So, you’ve decided to take the plunge and get your North Carolina real estate license. Congratulations! You’re about to embark on an exciting journey into a career that can be both rewarding and lucrative.
But, before you get started, here’s what you need to know about the process of taking your North Carolina Real Estate License course.
#1. Pre-Licensing Course
Before you can become a licensed real estate broker in North Carolina, you must complete a 75-hour, pre-licensing course covering various topics. The course primarily covers property law, including contracts, regulation, and ownership rights. It also covers finance, such as mortgages, loans, taxes, and real estate practices and principles.
You can take the pre-licensing course in a classroom or completely online; the average completion time is 2-4 months. However, some schools offer self-paced programs, which you can complete in as little as two weeks.
Whichever option you choose, make sure that the school is accredited by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC). You can check the NCREC website for a list of approved schools.
#2. Exam Information-What To Know
After completing the pre-licensing course, you must pass an exam that consists of approximately 120 questions. Of these, 80 are national questions, and 40 are state-specific. To take the exam, you must schedule it through the PSI Services LLC website and pay the $64 fee. You will then have 4 hours to complete the exam. You will have passed the exam if you score a 57 out of 80 on the national section and 29 out of 40 on the state-specific section. If you fail the exam, you can retake just the section you didn’t pass as long as there are at least 10 days left within the 180-day examination eligibility period after your last testing date.
#3. Post-Licensing Requirements
After receiving your real estate broker license, you will need to complete 90 hours of post-licensing education within two years. The education consists of three 30-hour courses and covers topics such as agency relationships, contract law, and fair housing laws.
You must complete the post-licensing education within two years of receiving your license, or it will expire, and you’ll have to retake the pre-licensing course and exam. Additionally, if you fail to complete the education within the two-year period, your license will become inactive.
Choosing the Right School
Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a school for the North Carolina Real Estate License Course:
- Accreditation: Make sure that the school is accredited by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- Learning Style: Consider your learning style and availability. Choose a school that provides instruction in a way that suits your learning style and schedule.
- Reputation: Look for reviews and feedback from current and former students to learn more about the school’s reputation and quality of instruction.
- Support: Consider the level of support the school offers, such as tutoring, exam prep, and other resources, that can help you succeed in the course and on the exam.
Take a North Carolina Real Estate License Course Today
Becoming a licensed real estate broker in North Carolina requires completing a 75-hour pre-licensing course, passing an exam, and completing 90 hours post-licensing education. The process can be rigorous, but you can achieve your goal with the right information and support. Choose a school that fits your schedule and learning style and is accredited by the NCREC. Via this route, you’ll be well on your way to developing a successful career in the North Carolina real estate industry.
