Becoming a licensed real estate agent in North Carolina is a major step toward a flexible and rewarding career. After completing your required 75-hour North Carolina real estate pre-licensing course, the next milestone is scheduling and passing your licensing exam. This guide walks you through the scheduling process and prepares you for what to expect on exam day.
Step 1: Complete Pre-Licensing Requirements
Before you can schedule the exam, you must:
- Successfully complete a 75-hour NCREC-approved pre-licensing course.
- Pass your course final exam.
- Submit your license application to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC), including a criminal background check and application fee.
Once the NCREC approves your application, you’ll receive a “Notice of Exam Eligibility,” which allows you to schedule your state licensing exam.
Step 2: Schedule Your Exam with Pearson VUE
North Carolina uses Pearson VUE to administer the real estate licensing exam. Once you have your exam eligibility notice, you can schedule online or by phone:
- Online: Visit the Pearson VUE website to create an account and select a test date, time, and location.
- Phone: Call Pearson VUE’s customer service to schedule directly.
Be sure to schedule within your 180-day eligibility period. The exam fee (around $60) is paid at the time of scheduling.
Step 3: Choose a Test Center
All licensing exams must be taken in person at an approved Pearson VUE testing center. Locations are available throughout North Carolina, including major cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Wilmington.
There is currently no online option for taking the North Carolina licensing exam.
What to Expect on Exam Day
Exam Format:
The North Carolina real estate exam includes two parts:
- National Section: 80 multiple-choice questions
- State Section: 40 multiple-choice questions
You must pass both sections within the 180-day eligibility window. If you fail one section, you only need to retake that portion.
Time Limit:
- You’ll have a total of 3.5 hours to complete both sections.
Topics Covered:
- National Portion: Property ownership, land use controls, valuation, contracts, financing, agency, real estate practice, and calculations.
- State Portion: Licensing requirements, brokerage relationships, trust accounts, disciplinary actions, and North Carolina-specific rules and regulations.
What to Bring:
- Two forms of valid ID (one must be government-issued with a photo and signature)
- Exam confirmation email or printout
- A basic, non-programmable calculator (if permitted)
Personal items such as phones, bags, and notes must be stored outside the testing room.
Test Center Rules:
- Arrive at least 30 minutes early.
- You’ll undergo identity verification and a security check.
- The exam is taken on a computer.
- No reference materials or electronic devices are allowed.
If You Don’t Pass:
If you fail a section, you can retake it after a minimum 10-day waiting period. Retakes must be scheduled through Pearson VUE and must occur within your original 180-day window.
Preparation Tips:
- Use timed practice exams to simulate real test conditions.
- Focus extra attention on the North Carolina-specific content.
- Review topics listed in the NCREC candidate handbook.
- Consider additional exam prep resources to reinforce key topics.
Start Your Journey with A-Ha! Real Estate Academy
A-Ha! Real Estate Academy gives you everything you need to pass your exam on the first try from expert-led pre-licensing courses to comprehensive exam prep tools. We support you every step of the way so you can confidently move from the classroom to a successful real estate career.
Ready to take the next step? Enroll today and let’s get you licensed in North Carolina!