Do I need to be an NC resident in order to apply for an NC license?
If you already hold a real estate license from another state, U.S. territory or Canadian jurisdiction, and your current license—such as a real estate salesperson license—is equivalent to North Carolina’s provisional broker license, you can apply for a provisional broker license in North Carolina. However, you need to have been on active status in your state of residency within the past three years.
You will need to submit your application, including a criminal record report, certification of licensure from every jurisdiction where you hold an active license, and application fee. You may qualify for a waiver for the pre-license course as well as the national section of the North Carolina real estate license exam. It’s possible you may also qualify for a waiver for post-license coursework.
You have two options for proceeding. You can pass the state section of the North Carolina license exam, in which case you will be issued a North Carolina provisional broker license. You will then need to complete post-licensing coursework to remove the provisional status or achieve a waiver by demonstrating you have completed equivalent coursework previously.
Or, you can opt not to take the state section of the exam. In that case, you will make your application, including certification of licensing, and be issued a real estate broker license on provisional status. You will not be able to achieve a waiver for North Carolina’s post-licensing education requirement, which is required within 18 months of receiving your license and will allow you to remove the provisional status.
Related FAQs
Unlike many states, North Carolina only offers broker licenses. However, there are multiple categories of broker licenses. Most new licensees will start their real estate careers at the entry-level license status of provisional brokers.
There is not a minimum education requirement to apply for a real estate license. You do not need to have a high school diploma to apply for a real estate broker license in North Carolina.
If you already hold a real estate license from another state, U.S. territory or Canadian jurisdiction, and your current license—such as a real estate salesperson license—is equivalent to North Carolina’s provisional broker license, you can apply for a provisional broker license in North Carolina.
Yes, providing your Social Security number is mandatory in making your application. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission is required by law to collect your Social Security number, but the law says it must also protect it from public access or improper disclosure.
You can receive a license, but it will be inactive and you will be unable to engage in real estate activities on your own. You will need a broker-in-charge to sign and submit an affiliation form to the Commission before your license can be activated.
As an applicant, you must obtain and submit a criminal record report with your application. In addition, you will be required to answer three character questions when completing your application.
In order to apply for a provisional broker license in North Carolina, you must meet the following three requirements. - Be age 18 or older - Be a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national or a qualified alien under federal law, or have a lawful presence in the U.S. - Have a Social Security number
If you are found to have a character issue including criminal offenses, professional licensure disciplinary action, and liens or unpaid judgments the North Carolina Real Estate Commission will review your application. Character issues are considered on a case by case basis. A decision is usually rendered within 45 days
Here are the costs to obtain your NC license: Pre-Licensing Course: 249 License application fee: $100/ attempt (paid to NC Real Estate Commission) License examination fee: $64/attempt (paid to PSI). Criminal background check: $30 Total cost: $443
For the quickest service, you should make your application online at the North Carolina Real Estate Commission’s website. Applying via postal mail will cause a delay in review of your application.
An attorney may receive a waiver of the required 75-hour pre-license coursework. A request to waive this education requirement should be made in writing and included with the application for license. In addition, a transcript and copy of your law degree must be included with the application for licensure.
You will need to take a final course exam for your 75-hour pre-license required coursework, as well as the North Carolina real estate license exam. The state license exam consists of two distinct sections: a national portion and a state portion.
1. Complete your 75-hour pre-license education requirement or qualify to waive the pre-license education requirement. 2. Submit a complete license application. 3. Schedule your exam. 4. Pass the state exam. 5. Receive your license and activate it.
Yes, there is a character assessment as part of the broker license application process. You will need to answer three questions related to criminal offenses (including serious traffic offenses), professional licensure disciplinary actions and liens/unpaid judgments at the time you make your application.
The three questions are: 1. Have you EVER been convicted of any criminal offense (felony or misdemeanor) 2. Have you EVER been denied a real estate or other professional license or been disciplined by an occupational licensing agency 3. Are there any liens or unpaid judgments now outstanding against you?