North Carolina Real Estate Exam Overview

Welcome to OpenExamPrep's FREE North Carolina Real Estate exam prep guide. This comprehensive resource covers North Carolina-specific regulations, licensing requirements, and state real estate laws you need to know to pass your exam.

Understanding NC's Unique Licensing Structure

North Carolina is unique among states because there is no "salesperson" license. Instead:

• All licensees are called "Brokers"
• New agents receive a Provisional Broker license
• Provisional Brokers must work under a Broker-in-Charge (BIC)
• To remove provisional status, complete 90 hours post-license education

This structure provides enhanced supervision and training for new licensees.

About the North Carolina Real Estate Exam

The North Carolina real estate examination is administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC). The exam tests your knowledge of:

• National real estate principles and practices
• North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 93A
• NCREC Rules
• NC agency law and disclosure requirements
• Trust account management
• NC contract law including due diligence

Exam Structure

Important: North Carolina's exam is considered challenging. The 75% passing requirement on EACH portion (not combined) means thorough preparation is essential.

North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC)

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission is the regulatory body overseeing all real estate brokers in North Carolina. NCREC is responsible for:

• Licensing all real estate brokers (provisional and full)
• Approving pre-license and continuing education providers
• Investigating complaints and taking disciplinary action
• Enforcing NC Real Estate License Law (GS 93A)
• Publishing the NC Real Estate Manual

NCREC Contact Information

Pre-Licensing Education Requirements

Course Content

The 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course covers:

• Basic real estate principles and practices
• Real estate law and finance
• Brokerage and transaction closing
• Property valuation and management
• Real estate taxation and mathematics
• NC License Law, Commission Rules, and Trust Account Guidelines
• Land use, construction, and property insurance

Note: North Carolina allows 100% online completion of pre-license education. No classroom attendance required.

License Application Process

Step-by-Step Process

1. Meet Basic Requirements

   • Be at least 18 years of age
   • No high school diploma or GED required
   • Pass background check

2. Complete Pre-License Education

   • Finish 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course
   • Obtain course completion certificate
   • Submit application to NCREC

3. Receive Exam Eligibility

   • NCREC reviews application
   • Sends "Notice of Examination Eligibility"
   • Eligibility valid for 180 days

4. Schedule and Pass the Exam

   • Register with Pearson VUE
   • Pay exam fee ($64)
   • Pass with 75% on each portion

5. Pass Character Review

   • NCREC reviews background for "character" fitness
   • Criminal history may require additional review

6. Affiliate with a Broker-in-Charge

   • Must find a supervising BIC before activation
   • BIC must complete affiliation in NCREC system

7. License Issued

   • Receive Provisional Broker license
   • Begin working under BIC supervision

License Fees Summary

Post-License Requirements (Critical!)

As a Provisional Broker, you MUST complete post-license education:

Post-License Courses

1. Course 1 (30 hours) - Brokerage Relationships and Responsibilities
2. Course 2 (30 hours) - Contracts and Closing
3. Course 3 (30 hours) - NC Laws and Rules

Warning: Your Provisional Broker license will expire if you don't complete all 90 hours within 18 months. This is one of the most important deadlines in North Carolina real estate.

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Out-of-State Licensees

If you hold an active license from another state:

• May waive the 75-hour Prelicensing Course
• May waive the National portion of the exam
• Must still pass the NC State portion
• License must have been active within past 3 years
• Must be equivalent to NC Provisional or full Broker license

What This Guide Covers

This FREE study guide focuses on North Carolina state-specific content:

Chapter 1: NCREC & Licensing

• NC Real Estate Commission structure
• License types and requirements
• Provisional Broker requirements

Chapter 2: NC Agency Law

• Agency relationships in North Carolina
• Working with sellers and buyers
• Dual agency and designated agency
• Required disclosures

Chapter 3: NC Contracts & Due Diligence

• Offer to Purchase and Contract
• Due diligence period (unique to NC)
• Earnest money and trust accounts
• Contract contingencies

Chapter 4: NC Property Law & Disclosures

• Property disclosure requirements
• Material facts disclosure
• Lead-based paint disclosures
• NC-specific property rights

Note: North Carolina's due diligence period is unique and heavily tested. Make sure you understand how it differs from traditional contingency periods.

Exam Day Tips

What to Bring

• Two forms of ID (primary must be government-issued photo ID)
• Pearson VUE confirmation number
• Arrive 30 minutes early

Key Exam Topics

Based on NCREC's content outline, focus on:

• Agency relationships (heavily tested)
• Due diligence periods (NC-specific)
• Trust account requirements
• Disclosure requirements
• License law and Commission Rules

Next Steps

Ready to begin? Here's your action plan:

1. Complete this FREE study guide - Read all chapters
2. Take chapter quizzes - Test your knowledge
3. Review NCREC materials - Study the NC Real Estate Manual
4. Practice with full exams - Aim for consistent 80%+ scores
5. Complete 75 hours education - From approved provider
6. Apply and receive eligibility - Within 180 days
7. Schedule and pass exam - At Pearson VUE
8. Find a Broker-in-Charge - For affiliation
9. Complete 90 hours post-license - Within 18 months!

Let's get started with Chapter 1: NCREC & Licensing!