North Carolina Real Estate Exam Day: What to Expect at PSI

The North Carolina provisional broker exam is administered by PSI at testing centers throughout the state. Here's what to expect on exam day.

What to Bring

Two valid IDs: One must be government-issued with a photo and signature
PSI confirmation number
Nothing else — all belongings go in a locker

Acceptable photo IDs: driver's license, state ID, passport, military ID. Your legal name on ID must match your application.

Check-In Process

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time
Present two IDs
Palm vein scan or fingerprint for identity verification
Personal items in locker (phones must be off)
Scratch paper and pencil provided; some centers use erasable whiteboard
Onscreen calculator available

The Exam Structure

120 questions total (80 national + 40 NC state)
3.5 hours (210 minutes)
Multiple choice: 4 options, 1 correct answer
Passing score: 75% (90/120)

Questions from both sections are presented together — the exam doesn't separate national from state questions. The flag function allows you to mark and return to questions.

Pacing

210 minutes ÷ 120 questions = 1 minute 45 seconds per question. Comfortable, but don't dawdle.

Strategy: - First pass: all confident answers (60-90 seconds each) — should take about 90-100 minutes - Second pass: flagged questions — remaining 60-70 minutes - Final review: any doubts you want to reconsider

Score Reporting

Your score appears on screen immediately. PASS or FAIL, with your raw score.

If you fail, the printed score report shows performance by subject area (e.g., "Financing," "Agency," "NC License Law"). Use these breakdowns to guide targeted study for your retake.

Retaking the Exam

No mandatory waiting period
Retake fee: $64
You retake the full exam (both sections)

Exam Strategy

NC state questions (40 questions): Focus on: NCREC rules, provisional broker system and postlicensing, Working with Real Estate Agents brochure, agency defaults (presumed seller's agent), written buyer agency requirement, due diligence fee vs. earnest money, deed of trust parties, Recovery Fund ($50k/$150k limits).

National questions (80 questions): Focus on: financing (TRID, deed of trust, LTV), fair housing (NC adds marital status = 8 total classes), contracts (essential elements, NC Form 2-T provisions).

When you're unsure: Ask yourself what protects consumers or upholds professional standards. NCREC exam questions consistently favor answers that require disclosure, protect buyers/sellers, and hold licensees accountable.

[Take a full practice exam at CARealestate.com/states/north-carolina](https://carealestate.com/states/north-carolina)