How to get your NC Real Estate License

The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) oversees the licensing process and sets the requirements for becoming a provisional broker in the state. While requirements may evolve over time, the general process includes completing the mandated education hours, submitting your application, undergoing a background check, and passing the state licensing exam.

Below is a detailed look at each step, along with context that will help you prepare effectively and understand how the process fits into your long-term goals as an agent.

Step 1: Complete the Required 75-Hour Pre-Licensing Course

Your first step is completing a North Carolina–approved 75-hour pre-licensing course. This course must be taken through a school that has been approved by the NCREC and typically covers critical topics such as real estate law, agency relationships, property ownership, finance, contracts, fair housing regulations, brokerage responsibilities, and NC-specific real estate rules.

Students can choose from in-person classes or online formats, depending on their schedule. Many people who work full-time select online options because they allow flexible pacing, while others prefer the structure and interaction of in-person classes. The choice depends entirely on your learning style, as long as the school is approved.

The course concludes with a proctored final exam. Passing this school exam is necessary before you can move on to the state application and state exam. Successful completion will provide you with your official course completion certificate, which you will need to include in the licensing application.

Step 2: Submit Your Application and Complete the Background Check

After completing the course and passing the school exam, your next step is submitting your application to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission. This application includes your course completion documentation and the required application fee.

You will also need to complete a criminal background check, which is processed through a state-approved provider. The background check is a standard requirement for everyone and allows the Commission to confirm you meet the character requirements necessary to hold a real estate license. Most applicants complete this step easily, but it is important to provide accurate information and prompt documentation so your application is not delayed.

Once your application is processed and approved, you will receive authorization to schedule your state licensing exam.

Step 3: Register for and Pass the NC Real Estate Licensing Exam

The North Carolina licensing exam includes both a national section and a state-specific section. You must pass both portions to become a licensed provisional broker. The exam is administered by an approved testing provider at official testing centers.

Many students find that reviewing exam prep materials—alongside the knowledge gained from the 75-hour course—provides the best chance of passing on the first attempt. Practice exams, flashcards, and timed quizzes can help you get comfortable with the structure and pacing of the actual exam.

Once you pass the exam, the Commission will officially issue your provisional broker license. At this stage, you are licensed but must still be supervised by a broker-in-charge if you choose to actively sell real estate.

North Carolina’s Growing Real Estate Opportunities

North Carolina continues to draw new residents from across the country due to its strong job market, diverse housing options, attractive cost of living, and desirable climate. Because of this high demand, the state benefits from strong real estate activity across both urban and rural areas.

Having your North Carolina real estate license positions you to benefit from this demand. Whether you want to sell homes full-time, add real estate income alongside another career, or focus specifically on earning referral fees, an active NC license gives you access to opportunities across the residential and commercial markets.

Even if you do not plan to work as a full-time agent, holding an active license allows you to legally earn a portion of real estate commissions through referrals. This is one of the most overlooked yet financially valuable aspects of having a real estate license.

Using Your NC License for Referrals Through Park Place Realty Network

Not everyone who earns their real estate license wants to work full-time with buyers and sellers. Many people have other careers, operate businesses with real estate-adjacent clients, or simply know a steady stream of people who are buying or selling homes. For these individuals, the referral side of the real estate industry is often a perfect fit.

Park Place Realty Network is a national real estate referral company that gives licensed agents the ability to activate their NC real estate license with us and earn referral fees worldwide. When your license is active with Park Place, we handle the placement of your referrals and match your clients with top agents in any city across the United States or internationally.

Here’s how the program works:

• You maintain an active real estate license with Park Place Realty Network.

• Anytime you know someone looking to buy or sell residential or commercial real estate anywhere in the world, you submit that referral to us.

• Our team places your client with an experienced, vetted real estate broker in the target market.

• Once the transaction closes, you receive 22.5% of the total commission as your referral fee.

This program is ideal for individuals who want the financial benefits of real estate without the schedule, responsibilities, or costs of being a full-time agent. You do not need to join a Board of Realtors or pay MLS fees, and you do not need to manage transactions. Park Place handles the process from start to finish while keeping you informed.

For many professionals—new agents, retirees, business owners, corporate employees, and part-time entrepreneurs—this becomes a steady side income that fits easily into their lives.

Final Thoughts

If you’re exploring how to get your NC real estate license, the process is simpler than many expect. By completing the 75-hour pre-licensing course, submitting your application and background check, and passing the state licensing exam, you can be well on your way to building a foundation in the real estate industry.

Once your license is active, you have options. You can join a traditional brokerage and work directly with buyers and sellers, or you can activate your license with Park Place Realty Network and take advantage of a referral-based model that allows you to earn income from real estate transactions nationwide and internationally.

Whether you pursue real estate full-time or use your license to generate referral income, having your NC real estate license opens the door to long-term earning potential and meaningful professional opportunities.

*Author bio: Kim Moore, a seasoned real estate professional with over 30 years of experience, now shares her expertise by writing insightful articles for leading real estate companies.