the paragraph next to the box where you will place a “check.” Please carefully read this

information prior to submitting an electronic signature.

• Application Fee. Once you have completed the entire application, you must pay the $100.00 application

fee and electronically submit the application to the Commission. The online application system will

ONLY accept credit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and AMEX).

CONSIDERATION OF APPLICANT’S CHARACTER

Requirement to Demonstrate Good Character

Every applicant for a real estate license has the burden of satisfying the Commission that the applicant possesses

the honesty, truthfulness, integrity, good moral character, and general tness, including mental and emotional

tness, necessary to protect the public interest and promote public condence in the real estate brokerage business.

To enable the Commission to render its decision regarding an applicant’s character expeditiously, the applicant

should submit with the application all information relating to criminal oenses (including serious trac oenses),

professional licensure disciplinary actions, and liens/unpaid judgments. Full disclosure and explanation of

every problem relating to these matters is expected and highly recommended! Nondisclosure of such information

will only increase an applicant’s burden of proving truthfulness, honesty, and integrity.

Criminal Record Report Requirement

Every applicant, including those seeking to reinstate an expired, revoked, or surrendered license, must

obtain and submit a criminal record report with the application. In connection with your application, you

must order a criminal record report from the agency listed below and pay the agency for the report. Only

a report prepared by the agency within six (6) months prior to ling your license application will be

acceptable to the Commission.

CriminalRecordCheck.com (CRC)

Website: https://ncreccheck.com

E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone (toll free): 877-272-0266

Telephone (direct): 919-459-2651

There may be substantial costs for criminal record reports for persons who have resided in multiple states

or outside the United States within the previous seven (7) years and / or for persons who have used multiple

names. Such persons may want to be certain they have successfully completed the North Carolina Broker

Prelicensing Course prior to ordering a criminal record report. Once a criminal record report has been

ordered and the fee has been paid, there is no refund of the criminal record report fee, even if the person

who ordered the report does not pass the prelicensing course.

The criminal record report must include the results from a search of criminal records in the state and/

or county of each dierent place where you have lived during the seven (7) years prior to application, as

well as a search of each dierent name you have ever used. Please note that if you have resided outside of

the United States for any period of time during the previous seven (7) years, the background report must

also include a search of criminal records for the particular country or countries where you resided. CRC’s

report will show all felony and misdemeanor convictions (including most trac convictions) on record

for an applicant, not just those that occurred in the previous seven (7) years. CRC is authorized by the

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 13

Commission to collect from you all personal information necessary to conduct record searches and to

charge a separate fee for (1) collecting and verifying personal data, (2) each state or county record searched

and (3) each additional name for which a search is conducted. Thus, the cost of obtaining the criminal

record report will vary depending on the number of dierent places you have resided during the past seven

(7) years and the number of dierent names you have used.

NOTE: The cost of a criminal record search in some other states (notably New York) may be substantial.

A criminal record report involving only a search of North Carolina records will typically be provided within

2-4 business days after placing the order. Most reports involving a search of out-of-state records will be

provided in 5-7 business days. Searches of records in a few states will require more time. Most criminal

record reports involving a search of records outside of the United States take 2-3 weeks to obtain. However,

there are at least two countries (Canada and Australia) that may take a considerably longer time.

CRC will attach the completed criminal record report electronically to your online NCREC broker license

application and will also provide a copy to you via e-mail. An applicant must wait for receipt of the

completed criminal record report before the nished license application can be submitted.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The criminal record report must also include a federal background check and a check of

military records involving court-martial.

What is a “Character Issue”?

Any person who has a criminal record report showing a criminal conviction (including any serious trac oense,

especially DWI) or who answers (or should have answered) “Yes” to any one of questions on the license application

relating to criminal oenses, professional licensure disciplinary actions, and liens/unpaid judgments is considered

to have a “character issue.” It should be noted that the Commission may also consider any other information that

is pertinent to an applicant’s character.

Each application with a character issue or issues will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

If the character issue is a criminal conviction, the law requires the Commission to specically consider the

following factors:

1. The level and seriousness of the crime;

2. The date of the crime;

3. The age of the person at the time of the crime;

4. The circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime, if known;

5. The nexus between the criminal conduct and the prospective duties of the applicant as a licensee;

6. The prison, jail, probation, parole, rehabilitation, and employment records of the applicant since the

date the crime was committed;

6a. The completion of, or active participation in, rehabilitative drug or alcohol treatment;

6b. A Certicate of Relief granted pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 15A-173.2;

7. The subsequent commission of a crime by the applicant; and

8. Any adavits or other written documents, including character references.

The applicant should submit any information relating to the above factors that the applicant would like to

be considered with the application.

Procedures for Applicants with Character Issues

Consideration of an application involving any character issue takes place after the applicant has passed the

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202414

license examination or otherwise satised all license qualication requirements other than that of demonstrating

good character. At that point, an application involving a character issue is evaluated by the Commission’s

Executive Director and License Application Analyst and, if necessary, the Commission itself at the next monthly

Commission meeting after the applicant passes the examination. The applicant is then notied in writing of the

Commission’s decision.

An applicant who has a character issue in connection with the license application should allow the Commission

45 days after passing the license examination to complete its evaluation before inquiring about the status of the

application. In evaluating an applicant who has a character issue, the Commission considers all information that may

come to its attention regarding the applicant’s character and reputation. An inquiry may be made by the Commission

to obtain additional information about matters relating to an applicant’s character. This may include further search of

criminal and civil records and/or a credit report. The Commission also may request additional information from the

applicant.

At any point during the process of considering an applicant’s character issues that the Commission determines the

applicant possesses the requisite good character, the applicant’s license will be promptly issued. If the Commission

determines that an applicant has not armatively demonstrated that the applicant possesses the requisite truthfulness,

honesty and integrity for licensure, then action will be deferred on the application. The applicant will be advised

of their right to request a formal hearing before the Commission on this matter and that failure to request such a

hearing within 60 days will constitute a waiver of the right to a hearing and will result in the application being

denied. In some instances, the applicant may be oered the opportunity for an informal conference with a delegation

of Commission members and sta to discuss the character issues in question before a determination is made by

the Commission. Also, in instances where an applicant has a pending criminal charge or other pending matter that

relates to the applicant’s character, the Commission may be unable to process the application until the pending

matter is resolved.

If the applicant exercises their right to a formal hearing before the Commission on the issue of character, further

information regarding the hearing process, the applicant’s rights, and appeal procedures can be found in Chapter

150B, Article 3A of the North Carolina General Statues.

Applicant Checked through National Real Estate License Disciplinary Database

Information on all applicants, including those seeking license reinstatement, will be submitted to a national

real estate license disciplinary action data bank operated by the Association of Real Estate License Law

Ocials to determine if the applicants have had (1) a real estate license revoked or suspended in another

state or have been otherwise disciplined in another state; (2) a criminal conviction or civil injunction

imposed for engaging in real estate activity without the required license; or (3) a real estate license denied

due to matters relating to character.

Requirement to Update Application Information

An applicant is required to notify the Commission of any changes to information provided in connection

with an application for a North Carolina real estate license prior to license issuance.

Petition for Pre-Determination

An individual with a criminal history may order a criminal record report, pay the $45 petition fee, and

petition the Commission for a predetermination of whether the individual’s criminal history will likely

disqualify the individual from obtaining a real estate license. This petition can be made at any time,

including before taking the North Carolina Broker Prelicensing Course. More information on this Petition

for Pre-Determination is provided on the Commission’s website (www.ncrec.gov) under Licensing.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 15

THE LICENSE EXAMINATION

General Information

To qualify for a North Carolina real estate license, an applicant must pass the North Carolina Real Estate Broker

License Examination. Since North Carolina is a “broker only” license state, there is only one license examination;

it is an entry-level examination designed to determine minimal competency to practice real estate brokerage. The

few license applicants who are not required to pass the license examination are those applying for the limited

nonresident commercial license, some applicants for license reinstatement, and some applicants who are licensed

in other jurisdictions.

Examination Services Provider

The Real Estate Commission contracts with the professional testing service Pearson VUE for examination

services that include scheduling applicants for examination and administering the examination.

Examination Sections

The examination consists of separate National and State sections. The National section is developed and provided

by Pearson VUE. Some version of the National entry-level real estate license examination is administered in all states

where Pearson VUE administers the real estate license examinations. The State section of the license examination is

developed by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission and administered for the Commission by Pearson VUE

to only North Carolina license applicants.

Comprehensive License Examination

Most applicants must initially take the comprehensive license examination consisting of both the National

and State sections. The two sections will be separately timed and scored and the applicant’s examination

results will be reported separately for the National and State sections. An applicant may NOT choose to

take only one section of the examination during a scheduled appointment if the applicant must pass both

sections for license eligibility.

NOTE: Each license application submission and application for fee payment are valid for only one attempt at the

license examination.

Retaking the Comprehensive Examination

An applicant who fails both the National and State sections of the comprehensive examination must continue

to take the 2-part comprehensive examination on any subsequent attempt until such time as the applicant

passes at least one of the National or State sections. Please note that the $100 application fee PLUS the $60

examination fee will be collected each time an applicant must take both sections of the license examination.

Retaking Only One Examination Section

Once an applicant has passed one of the two (2) examination sections, the applicant may apply to take

only the remaining unpassed exam section. Please note that the $100 application fee PLUS the $50 single

section exam fee will be collected each time a candidate must take once section of the exam. Both exam

sections must be passed during the same 180-day examination eligibility period. (See Applying for and

Scheduling an Examination.) If an applicant only passes one examination section prior to the end of the

180-day examination eligibility period, then the applicant loses the benet of having passed one section,

must reapply to take the comprehensive examination, and pass both sections during the subsequent 180-day

exam eligibility period to be eligible to receive a NC real estate broker license.

NOTE: Applicants licensed in other jurisdictions who are only required to pass the State section of the examination

have an average pass rate that is less than 50%. Without serious preparation for this examination, rst attempt or

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202416

subsequent attempts have a high probability of failure. Although not required, attendance in a North Carolina Broker

Prelicensing Course or participation in a quality exam prep program oered by a certied NC Education Provider is

highly recommended.

Examination Item Formats

All items on the license examination are multiple-choice format that requires the applicant to choose the

correct or best answer from the answer options provided.

(Basic Four-Choice Format:) This standard multiple-choice format involves a question or incomplete

statement that is followed by four (4) possible answer options. Examples 1-3 below illustrate this format.

Example 1

The primary body of law governing the relationship between a seller of real estate and the broker with

whom the seller lists the property is known as the:

A. Statute of Frauds

B. Law of Conveyance

C. Statute of Limitations

D. Law of Agency (Answer: D)

Example 2

A broker with LMN Realty listed an owner’s property at $150,000 and the property was subsequently sold

by a Provisional Broker with XYZ Realty for $140,000. If the total brokerage commission was 5% of the

sale price and was to be divided equally between the two rms, and if the selling agent’s share was 60% of

their rm’s share, how much did the Provisional Broker earn on the sale?

A. $1,400

B. $2,100

C. $3,500

D. $4,200 (Answer: B)

Example 3

All of the following are associated with the cost approach to estimating the value of an improved property

EXCEPT

A. Replacement Cost

B. Depreciation

C. Net Operating Cost

D. Lot Value (Answer: C)

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 17

Examination Content Outline

Shown below is the content outline for both sections of the North Carolina real estate license examination.

The content outline shows both the topics to be tested and the number of items by major subject area.

The topics for both sections are based on a comprehensive job analysis of real estate brokerage practice

and have been determined by subject matter experts to constitute the body of knowledge that minimally

competent entry-level real estate licensees should possess.

For a detailed explanation of subtopics covered in each section, review the Broker Prelicensing Course

Syllabus on the Commission’s website. (www.ncrec.gov)

Examination Format

Pearson VUE utilizes a separate large question bank for each of the National and the State exam sections.

The items for each exam section are drawn randomly according to a formula for that exam section, so that

each administration of the exam is unique. The exam formula insures that the topics tested are consistent

and each administration is of equal diculty.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202418

Number and Value of Items

Scored Items: The Comprehensive Examination includes 140 scored items. There are 80 scored items on

the National section and 60 scored items on the State section. All scored items have equal value.

Pretest Items: In addition to the 140 scored items on the Comprehensive Examination, each exam section

will also include 5 pretest items. Pretest items do not count in the computing of a candidate’s score.

Including these unscored, experimental items is an essential step in developing future examinations. Pretest items

are new test items that are included to gather performance data in order that Pearson VUE and the Commission

in determining, if the new items are appropriate for use as scored items on future examinations. Results of pretest

items will be reported only to Pearson VUE and the Commission. Pretest items will appear randomly in the

exam, and candidates will not be able to distinguish pretest items from the scored items.

Passing Score

The passing score for each of the two sections of the license examination is 75 and is computed separately

for each exam section. Be aware that all sections of the examination required for licensure eligibility must

be passed within the same 180-day Examination Eligibility Period. Credit for any exam section passed in a

previous Exam Eligibility Period will be forfeited when that period expires.

View this video for a quick overview of the Basic Info about the NC License Examination

Helpful Hints

Take time at the start of the examination to view the exam tutorial; it does not count as part of the exam

time. The tutorial will help you best use the exam software to navigate smoothly through the exam. Pace

yourself. Read each item very carefully, but do not spend too much time on any one item.

If you are stumped by a particular item, mark it for later review and continue with your examination; then

return to your marked “problem items” after you have answered the other items. The exam tutorial will

show you how to quickly nd your marked items. If uncertain as to the correct answer, make an educated

guess; an unanswered item will be automatically scored as incorrect.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 19

APPLYING FOR AND SCHEDULING AN EXAMINATION

As described in the Application Process section, a license applicant must rst le an online application with

the North Carolina Real Estate Commission and be found qualied to take the license examination before

contacting Pearson VUE to schedule an exam appointment.

Obtaining a Notice of Exam Eligibility

If the Commission determines that you meet the examination qualication requirements, you will be issued

a Notice of Exam Eligibility valid for 180 calendar days from the date it is issued. Your examination

eligibility date range will be prominently indicated on the Notice.

Your Notice of Exam Eligibility will be emailed to you within 2-3 days after application receipt and

acceptance. [In order to receive the Notice by email, please add “[email protected]” as a safe

email address in your anti-spam lter.]

You should wait one business day following receipt of your electronic Notice of Exam Eligibility before

contacting Pearson VUE to schedule your examination. The wait is necessary to allow Pearson VUE to

upload your eligibility record from the Commission. (See Making an Examination Appointment with Pearson

VUE.) Walk-in testing is not available.

If you fail the National, State, or both sections of the exam, you will reapply to the Commission and be

issued another Notice of Examination Eligibility which will show your updated expiration date for exam

eligibility. You can then schedule another examination within the initial 180-day timeframe if there are at

least 10 eligibility days after your last test date.

180-Day Examination Eligibility Period

As noted, your Notice of Exam Eligibility is valid for 180 calendar days after initial issuance and the

eligibility date range will appear on the Notice. You should schedule and take your examination promptly

after receiving your Notice of Exam Eligibility.

NOTE: Commission rules do not allow the 180-day exam eligibility period to be extended for any reason.

The 180-day exam eligibility period is intended to accommodate applicant preferences in scheduling

examinations and allow for emergencies that may arise. If you wait until the 180-day period is nearly over

to schedule your examination, Pearson VUE may not be able to schedule you on a date and at a test location

that is convenient for you. If your initial 180-day exam eligibility period expires before you successfully

pass all the exam sections you are required to pass for license eligibility, you will have to rele a license

application (with new criminal record report and application fee) in order to obtain a new 180-day exam

eligibility period prior to scheduling another examination. (See Applicants Who Must Rele an Application

with the Commission.)

Examination Fee to Pearson VUE

EACH time an applicant takes EITHER the 2-part Comprehensive License Examination OR a single National

or State section, a separate examination fee is required in addition to the $100 license application

fee paid with the license application to the Commission. The Pearson VUE exam fee for the 2-part

comprehensive exam is $60; and the fee for a single exam section is $50.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202420

NOTE: The examination fee is payable directly to Pearson VUE when the applicant contacts Pearson VUE to schedule

the examination. Do NOT submit the examination fee to the Real Estate Commission.

Examination fee payment is due to Pearson VUE at the time of scheduling. Payment may be made by credit

card (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express), cashier’s check or money order made payable

to Pearson VUE. Examination registration fees are not refundable or transferrable and expire at the end of

your 180-day examination eligibility period.

Making an Examination Appointment with Pearson VUE

There are two ways to schedule your examination.

Online Scheduling

Candidates may schedule via the Internet 24 hours a day at https://pearsonvue.com/nc/realestate

Telephone Scheduling

Candidates may call 800-745-2627. Pearson VUE registrars are available Monday through Friday between

8 a.m. and 11 p.m., Saturday between 8 a.m., and 5 p.m., and Sunday between 10 a.m., and 4 p.m., Eastern

Time.

Pearson VUE testing center locations can be found by clicking “Find a Test Center” on the right navigation

menu at www.pearsonvue.com/nc/realestate. You may use whichever test center you prefer.

NOTE: A NC license candidate can also schedule and take the NC license examination in any state where Pearson

VUE has a physical testing center. No walk in testing is allowed.

In almost all cases, you will be able to take an examination at the test center of your choice within seven

(7) calendar days of contacting Pearson VUE unless you request a later appointment or have previously

taken the exam. When you schedule your examination appointment, be prepared to conrm a location and a

preferred date and time for testing. When you call or go online to schedule your examination appointment,

you will be notied of the time to report to the test center, and if you provide an e-mail address, you will

be sent an e-mail conrmation notice. If you experience diculty scheduling the license examination, rst

reach out to the Pearson VUE Customer Help Desk. Your second recourse is to e-mail the details of your

challenge to the attention of the NCREC Education and Examination Ocer at [email protected].

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 21

On-line Scheduling via Pearson VUE Website

Step 1: Select the Web Link in the Eligibility Email received from Pearson VUE.

Step 2: Verify Demographic Information and complete Web Account Set up

Step 3: Agree to Privacy Policy

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202422

Step 4: Create Login Details

Step 5: Once on your Dashboard, select NC License Exam

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 23

Step 6: Select a Test Center Location

Step 7: Select a Date at Your Preferred Test Center

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202424

“While the locations of 10 Pearson VUE-owned sites and military bases are reliable, partner locations may

be added or deleted at any time. Candidate can rely on the test sites oered on Pearson VUE’s scheduling

website.”

Step 8: Select Your Exam Start Time

Step 9: Complete Exam Registration

View this video for a quick review of Scheduling an Exam with Pearson VUE

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 25

PEARSON VUE TEST CENTER POLICIES

The following policies are observed at each test center. Candidates who violate any of these policies will not

be permitted to nish the examination and will be dismissed from the test center, forfeiting the examination

fee.

• No personal items are allowed in the testing room. Personal items include, but are not limited to,

cellular phones, hand-held computers or other electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses,

rearms or other weapons, hats, bags, coats, books, notes, pens, or pencils.

• You will be asked to empty your pockets for the purpose of allowing the proctor to verify that nothing

is in them. If you have hair that covers your ears, you may be asked to show your ears for the purpose

of allowing the proctor to verify that no electronic devices are present. The proctor may also ask you to

roll up your sleeves to verify that you have no writings on your arms. Before you enter the testing room,

you will be asked to pat yourself down (for example: arms, legs, waistline) to show there is nothing

hidden on your body.

• Calculators are not required; however, they are recommended. Acceptable calculators include hand-

held, battery, or solar-powered nancial calculators used in real estate, nance, accounting, and business.

The acceptable nancial calculator may have storage capabilities but must not contain alpha characters.

Alpha characters are considered to be ABC, DEF similar to a cell phone. Exceptions are mathematical

symbols such as “cos” or “sin.” Calculator malfunctions are not grounds for challenging examination

results or requesting additional examination time. NOTE: Calculators are NOT provided by the test

center sta.

• Candidates must store all personal items in a secure area as indicated by the administrator, or return

items to their vehicles. All electronic devices must be turned o before storing them in a locker. The test

center is not responsible for lost, stolen, or misplaced personal items.

• Studying is not allowed in the test center. Visitors, children, family, or friends are not allowed in the

test center.

• Dictionaries, books, papers (including scratch paper), and reference materials are not permitted in the

examination room and candidates are strongly urged not to bring such materials to the test center. When

the candidate enters and is seated in the testing room, the test administrator will provide the candidate

with materials to make notes and any other items specied by the exam sponsor. The candidate may not

write on these items before the exam begins or remove these items from the testing room.

• Eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking, and/or making noise that creates a disturbance for other

candidates is prohibited during the exam.

• NCREC allows unscheduled breaks. To request an unscheduled break, the candidate must raise their

hand to get the administrator’s attention. The exam clock will not stop while the candidate is taking a

break.

• Candidates must leave the testing room for all breaks. However, candidates are not permitted to leave

the oor or building for any reason during this time, unless specied by the administrator and the exam

sponsor. If a candidate is discovered to have left the oor or building, they will not be permitted to

proceed with the examination and may forfeit the exam fees.

• While taking a break, candidates are permitted to access personal items that are being stored during

the exam only if necessary—for example, personal medication that must be taken at a specic time.

However, a candidate must receive permission from the administrator prior to accessing personal items

that have been stored. Candidates are not allowed access to other items, including but not limited to

cellular phones, exam notes, and study guides.

• Any candidate discovered causing a disturbance of any kind or engaging in any kind of misconduct

giving or receiving help; using notes, books, or other aids; taking part in an act of impersonation; or

removing examination materials or notes from the examination room—will be summarily dismissed

from the examination and will be reported to NCREC. Decisions regarding disciplinary measures are

the responsibility of NCREC.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202426

Rescheduling a Scheduled Examination with Pearson VUE

You may reschedule your appointment at no charge by calling Pearson VUE at 800-745-2627 at least two

(2) BUSINESS DAYS prior to your scheduled appointment.

Special Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities

Pearson VUE complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as amended. The purpose of

accommodations is to provide candidates with full access to the test. Accommodations are not a guarantee

of improved performance or test completion.

Pearson VUE provides reasonable and appropriate accommodations to individuals with documented

disabilities who demonstrate a need for accommodations. Test accommodations may include things such as:

• A separate testing room;

• Extra testing time; and /or

• A Reader or Recorder, for individuals with mobility or vision impairments who cannot read or write

on their own.

Test accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. All candidates who

are requesting accommodations because of a disability must provide appropriate documentation of their

condition and how it is expected to aect their ability to take the test under standard conditions. This may

include:

• Supporting documentation from the professional who diagnosed the condition, including the credentials

that qualify the professional to make this diagnosis, or

• A description of past accommodations the candidate has received.

The steps to follow when requesting test accommodations vary, depending on your test program sponsor.

To begin, go to http://pearsonvue.com/accommodations, and then select NCREC from the alphabetized

list. Candidates who have additional questions concerning test accommodations may contact the ADA

Coordinator at [email protected].

Test Center Arrival and Check-in Procedures

On the day of the examination, you should arrive at least thirty (30) minutes before your examination

appointment. This extra time is for sign-in with identication and familiarizing you with the examination

process. If you arrive late, you may not be admitted to the examination center and you will forfeit your

registration fee.

Required Identication and Signature

Candidate must register for the exam with their LEGAL rst and last name as it appears on their government-

issued identication. The required identication must match the rst and last name under which the

candidate is registered. Candidates are required to bring one (1) form of valid (non-expired) signature-

bearing identication to the test site. If the candidate fails to bring proper identication or the candidate

names do not match, the candidate will not be allowed to test and their examination fee will not be refunded.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 27

Primary Identication: All candidates must provide one form of identication. ID must contain candidate’s

photo, signature, and be valid and unexpired. Allowable forms of identication are:

• State-issued Driver’s License, including Learner’s Permit (plastic card only with photo and signature)

• State-issued Identication Card

• U.S. Government-issued Passport

• U.S. Government-issued Military Identication Card

• U.S. Government-issued Alien Registration Card

• Canadian Government-issued ID

• U.S. Employment Authorization Card

NOTE: No temporary ID will be accepted. Student ID and employment ID are NOT acceptable forms of identication.

A candidate who does not present appropriate identication or whose identication does not exactly match the

candidate’s registration information will be denied admission to the examination and will forfeit the examination fee.

Your name on your required identication should be an identical match to the legal name on your real estate license

application. Pearson VUE proctors will accept an ID that shows the middle initial instead of the full middle name;

but other name variations between application and identication will not be accepted. If you recently changed your

name, or if your last name includes a generation indicator (e.g., Jr., III), or is hyphenated or is a double last name, you

should make sure well in advance that you are prepared to comply with this requirement. Proctors are not allowed

to admit for testing any candidate whose required forms of identication are not consistent with the name on the

license application.

Examination Security

The content of the NC real estate license examination is condential and both the Commission and Pearson

VUE take cheating and exam security very seriously. Per Commission Rule 58A .0405, no applicant or

licensee shall obtain, attempt to obtain, receive or communicate to other persons examination questions or

answers. Violation of this Rule is grounds for denial of a real estate license if the violator is an applicant

and disciplinary action if the violator is a licensee or becomes a licensee prior to discovery of the violation

by the Commission.

Taking the Examination

Taking the examination by computer at the test center is simple. You do not need any computer experience

or typing skill. You will use fewer keys than you use on a cell phone.

NOTE: After you have entered your responses, you will later be able to return to any item(s) and change your

response, provided the examination time has not run out or you have not ended your exam.

Examination Time

Check-in and the orientation to the computer testing process may take approximately 15-20 minutes. The maximum

time allowed to take the individual examination sections is shown below and includes any breaks taken at the test

center during a section.

NOTE: Since the National and State sections are timed separately, a break time taken at the test center between

sections will NOT be deducted from timed exam sections.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202428

License Issuance for Passing Applicants

Licenses are NOT issued at the test centers or by Pearson VUE. Your examination results will be reported to the

North Carolina Real Estate Commission, and licenses will be issued by the Commission to persons who timely

passed the required section(s) of the license examination and who possess the requisite “Character” for licensure.

(See Consideration of Applicant’s Character under the Application Process Section.)

Applicants timely passing the required section(s) of the examination should expect to receive their license

certicates by mail not more than 10 days following their examination date IF THERE ARE NO CHARACTER

ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH THE APPLICATION.

NOTE: Do not call the Commission Oce concerning license issuance until at least 10 calendar days after the examination

date (45 days if there are known character issues to be considered).

Applicants Who Must Re le a License Application with the Commission

NOTE: Each license application submission and application fee are valid for only one attempt at the license examination.

Before a candidate can retake a failed section of the license examination during their initial 180-day Exam

Eligibility Period, they need to return to their application portal at www.ncrec.gov, verify that the information

in their original application has not changed, rele their application with the Commission, and pay another

application fee. An updated Notice of Exam Eligibility will be issued that species which exam section(s) the

candidate is authorized to retake and the remaining dates within their Exam Eligibility Period.

If a candidate’s Notice of Exam Eligibility expires (i.e., more than 180 days have passed since the license

application was originally processed by the Commission) and the section(s) of the examination required for

licensing eligibility have not been passed, then a new Exam Eligibility Period is needed. The candidate needs to

return to their application portal at www.ncrec.gov, order a new criminal record report, verify that the information

in their original application has not changed, rele their application with the Commission, and pay another

application fee. If the licensing qualications are still met, a new Notice of Exam Eligibility with a new 180-

day Exam Eligibility Period will be issued. The candidate can then contact Pearson VUE and scheduleanother

examination.

There is no limit to the number of times a qualied candidate can rele their application and attempt the

examination. However, all sections of the examination required for licensure eligibility must be passed

within the same 180-day Examination Eligibility Period. Credit for any exam section passed in a previous

Exam Eligibility Period will be forfeited when that Period expires.

NOTE: No candidate is permitted to contact Pearson VUE for the retaking of any examination without rst reling their

application with the Commission and paying another application fee.

OTHER EXAMINATION INFORMATION

Forfeiture of Fees

Your scheduled appointment to take the license examination will be canceled, you will not be able to

take the license examination, your license application will be canceled, and you will forfeit both the

license application fee paid to the Commission and the examination fee paid to Pearson VUE if you

do any of the following:

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 29

• fail to schedule and take the license examination on or before the last business day prior to the expiration

of your 180-day Examination Eligibility Period;

• fail to cancel your appointment at least 2 business days before the scheduled examination date;

• fail to show up for an examination appointment

• arrive after the testing start time; or

• fail to present proper identication and required signature upon approval for a schedule examination.

(See Required Identication and Signature).

Excused Absences

Candidates who are late or absent from an exam may call Pearson VUE within 14 days of the exam date to

request an excused absence for the following reasons:

• Illness of the candidate or of the candidate’s immediate family member

• Death in candidates immediate family

• Disabling trac accident

• Court appearance or jury duty

• Military duty

• Weather emergency

A case number will be assigned and instructions provided for emailing supporting documentation.

Candidates absent from or late to an exam who have not changed or canceled the reservation according to

the Change/Cancel Policy will not be admitted to the exam and will forfeit the exam fee.

Inclement Weather, Power Failure, or Emergency

In the event that severe weather or another emergency forces the closure of a test center on a scheduled

examination date, your examination will be rescheduled at no additional charge to you. Pearson VUE

personnel will attempt to contact you in this situation. You may check the status of your examination

appointment by checking the website at (https://www.pearsonvue.com/nc/realestate) or calling 800-745-

2627. Every eort will be made to reschedule your examination at a convenient time as soon as possible.

You will not be penalized.

LICENSEE INFORMATION

Issuance of Licenses

After an applicant has satised the qualication requirements, passed the license examination (if required),

and satised the Commission of their good character (See Consideration of Applicant’s Character under

License Qualication Requirements), the applicant will be deemed qualied for licensure. Persons who

have satised the requirements for licensure will be emailed a conrmation of licensure containing their

broker license number and mailed a license certicate to the address shown on the license application

form. Licensees may access their digital pocket cards at www.ncrec.gov immediately upon licensure.

Applicants passing the license examination should expect to receive their license certicates within

approximately ten (10) calendar days after their license examination, if there are no character issues.

NOTE: If an application raises character issues requiring special consideration, nal action on the license application

will be delayed. (See section on Consideration of Applicant’s Character under License Qualication Requirements.)

It is unlawful for any person to engage in the real estate brokerage business until the date the applicant’s

license is issued by the Commission, not the date the license examination is passed. The issuance date is

displayed on the ocial license certicate issued to each broker.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202430

Initial Licenses Are Inactive Provisional Broker Licenses

Applicants who qualied for licensure by examination are issued an inactive broker license on provisional

status (also known as a Provisional Broker license) as dened in the Introduction.

EXCEPTION: An applicant licensed by examination who qualied based on broker licensure in another

jurisdiction may be issued a “full” broker license that is NOT on provisional status.

Activation of Initial Inactive Provisional Broker License

A Provisional Broker license is initially issued on inactive status. Before the Provisional Broker can begin

work in the real estate business, the Provisional Broker and a Broker-in-Charge must le a License Activation/

Aliation form (REC 2.08) with the Commission to have the Provisional Broker license placed on active

status. This may be accomplished by accessing the Commission’s website at (www.ncrec.gov) and utilizing

the interactive online form. A Provisional Broker must be supervised by a Broker-in-Charge at all times when

engaging in real estate brokerage activities. A Provisional Broker must satisfy the Postlicensing education

requirement described below in order to terminate the provisional status of the broker license.

Requirement for Active Status and Notice of Changes in Employment or

Address

Any broker license, whether on provisional status or not, must be on active status at all times when the

broker is performing real estate brokerage activities. To remain on active status, a licensee must satisfy in

a timely manner the payment of the annual license renewal fee and both the Postlicensing and Continuing

Education requirements described below. Also, a licensee must notify the Commission within 10 days of

any change in business or residence address or in employment status (including a change in Broker-in-

Charge).

License Renewal

All NC real estate licenses expire on June 30, at midnight following the date of issuance unless they are

renewed by June 30. This is true even if the license was recently issued in May or June. License renewal

notices are sent as a courtesy reminder to licensees each year in May and included with new licenses issued

in late May or June.

Licensees should renew their licenses online through the Commission’s website, (www.ncrec.gov), using Visa,

MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or PayPal between May 15 and June 30. The annual license renewal fee

is $45. Licensees are responsible for renewing their licenses in a timely manner even if they did not receive e-mail

renewal notices due to e-mail address changes or any other reason. No person may engage in real estate brokerage

activities after their license has expired.

A new digital license pocket card should be downloaded by brokers each year upon the renewal of their

licenses. A broker may opt to pay $5 to receive a paper pocket card. The pocket card veries license renewal

but does not show whether the license is on active or inactive status. Whenever there is a change in license

status (i.e., active or inactive), a separate notice is sent to the licensee.

All provisional brokers must satisfy the Postlicensing education requirement of 90 instructional hours of

Postlicensing education within 18 months of initial licensure to remain eligible for active license status.

The Postlicensing education program is divided into three 30-hour Postlicensing courses titled as follows:

Post 301: Broker Relationships and Responsibilities, Post 302: Contracts and Closing, and Post 303: NC

Law, Rules, and Legal Concepts.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 31

Postlicensing Education for Provisional Brokers

All Provisional Brokers must satisfy the Postlicensing education requirement of 90 instructional hours of

Postlicensing education within 18 months of initial licensure to remain eligible for active license status.

The postlicensing education program is divided into three 30-hour Postlicensing courses titled as follows:

Post 301: Broker relationships and Responsibilities

Post 302: Contracts and closing

Post 303: NC Law, Rules, and Legal Concepts.

Upon completion of all three (3) Postlicensing courses, the provisional status of the broker license will

be automatically removed by the Commission. [Commission-certied Education Providers must report

course completion to the Commission, so licensees should not attempt to report course completion or

request removal of provisional status.] If a provisional broker fails to timely complete the Postlicensing

program, the license will be placed on inactive status until the licensee remedies the education deciency

and requests reactivation of the license using License Activation/Aliation form (REC 2.08) .

The Postlicensing courses can only be oered by Commission-certied Education Providers. The courses

may be delivered in person, or by synchronous or self-paced asynchronous (online) format. Click here to

search scheduled Postlicensing courses and providers.

Postlicensing Education Waiver Based on Equivalent Education / Experience

Most Provisional Brokers must take all the Postlicensing courses to remove their provisional license

status. However, it is possible for some Provisional Brokers with equivalent education and/or substantial

brokerage experience from another state to obtain a waiver of one or more of the Postlicensing courses. See

Commission Rule 58A .1905 for waiver criteria.

Provisional Brokers who think they may possess qualications justifying a waiver are referred to the Forms

section of the Commission’s website (www.ncrec.gov) to carefully review and complete the Postlicensing

Education Waiver Request (Form REC 2.18).

NOTE: Provisional Brokers who applied for an NC license based on licensure in another jurisdiction and who opted

not to pass the State section of the license examination are NOT eligible for any waiver of postlicensing education

under Rule 58A .1905.

Postlicensing Education vs. Continuing Education

Postlicensing education should not be confused with Continuing Education. Postlicensing education

is a one-time requirement for Provisional Brokers wishing active license status eligibility that must be

completed within 18 months after initial licensure. Continuing Education is a recurring annual requirement

for ALL licensees wishing to maintain active license status eligibility that must be completed each license

period by June 10th beginning with the rst full annual license period after initial licensure.

Continuing Education (CE) requirement is eight (8) hours per annual license period, including the General

Update Course (4 hours) plus one 4-hour Commission-approved elective course. Licensees must satisfy the

Continuing Education requirement by June 10 of each annual license period (July 1 – June 30) in order to

renew their licenses on active status. There is a limited exception for new licensees.

NOTE: A broker newly licensed by examination or reinstatement does not have any CE requirement during the initial

license year; such a newly licensed broker must satisfy the 8-hour annual CE requirement prior to the second license

renewal in order to renew the license on active status.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 202432

License Reinstatement

All North Carolina real estate licenses expire on June 30 of each year. To maintain a current license, a

licensee must pay the annual license renewal fee between May 15 and June 30, even if they have not taken

their CE courses.

If a licensee fails to properly renew by June 30 deadline, the license expires. It is unlawful to engage in

brokerage activities without an active license. An individual must apply for Reinstatement to regain a

current license.

NOTE: For a full explanation of reinstatement requirements, go to the “Reinstate Your License” page on the

Commission’s website or contact the Commission’s Education and Licensing Division.

Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina - March 2024 33

Step 2:

Submit a complete

license application,

including criminal

record check,

fee, and other

documentation as

required.

See pages 7-13.

Step 3:

Your application

is processed by

Commission staﬀ .

See page 7-8.

Step 5:

Schedule and take the

license examination.

See pages 24-29.

Step 4:

Are you licensed in

another jurisdiction

and opting out of the

license exam?

See pages 6-7.

Step 6:

Character issues

to be reviewed?

See pages 12-13.

LICENSE ISSUED!

Initial license is Inactive

Provisional Broker

See pages 31-34.

Did you pass

the required

section(s)?

See page 29.

Your application is

cancelled &

returned to you.

You may reapply.

See page 8.

Reschedule and

retake the exam.

If your 180-day exam

eligibility period

has expired, a new

application is required.

See page 25-29.

Character Review

process is initiated.

Please allow

a minimum of

45 days

for this process.

See pages 12-13.

Yes

Step 1:

Successfully complete

the 75-hour North

Carolina Broker

Prelicensing Course.

See pages 5-7.

Is your

application

complete?

See page 8.

NORTH CAROLINA

REAL ESTATE LICENSING

AT-A-GLANCE

See pages 6-8

See pages 8-15

See pages 7-8

See pages 19-29

See pages 12-15

See page 14

See page 28

See page 8

See pages 8

See page 29

NORTH CAROLINA REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

P. O. BOX 17100

RALEIGH NC 27619-7100

First Class Mail