Continuing education (CE) is a vital component of maintaining an active real estate license in North Carolina. Whether you are a broker or a broker-in-charge (BIC), understanding the requirements and deadlines is crucial to ensuring your license remains in good standing. This guide provides a detailed overview of the requirements, processes, and key considerations for completing your CE obligations.
Basic Requirements for NC Real Estate Continuing Education
To renew your real estate license on active status in North Carolina, you must complete eight (8) hours of the NC real estate continuing education (CE) each year between July 1 and June 10. The requirements are divided into two categories depending on your role:
For Brokers Without BIC Eligible Status:
Complete 4 hours of the General Update course prescribed by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC).
Take an additional 4 hours of elective courses approved by the Commission.
For Brokers With BIC Eligible Status:
Complete the Broker-in-Charge Update (BICUP) course for 4 hours.
Complete 4 hours of approved elective courses.
Elective courses cover a variety of real estate topics, allowing you to select subjects most relevant to your professional goals.
Active Status vs. Inactive Status
To perform real estate brokerage services for a fee, including referrals, your license must be on active status, which requires meeting the CE requirements annually. If you choose not to engage in real estate activities, you can renew your license on inactive status without completing CE.
However, reactivating your license after a period of inactivity may require up to 68 credit hours, depending on the length of time your license has been inactive. To avoid delays when reactivating your license, it’s advisable to stay current with your CE requirements, even while inactive.
Course Sponsors and Schedules
NCREC has approved a variety of organizations, including community colleges, private schools, and trade associations, to offer CE courses. You can access a list of approved sponsors and course schedules on the Commission’s website. Be sure to contact sponsors directly to register for courses and confirm course fees.
Deadlines and Important Dates
All CE courses must be completed between July 1 and June 10 of each year. No courses will be offered for CE credit between June 11 and June 30 to allow sponsors to report completions and the Commission to process updates.
To avoid last-minute challenges, it’s highly recommended to complete your CE requirements early. Waiting until May or June may result in limited course availability and the risk of unexpected conflicts that could prevent timely completion.
Extensions for Extreme Hardships
Extensions to complete CE requirements while maintaining active status are granted only in extreme cases, such as military deployment overseas or incapacitating illness. If you believe you qualify for an extension, submit the “CE Extension Request Form” (REC 7.18) to the Commission well before the June 10 deadline.
CE Credit Reporting
When attending a CE course, bring your pocket card and accurately record your license number on the official course completion report. Course sponsors will report your completion to the Commission, so there’s no need to send your completion certificate unless requested.
You can verify your CE credits online by logging into the NCREC website. Allow up to 15 days after course completion for credits to appear in your record.
Carry-Over Credit
If you take extra elective courses, you may carry over 4 elective credit hours to the next license period, provided they were not applied to your current CE requirement. However, carry-over credit is not available for extra hours completed in a single course.
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