Get Your NC Real Estate License
Get your real estate license in NC and turn your passion for real estate into a career. At Ignite School of Real Estate, we specialize in guiding future North Carolina brokers through every step of the licensing process-with expert instruction, ongoing support, and real-world insight.
Here’s your complete roadmap to get your real estate license in NC, straight from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) and customized with Ignite’s signature touch. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Complete Your 75-Hour Prelicensing Course at Ignite
Every real estate journey begins at a North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) certified real estate school, like Ignite School of Real Estate. Enroll in our NC Broker Prelicensing Course – a required 75-hour course approved by NCREC and taught by Ignite’s experienced instructors. You’ll learn NC-specific laws, real estate math, brokerage basics, and more. You will be required to pass an end-of-course exam consisting of a national section (80 questions) and NC State specific section (60 questions). You will need to pass both sections with a score of 75% or higher.
Pro Tip from Ignite: Choose a class format that fits your schedule! We offer both in-person and virtual options-same great course, delivered your way.
Step 2: Order Your NC Background Check
Before you can apply for your license, you’ll need to order a criminal record report from ncreccheck.com. The NCREC uses this to confirm good character and eligibility.
Heads up: Fees vary depending on where you’ve lived in the past 7 years. Be sure to complete your course first so the background check doesn’t expire before you’re ready to apply!
Step 3: Apply for Your NC Real Estate License Online
Once you pass Ignite’s end-of-course final exam and your completion is reported to the Commission, you can submit your online license application through ncrec.gov. You’ll need:
- Your background check
- Application fee ($100)
- Course completion (we submit it for you!)
If approved, NCREC will email you a Notice of Exam Eligibility—good for 180 days. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Step 4: Pass the NC Real Estate License Exam
The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and includes two parts:
• National Section (80 questions)
• NC State Section (60 questions)
You must pass both with a score of 75% or higher, within the same 180-day window.
Ignite Edge: We offer study sessions to help you feel confident and ready to crush the test.
Step 5: Activate Your Provisional Broker License
Once you pass the exam, your license will be issued—but it starts as inactive. To activate it, you must:
• Affiliate with a Broker-in-Charge (BIC) at a firm or brokerage
• Begin your Postlicensing Education (we teach those too—more on that below!)
Postlicensing: Keep the Fire Going
As a Provisional Broker, you’re required to complete 90 hours of postlicensing education—three 30-hour courses—within 18 months of your license issue date.
At Ignite: We offer postlicensing classes monthly—online and in-person—to keep you on track, learning, and growing as a broker.
Ready to Ignite Your Career?
Becoming a licensed real estate broker in North Carolina isn’t just about passing a test-it’s about building a foundation for a thriving business.
At Ignite School of Real Estate, we’re here to support you before, during, and after licensure.
Next Step: Enroll in our next Prelicensing Course and take the first step toward your new career with Ignite!
Questions? Reach out to our team-we love helping future brokers like you succeed.
