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Exam Review

Key Facts: NC Real Estate Exam

150 items

Exam Length (140 scored + 10 pretest)

NCREC booklet "Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina" (Apr 2026), p. 18

80 + 60

National + State Scored Split

NCREC booklet "Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina" (Apr 2026), p. 17

75 / 75

Passing Score (Each Section)

NCREC booklet "Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina" (Apr 2026), p. 18

4.5 hrs

Max Time (2.5 h National + 2 h State)

NCREC booklet "Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina" (Apr 2026), p. 27

$63

Pearson VUE Exam Fee (Both Sections)

NCREC booklet "Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina" (Apr 2026), p. 19

$105

NCREC Application Fee

NCREC booklet "Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina" (Apr 2026), p. 6

74.07%

First-Attempt Pass Rate (Jul 2025–Jun 2026)

NCREC License Examination Performance Record

75 hrs

Prelicensing Education

NCREC booklet "Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina" (Apr 2026), p. 6

8 hrs/yr

Annual CE Requirement

NCREC booklet "Real Estate Licensing in North Carolina" (Apr 2026), p. 31

North Carolina is a 'broker only' state with no salesperson license. Applicants complete the 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course, apply to NCREC ($105), and take the two-part Pearson VUE exam ($63): a National section of 85 items (80 scored) in 2.5 hours and a State section of 65 items (60 scored) in 2 hours. Each section needs a score of 75, and both must be passed within one 180-day eligibility period. New licensees start as Provisional Brokers supervised by a Broker-in-Charge (BIC) and must finish 90 hours of postlicensing education within 18 months. NC contracts use a due diligence fee/period structure, and residential closings are virtually always handled by an attorney.

Sample NC Real Estate Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NC Real Estate exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 564+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What type of license does North Carolina issue to new real estate licensees?
A.Provisional broker license
B.Salesperson license
C.Associate broker license
D.Apprentice license
Explanation: North Carolina is a "broker only" state with no salesperson license. Most applicants who pass the exam receive an inactive broker license on provisional status (Provisional Broker). A Provisional Broker must be supervised by a Broker-in-Charge to be on active status, and provisional status ends when the 90-hour Postlicensing program is completed within 18 months of initial licensure.
2What is the minimum age to obtain a North Carolina real estate broker license?
A.18 years old
B.21 years old
C.19 years old
D.16 years old
Explanation: G.S. 93A-4(a) and NCREC's license qualification requirements require broker license applicants to be at least 18 years of age. Most other states use the same minimum age for real estate licensure.
3How many hours of prelicensing education are required to become a broker in North Carolina?
A.75 hours
B.90 hours
C.60 hours
D.120 hours
Explanation: North Carolina requires completion of a 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course from an approved education provider before sitting for the state licensing exam.
4Which organization oversees real estate licensing in North Carolina?
A.North Carolina Real Estate Commission
B.North Carolina Department of Commerce
C.North Carolina Association of REALTORS
D.North Carolina Secretary of State
Explanation: The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) is the state agency responsible for licensing, regulating, and disciplining real estate brokers in North Carolina.
5How many items are on the comprehensive North Carolina broker license examination?
A.150 items (85 National + 65 State)
B.100 items (60 National + 40 State)
C.140 items (100 National + 40 State)
D.120 items (80 National + 40 State)
Explanation: NCREC's April 2026 licensing booklet lists 150 items: the National section has 80 scored items plus 5 unscored pretest items (85), and the State section has 60 scored items plus 5 pretest items (65). Only the 140 scored items count toward the score, and each section is timed and scored separately.
6What passing score is required on the NATIONAL section of the North Carolina broker license examination?
A.A score of 71
B.A score of 75
C.A score of 70
D.A score of 80
Explanation: NCREC sets the passing score at 75 for each of the two sections, computed separately for the National and State sections. Both required sections must be passed within the same 180-day Examination Eligibility Period.
7On a first attempt, a candidate scores 81 on the National section and 73 on the State section of the North Carolina broker exam. What is the result?
A.She retakes only the State section within her 180-day eligibility period
B.Both sections pass because the two scores average 77
C.She must retake both sections because one section was failed
D.Both sections pass because the State section passing score is 70
Explanation: Each section requires a score of 75 and is scored separately, so scores are never averaged. The National section (81) is passed and the State section (73) is failed. After refiling the application and paying the $105 fee again, she may take only the State section (Pearson fee $53), but both sections must be passed within the same 180-day Examination Eligibility Period or the passed section is forfeited.
8What educational credential is the minimum requirement to apply for a North Carolina broker license?
A.A high school diploma or a GED certificate
B.An associate degree from an accredited college
C.A bachelor's degree from an accredited college
D.None beyond the prelicensing education
Explanation: NCREC's license qualification requirements are: age 18 or older, lawful presence/work authorization, a Social Security Number, an education qualification (normally the 75-hour Broker Prelicensing Course completed within 3 years before applying), a complete application with the $105 fee, passing the exam, and satisfactory character. No high school diploma, GED, or college degree is required. A bachelor's degree in real estate fields or a law degree is only an optional way to waive the prelicensing course.
9How long does a provisional broker status last in North Carolina?
A.Until the 90-hour postlicensing program is completed
B.Permanently, unless the broker applies for an upgrade
C.For exactly 1 year after initial licensure
D.For 5 years after initial licensure
Explanation: A provisional broker must complete 90 hours of postlicensing education (three 30-hour courses) within 18 months of initial licensure. Failure to do so results in the license being placed on inactive status until the education is completed.
10Who must supervise a provisional broker in North Carolina?
A.A Broker-in-Charge (BIC)
B.Any full broker
C.The NCREC directly
D.A licensed attorney
Explanation: In North Carolina, every provisional broker must be actively supervised by a designated Broker-in-Charge (BIC). The BIC is responsible for the provisional broker's real estate activities.

About the NC Real Estate Exam

The North Carolina broker exam, delivered by Pearson VUE since March 1, 2024, has a National section on real estate fundamentals and an NCREC-developed State section on NC license law and practice, including NCREC rules, the Working With Real Estate Agents disclosure, agency, due diligence contracts, closings, and trust account rules.

Exam sponsor: NCREC / Pearson VUE. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

150 items in 2 separately timed sections: National 85 (80 scored), State 65 (60 scored)

Time Limit

4.5 hours max: National 2.5 hours + State 2 hours, timed separately

Passing Score

75 on each section (National and State), computed separately

Exam / Certification Fees

$63 Pearson VUE (both sections; $53 one section) + $105 NCREC application fee

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 74.07%. NCREC License Examination Performance Record, July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026: 2,085 of 2,815 candidates passed the full exam on their first attempt within 30 days of completing a Prelicensing course. NCREC also notes that out-of-state licensees taking only the State section average under 50%. This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

7 of 60 State items

NCREC Licensing & Supervision

Official State categories Licensure (3) and Supervision/Compensation (4): 75-hour prelicensing, provisional broker status, BIC requirements, and postlicensing education

28 of 60 State items

NC Agency & Brokerage Practice

Official State categories Agency (16) and Brokerage Practice (12): Working With Real Estate Agents disclosure at first substantial contact, designated and dual agency, and regulated and prohibited practices

7 of 60 State items

NC Contracts & Closing

Official State category Contracts/Closing (7): Offer to Purchase (Form 2-T), due diligence fee/period, closing procedures, and excise tax ($1 per $500)

18 of 60 State items

NC Taxes, Landlord/Tenant & Other NC Laws

Official State categories Taxes/Insurance (4), Landlord/Tenant (3), and Other NC Laws (11): property taxes, Tenant Security Deposit Act, NC Residential Rental Agreements Act, RPOADS, and fair housing

Preparing for the NC Real Estate Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75 on each section (National and State), computed separately
  • Assessment: 150 items in 2 separately timed sections: National 85 (80 scored), State 65 (60 scored)
  • Time limit: 4.5 hours max: National 2.5 hours + State 2 hours, timed separately
  • Exam / certification fees: $63 Pearson VUE (both sections; $53 one section) + $105 NCREC application fee Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 564 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NC Real Estate: Suggested Study Strategy

1Remember NC is 'broker only' — no salesperson license exists, all licensees are brokers
2Master the due diligence fee vs earnest money distinction — this is unique to NC and heavily tested
3Know BIC responsibilities: supervision, trust accounts, advertising compliance, contract review
4Memorize NC numbers: 75-hour prelicensing, 90-hour postlicensing, 8 hours CE/year, 3 banking days for deposits
5Know NC closing practice: NCREC says virtually every residential sale is closed by an attorney, and brokers must still review the settlement statement for accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the North Carolina broker exam?

The Pearson VUE exam has 150 multiple-choice items. The National section has 85 (80 scored + 5 unscored pretest) and the State section has 65 (60 scored + 5 pretest). Only the 140 scored items count, and you need a score of 75 on each section, computed separately.

What does 'broker only' state mean for North Carolina?

North Carolina eliminated the salesperson license category. All licensees are called 'brokers.' New licensees start as provisional brokers who must work under a Broker-in-Charge (BIC) and complete 90 hours of postlicensing education within 18 months.

What is the NC due diligence fee and period?

NC contracts use a unique due diligence structure. The buyer pays a non-refundable due diligence fee directly to the seller at contract execution. During the due diligence period, the buyer can terminate for any reason but loses the fee. Earnest money is separate and refundable during due diligence.

Are North Carolina real estate closings handled by attorneys?

In practice, yes. NCREC says virtually every NC residential sale is closed by an attorney (or lawful settlement agent), almost always the closing attorney or a supervised assistant. Brokers may rely on the attorney's settlement statement but must review it for accuracy.

What are NC continuing education requirements?

NC brokers must complete 8 hours of CE each license year: the 4-hour Update course plus one 4-hour Commission-approved elective, by June 10, to renew on active status. The license year runs July 1 to June 30; newly licensed brokers have no CE requirement in their initial license year.