How to Get Your Real Estate Provisional Broker License in North Carolina
Governing body, experience requirements, exam details, and step-by-step instructions for North Carolina. Last verified: February 2026.
Quick Facts
Hours Required
75 hrs pre-licensing
Exam
NC Real Estate Broker Exam
Fee Range
$100 app + $64 exam [VERIFY]
Governing Body
NC Real Estate Commission (NCREC)
Requirements
North Carolina licenses entry-level real estate agents as Provisional Brokers (not Salespersons). The NC Real Estate Commission (NCREC) requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a criminal background check. Provisional Brokers must work under a BIC (Broker-in-Charge) and complete additional Post-Licensing courses within their first 18 months.
Steps to Apply
- 1
Complete 75 hours of NCREC-approved pre-licensing real estate education.
- 2
Submit a Broker license application to NCREC online at ncrec.gov, pay the $100 application fee, and pass the criminal background check.
- 3
Schedule the NC Real Estate Broker exam through PSI at psiexams.com and pay the $64 exam fee.
- 4
Pass both the national portion (75% required, 80 questions) and the NC state portion (75% required, 40 questions).
- 5
Receive your Provisional Broker license and affiliate with a licensed Broker-in-Charge (BIC).
- 6
Complete 90 hours of Post-Licensing education within 18 months to remove the 'Provisional' status.
Exam Details
The NC Real Estate Broker exam is administered by PSI at testing centers throughout North Carolina. The exam has a national portion (80 questions) and a North Carolina state portion (40 questions). A score of 75% is required on each portion independently. Results are available immediately after the computer-based test.
Fees & Costs
Estimated total: $100 app + $64 exam [VERIFY]
The NCREC application fee is $100 [VERIFY]. The PSI exam fee is $64 [VERIFY current PSI fee]. Fingerprinting and background check fees are additional (~$14–$40). Total estimated cost: ~$175–$225 plus course tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Provisional Broker in North Carolina?
A Provisional Broker is an entry-level real estate agent in North Carolina. The 'Provisional' status means the licensee must work under a BIC (Broker-in-Charge) and must complete 90 hours of Post-Licensing education within 18 months of licensure to become a full Broker.
What is the passing score for the NC real estate exam?
A score of 75% is required on each portion — the national portion (80 questions) and the NC state portion (40 questions). Each portion must be passed independently. You can retake portions individually.
How long is a North Carolina real estate provisional broker license valid?
NC real estate licenses are renewed annually on June 30. Active status requires timely renewal and — for Provisional Brokers — completion of Post-Licensing courses within the first 18 months.
Does North Carolina have real estate reciprocity with other states?
Yes. NC has reciprocity or partial reciprocity with several states, allowing licensed agents from those states to obtain a NC license with reduced or waived pre-licensing requirements. Check ncrec.gov for the current reciprocity list. [VERIFY]
Start Studying Now
Real Estate Prep
Commission calculator + state licensing exam prep
Also Available
Real Estate Provisional Broker License in other states
Other licenses in North Carolina