Pass the North Carolina
Real Estate Exam.
First Try.
The North Carolina real estate exam is administered by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) and has a distinctive two-phase licensing structure: new licensees receive a provisional broker's license for the first year, during which they must be supervised by a broker-in-charge. This provisional period and the requirements to remove it are heavily tested. North Carolina also requires real estate firms to obtain a separate firm license — individual licensees cannot practice independently without a firm license — which is unique and frequently tested on the state portion.
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📅 12-Week Study Schedule →North Carolina Real Estate License Requirements
Built for the North Carolina Provisional Broker Exam
The North Carolina first-time pass rate is 57%. Generic national prep leaves you guessing on NC-specific questions — our content is built around the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) exam outline so you study what's actually tested.
1,500+ Practice Questions
Covering every topic on the NC provisional broker exam — North Carolina license law, contracts, agency, finance, fair housing, math, and more.
Timed Mock Exams
Simulate the real 120-question, 3.5 hours test so exam day feels like familiar territory.
Track Your Weak Spots
See exactly which topics you're struggling with and focus your study time where it counts most.
Topics Tested on the North Carolina Provisional Broker Exam
The North Carolina real estate exam covers both national real estate principles and NC-specific laws administered by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC). The 120-question exam tests your knowledge of property ownership, agency law, contracts, finance, north carolina license law, fair housing, and more. Candidates who rely solely on national study materials typically underperform on the NC-specific portion — which is where most failures occur. Need to brush up on terminology? Our real estate glossary covers 500+ terms you may see on exam day.
North Carolina requires 75 hours of pre-license education before you can sit for the exam. The exam fee is $60, and you have 3.5 hours to complete all 120 questions — including real estate math problems covering commission, proration, and LTV. The current first-time pass rate in North Carolina is approximately 57% — focused, NC-specific preparation makes the difference between passing and retaking.
Most Missed North Carolina Exam Topics
These are the topics North Carolina candidates most often fail. Each one requires NC-specific knowledge that generic national prep doesn't cover.
Provisional Broker License
North Carolina's unique one-year provisional license period requires new brokers to work under a broker-in-charge. The requirements, supervision rules, and process to remove the provisional status are heavily tested on the NC state exam.
Practice Provisional Broker License questions →Firm License Requirement
North Carolina requires a separate real estate firm license — individual licensees cannot practice independently without being associated with a licensed firm. This NC-specific requirement is frequently tested.
Practice Firm License Requirement questions →NCREC License Law
North Carolina Real Estate Commission's specific rules on advertising, supervision, trust accounts, and the Working with Real Estate Agents brochure requirement are tested on the state portion.
Practice NCREC License Law questions →Working with Real Estate Agents Brochure
North Carolina requires licensees to provide the NCREC's 'Working with Real Estate Agents' brochure at first substantial contact with unrepresented buyers and sellers. The timing and content requirements are tested on the state exam.
Practice Working with Real Estate Agents Brochure questions →What North Carolina Students Say
Real feedback from students preparing for the North Carolina real estate exam.
North Carolina Real Estate Exam FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the North Carolina real estate exam and license process.
How many questions are on the North Carolina real estate exam?
The North Carolina provisional broker exam has 120 multiple-choice questions. You have 3.5 hours to complete the exam and must score at least 75% to pass.
What is the passing score for the North Carolina real estate exam?
The passing score for the North Carolina real estate exam is 75%. The exam is administered by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) and consists of 120 questions. If you do not pass, you can retake the exam after a waiting period — check the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) website for current retake policies.
How long do I have to complete the North Carolina real estate exam?
Candidates have 3.5 hours to complete the North Carolina provisional broker exam. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions, so budget your time carefully — that works out to roughly 1.8 minutes per question.
How many times can I take the North Carolina real estate exam?
North Carolina does not set a hard cap on the number of attempts for the provisional broker exam. However, you must pay the $60 exam fee each time you retake it, and the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) may require a waiting period between attempts. Review the official North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) retake policy before scheduling.
What topics are covered on the North Carolina real estate exam?
The North Carolina real estate exam covers both national and state-specific content. North Carolina-specific topics include: Property Ownership, Agency Law, Contracts, Finance, North Carolina License Law, Fair Housing. National topics include property ownership, fair housing laws, real estate finance, contracts, property valuation, escrow and title, and real estate math.
How do I apply for a North Carolina real estate license after passing the exam?
After passing the North Carolina real estate exam, you must complete a background check, secure a sponsoring broker, and submit your license application to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC). Your broker must hold an active North Carolina broker license. Processing times vary, so apply as soon as possible after passing.
What is the best way to study for the North Carolina real estate exam?
The most effective way to prepare for the North Carolina provisional broker exam is to combine reading the required course materials with heavy practice testing. Focus on North Carolina-specific license law (tested on the state portion) and the national topics like agency, contracts, fair housing, and real estate math. Timed mock exams that simulate the real 120-question, 3.5 hours format help reduce test-day anxiety.
How long does it take to get a North Carolina real estate license?
Most candidates complete the North Carolina real estate license process in 3 to 6 months. This includes completing 75 hours of pre-license education, scheduling and passing the 120-question exam (75% passing score), completing a background check, and obtaining broker sponsorship. Dedicated students who study consistently can move faster.
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How to Get Your North Carolina Real Estate License
Meet Eligibility Requirements
Be at least 18 years old and meet the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) requirements. No prior real estate experience needed.
Complete 75 Hours of Pre-License Education
Enroll in a North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC)-approved school and complete the required 75 hours of coursework. This can be done online or in-person.
Apply for the Exam
Submit your exam application to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) and pay the $60 exam fee. Once approved, you'll receive your scheduling information.
Pass the North Carolina Provisional Broker Exam
Pass the 120-question exam (3.5 hours) with a score of 75% or higher. The first-time pass rate is 57% — focused prep makes the difference.
Complete a Background Check
Submit fingerprints and complete the required background check through the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC).
Find a Sponsoring Broker & Apply for License
As a new licensee, you must work under a licensed North Carolina broker. Submit your completed license application once you've secured a sponsoring broker.
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North Carolina Exam Study Tools
North Carolina Real Estate Exam Articles
In-depth guides covering every topic on the North Carolina exam.
The North Carolina provisional broker exam is 120 questions with a 75% passing score. Here's how to pass the NCREC exam first time.
120-question practice set covering NC Real Estate Commission rules, Working with Real Estate Agents brochure, and national topics for the NC provisional broker exam.
NC's provisional broker exam has a ~58% first-attempt pass rate. Here's what the numbers mean and how to be in the passing majority.
What's on the 120-question NC provisional broker exam — national and state content, NCREC rules, and study priorities.
Math problems for the North Carolina real estate exam — commission calculations, deed of trust scenarios, proration, and cap rate with worked examples.
NC's unique provisional broker system and the Working with Real Estate Agents brochure — what the exam tests about agency law.
NC's 75-hour prelicense course plus the 75% passing threshold means you need thorough preparation. Here's a realistic study timeline.
Federal fair housing law plus NC additions for the provisional broker exam — protected classes, steering, enforcement, and accessibility requirements.
How to get a North Carolina provisional broker license — 75-hour prelicense, NCREC application, exam, and the postlicensing pathway.
Offer to Purchase and Contract, due diligence fee, earnest money, and NC contract law for the provisional broker exam.
What to bring, how the 120-question NC provisional broker exam works, score reporting, and strategies for passing with a 75% score.