Your Complete Guide to Getting a Real Estate License
Do you want to become a real estate agent? Here are seven essential steps to launch your real estate career.
The first step towards becoming a Real Estate agent is determining how to get a real estate license. Becoming a real estate agent is one of the most rewarding and exciting career paths one can choose.
For many people, buying a home is one of the most significant transactions that will occur in their lifetime, making it even more rewarding knowing you are helping a family or individual find the home of their dreams.
With the Triangle area's booming housing market and continued population growth, there's never been a better time to enter the real estate profession in North Carolina.
How you get a real estate license in North Carolina differs from how you get a real estate license in other states. Depending on where you live, you must take a certain number of classes, pass one or more exams, and complete applicable paperwork.
Here's your step-by-step roadmap to obtaining your real estate license and starting your new career.
1. Is Real Estate Right For You?
Before diving into the licensing process, take an honest look at whether real estate aligns with your personality and goals.
Most new agents should have three to six months of living expenses saved, as building a steady income takes time. However, the earning potential is significant. Experienced agents in the Raleigh market often earn six-figure incomes.
Successful real estate agents typically share certain characteristics and essential skills:
Essential traits for success:
- Strong communication skills – You'll be negotiating deals, explaining complex processes, and building relationships daily
- Self-motivation – Real estate is largely commission-based, requiring discipline and drive
- Patience and persistence – Transactions can take months, and building a client base takes time
- Problem-solving abilities – Every deal presents unique challenges that require creative solutions
- Flexibility with schedule – Clients often need to view homes evenings and weekends
As a real estate agent, your clients will rely on you to be persistent in helping them find the home of their dreams and get the best price possible. This is easier said than done, as some clients are extremely easy to work with, whereas others have more complicated requirements that they need in a home.
In addition to being persistent, you must also be extremely outgoing and have a "go-getter” personality. Real estate agents often hear the word "no”, which should make a strong real estate agent more determined rather than discouraged.
Real estate agents spend most of their time on the phone with clients, meeting in person, or attending networking events to bring in new business. Each of these aspects involves being extremely outgoing and personable.
People want to work with real estate agents they trust and feel a personal connection with. If you have a friendly, outgoing personality who genuinely loves working with other people, attending networking events, and spending considerable time on the phone, real estate may be the industry for you.
In addition to working with a trustworthy real estate agent, clients also want to work with someone knowledgeable about the real estate market, so doing the necessary market research is an important piece of the puzzle. The importance of location in real estate is one that no agent should overlook.
2. Understand State Licensing and Education Requirements
Each state has specific requirements for real estate licensing. In North Carolina, you must:
Basic eligibility requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Complete required pre-licensing education (75 hours)
- Pass the state licensing exam
- Submit to a background check
- Be sponsored by a licensed broker
North Carolina does not require a college degree, but some brokerages may prefer candidates with higher education. Previous sales experience, while helpful, is not required.
Certain criminal convictions may prevent licensing. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission reviews each application individually, considering factors like the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation.
If you are eligible to become a real estate agent, you must take pre-licensing classes. The number of hours will vary by state, with some states, such as Michigan, only requiring 40 hours of pre-licensing coursework. Other states, such as California, require as many as 135 hours of pre-licensing coursework.
You must complete 75 hours of pre-licensing coursework in North Carolina in a live classroom. It is not allowed to take the 75-hour pre-licensing class online in the state of North Carolina, but other states, such as New York and others allow prospective agents to complete the required coursework online.
Prospective agents throughout the United States can only complete the required coursework through a school that has been approved by the state, so it is important to ensure the school is certified.
Pre-licensing locations vary around the U.S., ranging from being held in live classrooms at real estate schools, real estate firms, technical schools, universities, and online home study. If you live in a state that offers online and in-person pre-licensing classes, take some time to consider your ideal learning environment.
Depending on where you live, you must take continuing education courses and renew your real estate license to ensure your real estate license remains active (varies by state). This helps real estate agents stay ahead of industry terminology and ensures that they don't forget the concepts, laws, and terms governing the industry.
Hang onto the notes, flashcards, and any other information you have when initially becoming a real estate agent. That information will be helpful when renewing your real estate license.
3. Take a Pre-Licensing Course in Your State
North Carolina requires 75 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider. You have several options:
Course delivery methods:
- Online courses – Most popular option, offering flexibility to study at your own pace
- In-person classroom instruction – Provides direct interaction with instructors and fellow students
- Hybrid programs – Combine online learning with some in-person sessions
What you'll learn:
- Real estate law and regulations
- Property ownership and land use controls
- Property valuation and market analysis
- Real estate financing and mortgages
- Real estate brokerage and agency relationships
- Property management and investment
Look for schools with high pass rates, current course materials, and good student support. Popular options in North Carolina include Real Estate Express, Kaplan, and local community colleges.
Plan to spend two to three hours studying for every hour of coursework. Take notes, complete all practice exams, and don't rush through the material. This foundation will serve your entire career.
4. Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exam
The real estate exam is certainly not a test that someone can just attempt to "wing" without studying. Even if you have a fairly strong grasp of the real estate industry, the terminology that will be included in the exam is somewhat confusing.
The North Carolina real estate exam consists of two portions: a national section (80 questions) and a state-specific section (60 questions). You must score at least 75% on each section to pass.
Most real estate tests have many 'trick questions' where several answers appear to be correct. Those who study the terms and mathematical equations diligently will most likely have no problem passing the exam.
Some states may allow you to retake the exam several times if you fail. If you fail the exam several times, some states may make you re-take the entire pre-licensing course all over again.
Tests are administered by PSI Services at locations throughout North Carolina. You can schedule your exam after completing your pre-licensing education. The exam fee is typically around $60 with additional costs.
National portion covers:
- Property ownership and land use controls
- Laws of agency and fiduciary duties
- Property valuation and market analysis
- Financing and real estate mathematics
- Real estate practice and settlement procedures
State portion focuses on:
- North Carolina real estate law
- State licensing requirements
- Local practices and procedures
- State-specific forms and contracts
Exam preparation strategies:
- Take multiple practice exams until you consistently score above 80%
- Review your pre-licensing course materials thoroughly
- Consider taking a crash course or exam prep workshop
- Get plenty of rest the night before your exam
- Arrive early and bring required identification
5. Find a Real Estate Brokerage to Hold Your License
In North Carolina, new agents cannot work independently. Your license must be held by a supervising broker. This is actually beneficial, as it provides mentorship and support during your early career.
This is your chance to interview different real estate brokerages. You may have even already interviewed with various real estate brokerages and know which one you want to go with. If not, now is the time to look, as you cannot complete real estate transactions until your license is held by a broker.
Types of brokerages to consider:
- Large national chains (Coldwell Banker, RE/MAX, Keller Williams) – Offer extensive training programs, brand recognition, and marketing support
- Regional firms – Provide local market expertise with more personalized attention
- Independent brokerages – Often offer higher commission splits and more flexibility
- Discount brokerages – Focus on volume with lower fees, but may offer less support
Every broker will take a commission split out of your deals, so it is important to know exactly how much they will deduct from each transaction before agreeing to go with them. Depending on the brokerage size, certain firms provide different levels of support to new and established agents.
Key factors to evaluate:
- Commission structure – Understand splits, caps, and fees
- Training and mentorship programs – Essential for new agents
- Marketing support – Lead generation, website support, and advertising assistance
- Office culture and location – Choose an environment where you'll thrive
- Technology and tools – CRM systems, transaction management, and mobile apps
Questions to ask potential brokers:
- What training do you provide new agents?
- How are leads distributed?
- What marketing support is available?
- What are the desk fees and other costs?
- Can you connect me with recently licensed agents?
6. Join the National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Holding 1.5 million members, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is America's largest trade association, comprised of residential and commercial brokers, property managers, appraisers, salespeople, counselors, and many others in the real estate industry. There are approximately 1,200 local associations and 54 state and territory associations of Realtors.
The National Association of REALTORS® provides members with resources to help real estate agents strengthen their professional skills and maximize their earning potential.
The National Association of REALTORS® offers resources to those who are brand-new to real estate and to established agents who have been in the real estate industry for several years.
To become a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, you must first join a local real estate association. After becoming a local association member, your membership will automatically be extended to the state and national associations.
While not legally required, joining the National Association of Realtors (NAR) allows you to use the trademarked term "Realtor" and provides valuable benefits:
Professional benefits:
- Multiple Listing Service (MLS) access – Essential for finding and listing properties
- Continuing education opportunities – Stay current with industry trends
- Legal support and resources – Access to contracts, forms, and legal guidance
- Networking opportunities – Connect with other professionals and potential referral sources
- Professional credibility – The Realtor designation carries weight with consumers
To qualify for membership, you must agree to adhere to the National Association of REALTORS® code of ethics and standards of practice. You will also be required to pay dues of $156.
7. Renew Your License and Maintain Your Education
After obtaining your real estate license, all states will require that you renew your license. In some states, you may need to renew your license every year. Other states may make you renew your license every two or three years. While this varies per state, most will require you to take a course that spans a certain number of hours.
North Carolina renewal requirements:
- License renewal – Every four years
- Continuing education – 30 hours during each four years, including four hours of mandatory topics
- Broker supervision – Maintain active association with a licensed broker
- Fee payment – Current renewal fee is $45
Continuing education topics typically include:
- Updates to real estate law and regulations
- Ethics and professional standards
- Emerging market trends and technology
- Specialized areas like commercial real estate or property management
Many states offer online and in-person options for real estate license renewal. You will most likely need to complete the course, pay a certain fee to your state to renew your license, and send the renewal information to your broker.
In the state of North Carolina, every real estate agent must renew their real estate license by June 30th every year. Many continuing education classrooms allow agents to complete the renewal requirement in a single day in class, or agents can work at their own pace online.
Start tracking your continuing education early in your license period. Many agents complete requirements gradually rather than cramming at renewal time.
Methodology
Data was sourced from the National Association of Realtors and the North Carolina Real Estate Commission to determine the steps to getting a real estate license.
FAQs
What is the hardest part of the real estate exam?
The real estate exam can be hard due to tricky worded questions, specific concepts and terminology, and time limit pressure.
What is the fastest way to get your real estate license?
The fastest way to get your real estate license is to complete a self-paced online program and apply and schedule the state exam as soon as possible.
Key Takeaways on How to Get a Real Estate License
Getting your real estate license is an investment in your future, but it's just the beginning of your journey. The most successful agents combine proper licensing with ongoing education, strong work ethics, and dedication to client service.
Most people complete the entire licensing process in two to four months, depending on course pace and exam scheduling. Budget approximately $1,000-1,500 for education, exams, licensing fees, and initial MLS/association memberships.
