Prepare for success on the North Carolina Real Estate Broker Exam with comprehensive coverage of agency disclosure, the Working with Real Estate Agents brochure, designated dual agency, and NC-specific regulations. Note: North Carolina uses 'Broker' terminology - all licensees start as provisional brokers.
Last updated: January 15, 2026
North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) (established 1957) oversees real estate licensing and regulation in North Carolina.
North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 93A - Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
Exam Provider: PSI
Schedule Your Exam5701 Westpark Drive, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28217
View on Google MapsFree parking lot at Tyvola Executive Park One. Ample spaces available in front of building.
CATS Bus Route 16 (Brookshire) stops at Tyvola Rd & Westpark Dr (0.2 miles). Light rail Gold Line accessible from nearby transfer points.
Suite 102 on 1st floor. Arrive 30 min early for check-in. Bring TWO forms of ID (one government-issued photo ID). No electronic devices, watches, or bags allowed in testing room - secure lockers provided.
5711 Six Forks Road, Suite 208, Raleigh, NC 27609
View on Google MapsFree parking lot behind building. Enter from Six Forks Rd. Additional parking on side street (Strickland Rd).
GoRaleigh Bus Route 6 (Six Forks) stops at Six Forks & Strickland (0.1 miles). Limited Sunday service.
Suite 208 on 2nd floor (elevator available). Arrive 30 min before scheduled time. Valid photo ID required. Calculator provided - cannot bring your own. No personal items in testing room.
1540 Westbrook Plaza Drive, Suite 103, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
View on Google MapsFree parking lot in front of Westbrook Plaza. Office park with ample parking. Handicap accessible spaces near entrance.
Winston-Salem Transit Authority (WSTA) Bus Route 13 stops at Hanes Mall Blvd & Westbrook Plaza Dr (0.3 miles walk).
Suite 103 ground floor. Easy to find with PSI signage. Arrive 30 min early - no late admissions after exam start. Two IDs mandatory. All personal belongings in locker.
Additional testing centers available in: Durham, Winston-Salem, Fayetteville, Cary, Wilmington, Asheville
Salesperson: 75 hours
Broker: 0 hours
Provisional Broker: 75-hour pre-licensing course. Broker-in-Charge: Additional BIC course (12 hours) after 2 years experience. NC does not use 'salesperson' terminology.
Exam Fee: $164
Application: $100
Fingerprinting: $58
$700-1,000 total (pre-license course $299-499 + exam/application $164 + fingerprinting $58 + 90-hour post-license courses $400-600)
Exam Window:
Must apply for license within 12 months of passing exam. After 12 months, exam scores void and must retake.
Retake Policy:
No wait period between attempts. Can schedule immediately after failed attempt. Exam valid 12 months from pass date.
Background Check:
2-3 weeks via FBI and NC State Bureau of Investigation (SBI)
Based on student feedback and exam analysis, these are the most difficult topics on the North Carolina exam:
Specific Topics:
Why It's Difficult: Must understand precise trigger: First Substantial Contact = when conversation shifts from property facts to personal/confidential information (motivation, finances, willingness to negotiate). Timing is critical. Not required for lease transactions. If phone/email first contact, mail within 3 days.
Exam Weight: 20-25% of state exam (8-10 questions) - heavily tested
Study Tips:
Memorize: Working with REA brochure at FIRST SUBSTANTIAL CONTACT for SALES (not leases). First substantial = shift from facts to personal info. If phone/email = mail within 3 days. It's NOT a contract, just explains agency types. Study scenario questions about timing.
Specific Topics:
Why It's Difficult: NC terminology unique among states. All licensees = 'Brokers', NOT 'agents' or 'salespersons'. New licensees = 'Provisional Brokers' until completing 90 hours post-licensing within 18 months. Failure to complete = license inactive. Must understand BIC supervision role.
Exam Weight: 15-20% of state exam (6-8 questions)
Study Tips:
Memorize: Provisional Broker = first 18 months. Must complete 90 hours post-licensing (three 30-hour courses) within 18 months or license goes inactive. BIC = Broker-in-Charge (needs 2 years experience + BIC course). All exam questions use 'broker' terminology.
Specific Topics:
Why It's Difficult: NC allows dual agency but requires written agreement. Timing matters: written agreement with seller from outset, with buyer before offer. Designated dual agency = firm represents both, but individual licensees provide exclusive representation. Must know disclosure limitations for dual agents.
Exam Weight: 15-18% of state exam (6-7 questions)
Study Tips:
Dual agency = legal in NC with written consent. Must be written: seller from OUTSET, buyer BEFORE OFFER. Designated dual agency = firm represents both, individual licensees designated to each (exclusive representation). Dual agent cannot disclose: motivation, price flexibility, willingness to negotiate. Study NCREC forms.
Specific Topics:
Why It's Difficult: Strict 3-banking-day deposit rule. BIC (Broker-in-Charge) personally responsible for all office compliance including trust accounts. Commingling = automatic license discipline. Monthly reconciliation required. Records kept 3 years from closing.
Exam Weight: 12-15% of state exam (5-6 questions)
Study Tips:
Memorize: Earnest money by end of 3rd BANKING day. BIC responsible for trust accounts, advertising, provisional broker supervision. No commingling (zero personal funds in trust account). Reconcile monthly. Keep records 3 years from CLOSING. Study BIC responsibilities thoroughly.
Specific Topics:
Why It's Difficult: NC requires annual license renewal (June 30) and 8 hours CE per year including mandatory 4-hour NCREC Update course. Property managers need license if collecting rent/fees. Working outside competence area = violation (must disclose limitations or refer).
Exam Weight: 15-18% of state exam (6-7 questions)
Study Tips:
Annual renewal by June 30. 8 hours CE per year: 4 hours NCREC Update (mandatory) + 4 hours elective. Property managers collecting rent = need license. Study exemptions carefully. Working outside competence = must disclose limitations or refer to qualified broker.
$50,000-$80,000 (25th percentile: $54,500, 75th percentile: $90,900)
Avg First Year
$77,969 average (range $38,875 entry to $164,453 senior brokers)
Experienced Agent
~85,000 active provisional brokers + ~35,000 active brokers
Active Licensees
7% projected growth (2024-2034), strong Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Asheville markets
Job Growth
Presence: 3rd largest real estate company nationally, 41 offices across NC and SC, 1,500+ brokers/employees, founded 1970
Training: Allen Tate Career Development Program, new broker training academy, continuing education courses, specialized certifications
New Agent Support: Competitive splits (50/50 to 70/30 based on production). Entry-level positions start $75K-$125K potential. Strong brand recognition throughout Carolinas. Marketing and technology support.
Presence: Multiple NC market centers (Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Hendersonville, Morehead City, Kitty Hawk), 6,000+ agents statewide
Training: FREE pre-licensing through KSCORE. KW MAPS Coaching, Ignite (90-day new agent), BOLD (12-week intensive), KW University. 2026 enhanced team support and coaching programs.
New Agent Support: 70/30 split rising to 90/10 after cap ($18,000-$21,000 per market center). Profit sharing opportunities. Command CRM included. Lead generation systems. Free pre-licensing education.
Presence: Fastest-growing brokerage globally (87,000+ agents), strong NC presence across Triangle, Triad, Charlotte regions. Cloud-based model (no physical offices).
Training: eXp University, mentorship program, live training events, specialized coaching for luxury/commercial/new construction. Virtual training platform.
New Agent Support: 80/20 split standard (capped at $16,000). Revenue share program (residual income from recruits). Stock awards. Cloud brokerage model - work from anywhere. Lower overhead.
Presence: Part of Long & Foster Companies, Raleigh-based, 20 office locations, strong Triangle market presence (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary)
Training: Fonville Morisey School of Real Estate (offers pre-licensing courses). New broker onboarding program, ongoing training, mentorship matching.
New Agent Support: 60/40 to 70/30 splits. Established Triangle market brand (local expertise). Long & Foster national network benefits. Comprehensive marketing support. New broker mentorship.
Master these state-specific terms that frequently appear on the North Carolina exam:
In North Carolina, ALL licensees are called 'Brokers'. New licensees start as 'Provisional Brokers' for 18 months until completing 90 hours post-licensing education.
Importance: Very High - NC does not use 'salesperson' or 'agent' terminology. All exam questions use 'broker' terminology.
Mandatory disclosure brochure explaining agency relationships. Must be provided at first substantial contact with seller or buyer in sales transactions (not required for leases).
Importance: Very High - First Substantial Contact = when conversation shifts from facts about property to personal/confidential information. Must provide within 3 days if first contact by phone/email.
The point when conversation shifts from general property facts to personal/confidential information (motivation, financial ability, willingness to negotiate). Triggers brochure requirement.
Importance: Very High - Heavily tested on exam. Must distinguish factual property questions from substantial contact requiring disclosure.
Individual broker gets exclusive representation from one firm licensee while firm represents all clients. Each party has designated agent - firm still represents both (defined in NCREC rules).
Importance: High - Allows firm to represent both sides while individual licensees provide exclusive representation. Written disclosure required.
Supervising broker responsible for office operations and provisional broker supervision. Required at each office location. Must have at least 2 years active broker experience.
Importance: High - BIC responsible for trust accounts, advertising compliance, supervision of provisional brokers. Must complete BIC course.
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