North Carolina Real Estate Broker Exam Overview
The North Carolina Real Estate Broker Exam is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC). North Carolina calls all licensees "brokers" (not salespersons) and requires a unique provisional broker status during your first years.
Passing this exam qualifies you to work as a real estate broker in North Carolina—the 9th largest state with over 10.8 million residents and one of the fastest-growing markets in the Southeast, anchored by Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and coastal regions.
Exam Format at a Glance
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 140 multiple-choice (100 national + 40 state) |
| Time Limit | 4 hours (2.5 national + 1.5 state) |
| Passing Score | 71% national (71/100), 73% state (29/40) |
| Exam Fee | $64 |
| Pre-licensing Education | 75 hours required |
| Testing Vendor | Pearson VUE |
| License Term | 2 years (until June 30) |
Why Get Licensed in North Carolina?
- Rapid growth — One of fastest-growing states
- Charlotte banking hub — Major corporate relocations
- Research Triangle — Tech industry growth
- Coastal properties — Vacation and retirement market
- Lower cost of living — Attracts relocating buyers
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Key Topics Covered on the Exam
1. NCREC & Licensing (20%)
Commission Structure:
- North Carolina Real Estate Commission authority
- Rule-making powers
- Disciplinary procedures
- License law enforcement
- Commission meetings and hearings
Provisional Broker Status:
- All new licensees start as provisional
- Must work under broker-in-charge (BIC)
- 90-hour post-license education within 18 months
- Status limitations and duties
- Conversion to full broker status
License Requirements:
- 18 years old minimum
- 75 hours pre-license education
- Pass both exam portions
- Background check required
- Broker-in-charge supervision
Post-License Education:
- 90 hours within first 18 months
- Three 30-hour courses
- Specific topic requirements
- Failure consequences
- Extension procedures
2. Agency Law (25%)
Working with Real Estate Agents Brochure:
- Required disclosure document
- Must be provided first substantial contact
- Agency relationship options
- Client vs. customer duties
- Timing requirements
Brokerage Relationships:
- Seller subagency (rare now)
- Buyer agency
- Dual agency requirements
- Designated agency
- Customer status
Fiduciary Duties:
- Loyalty
- Obedience
- Disclosure
- Confidentiality
- Accounting
- Reasonable skill and care
Agency Disclosure:
- Written agency agreement required
- Oral agreements insufficient
- Compensation disclosure
- Material fact requirements
- Dual agency consent
3. Contracts & Disclosures (30%)
Offer to Purchase and Contract:
- Standard Form 2-T
- Essential terms and conditions
- Due diligence period
- Earnest money provisions
- Closing date requirements
Due Diligence Process:
- Due diligence fee (non-refundable)
- Due diligence period
- Inspection rights
- Termination options
- Earnest money handling
Trust Accounts:
- Earnest money handling
- Trust account requirements
- Deadline for deposit (3 days)
- Commingling prohibitions
- Disbursement procedures
Required Disclosures:
- Residential Property Disclosure Statement
- Mineral and oil/gas rights disclosure
- Lead-based paint
- Synthetic stucco disclosure
- Special assessments
4. Property Law & Fair Housing (25%)
North Carolina Fair Housing:
- NC Fair Housing Act
- Protected classes
- State vs. federal differences
- Enforcement through NC Human Relations
- Penalties and remedies
Types of Ownership:
- Fee simple absolute
- Fee simple defeasible
- Life estates
- Tenancy in common
- Tenancy by the entirety
- Joint tenancy
Property Taxes:
- Ad valorem taxation
- Assessment procedures
- Exemptions available
- Tax liens
- Payment schedules
Environmental Issues:
- Lead-based paint disclosure
- Underground storage tanks
- Septic systems
- Flood zones
- Wetlands regulations
Study Timeline for Success
| Week | Focus Area | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2 | NCREC regulations and licensing | 15-18 |
| Week 2-3 | Agency law and disclosure | 18-22 |
| Week 3-4 | Contracts and due diligence | 20-24 |
| Week 4-5 | Property law and fair housing | 15-18 |
| Week 5-6 | Practice exams and review | 15-18 |
Total recommended study time: 80-100 hours (plus 75-hour pre-licensing)
Free Practice Questions Available
Test your knowledge with hundreds of free practice questions designed specifically for the North Carolina Real Estate exam.
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North Carolina-Specific Exam Tips
1. Understand Provisional Broker Status
All new NC licensees start as provisional:
- Must work under broker-in-charge
- Complete 90-hour post-license education
- 18-month deadline is firm
- Cannot work independently
- Conversion requires completion
2. Master the Due Diligence Process
North Carolina's unique due diligence system:
- Due diligence fee is non-refundable to seller
- Earnest money separate from DD fee
- Buyer can terminate for any reason during DD period
- Know the standard timelines
- Trust account handling rules
3. Know the Disclosure Brochure
The "Working with Real Estate Agents" brochure:
- Must be provided at first substantial contact
- Explains agency relationships
- Required before substantive discussions
- Document delivery and acknowledgment
- Timing is heavily tested
4. Key Numbers to Remember
| Topic | North Carolina Requirement |
|---|---|
| National passing | 71% (71/100) |
| State passing | 73% (29/40) |
| Pre-licensing | 75 hours |
| Post-license | 90 hours (18 months) |
| Trust deposit | 3 banking days |
| License expiration | June 30 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring provisional status — All new licensees are provisional
- Missing post-license deadline — 90 hours within 18 months
- Confusing due diligence — Different from earnest money
- Forgetting brochure timing — First substantial contact
- Misunderstanding passing scores — Different for each section
- Not tracking both sections — 140 questions total
After Passing Your Exam
- Submit license application to NCREC
- Pay license fee ($100)
- Find broker-in-charge to activate provisional license
- Begin 90-hour post-license education
- Complete post-license within 18 months
- Begin your real estate career in North Carolina
2026 North Carolina Updates
For 2026, be aware of:
- Updated NCREC regulations
- Form revisions (Standard Form 2-T)
- Digital transaction requirements
- Fair housing training updates
- Post-license education changes
Start Your North Carolina Real Estate Career Today
The North Carolina Real Estate Broker license opens doors to one of the nation's fastest-growing markets. With Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and coastal regions all experiencing strong growth, opportunities are abundant. With proper preparation, you can pass both exam sections on your first attempt.
→ Begin FREE North Carolina Real Estate Exam Prep Now
Our free study materials include:
- Complete topic coverage
- Practice questions with explanations
- Due diligence process guide
- Provisional broker specifics
- AI-powered study assistance
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