North Carolina real estate exam: format, passing score, and how to schedule
The North Carolina real estate exam is required to become a licensed real estate broker in the state. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE and tests your understanding of national real estate principles, North Carolina real estate law, contracts, agency relationships, and real estate math. This guide explains the exam format, passing score requirements, scheduling process, retake rules, and study strategies, so you know exactly what to expect before test day.
- North Carolina real estate exam overview
- What is the passing score for the North Carolina real estate exam?
- How hard is the North Carolina real estate exam?
- North Carolina real estate exam math questions
- How to schedule the North Carolina real estate exam
- Where can you take the North Carolina real estate exam?
- Can you retake the real estate exam?
- What to expect on exam day
- Practice questions for the North Carolina real estate exam
- FAQs
North Carolina real estate exam overview
The North Carolina real estate exam is required to obtain a broker license and is administered by Pearson VUE. You must complete the required 75-hour North Carolina Broker Pre-licensing Course and submit your application before taking the exam.
| Exam Component | Details |
| Total scored questions | 140 questions |
| National section | 80 questions |
| North Carolina section | 60 questions |
| Pretest questions | 10 unscored questions |
| Time limit | National: 2.5 hours | State: 2 hours |
| Passing score | 75 on each section |
| Question format | Multiple-choice |
| Administered by | Pearson VUE |
| Results | Immediate pass/fail results |
| Math questions | Yes, limited |
| Penalty for guessing | None |
The exam includes both national real estate concepts and North Carolina-specific laws and rules. You must pass both sections within the same 180-day eligibility period.
What is the passing score for the North Carolina real estate exam?
To pass the North Carolina real estate exam, you must earn a score of at least 75 on both the national and state sections.
Important scoring details:
- Sections are scored separately
- You must pass both portions
- Results are provided immediately after completion
- Unscored pretest questions do not count toward your score
- Failing candidates receive a diagnostic report showing performance by topic area
If you pass one section but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section during your current 180-day eligibility period.
How hard is the North Carolina real estate exam?
The North Carolina real estate exam is considered one of the more challenging real estate licensing exams because of the detailed state-law portion and the requirement to pass both sections within a limited eligibility period.
According to NCREC data, approximately 76% of first-time candidates passed the exam in early 2026 after completing pre-licensing education and testing promptly.
What test-takers commonly experience:
- The North Carolina section is highly detailed
- Questions focus on application, not memorization
- Similar answer choices require careful reading
- Time management matters during both sections
What makes the exam challenging:
- State-specific brokerage laws and rules
- Agency relationships and disclosure requirements
- Real estate math calculations
- Contract terminology and legal concepts
Common reasons candidates fail:
- Not taking enough practice exams
- Weak understanding of North Carolina license law
- Rushing through questions
- Memorizing definitions without understanding application
Best ways to pass:
- Take multiple timed practice exams
- Focus heavily on NC-specific laws and agency topics
- Review explanations for missed questions carefully
- Study consistently instead of cramming
North Carolina real estate exam math questions
The North Carolina real estate exam includes math-related questions primarily on the national section.
Common math topics include:
- Commission calculations
- Prorations
- Loan-to-value ratios
- Property measurements
- Seller proceeds and closing costs
- Mortgage and financing calculations
You should memorize standard real estate measurements such as:
- 43,560 square feet per acre
- 5,280 feet per mile
Financial calculators are permitted at Pearson VUE testing centers. Calculators may not contain alphabetic keyboards.
How to schedule the North Carolina real estate exam
Before scheduling the exam, you must complete your pre-licensing education and submit your license application to the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC).
Steps:
- Complete the 75-hour North Carolina Broker Pre-licensing Course
- Submit your broker license application and criminal background report to NCREC
- Receive your Notice of Exam Eligibility
- Go to the Pearson VUE website and navigate to the North Carolina real estate exam page
- Create an account or log in
- Select your exam
- Choose a testing location
- Pick an available date and time
- Pay the exam fee
- Receive your confirmation email
Exam fees:
- Full two-part exam: $63
- Single section retake: $53
Your Notice of Exam Eligibility remains valid for 180 days.
You can also schedule by phone through Pearson VUE at (800) 745-2627.
Where can you take the North Carolina real estate exam?
You can take the North Carolina real estate exam at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout North Carolina and nationwide.
North Carolina testing locations include:
- Asheville
- Cary
- Charlotte
- Fayetteville
- Greensboro
- Greenville
- Huntersville
- Monroe
- Morrisville
- New Bern
- Polkton
- Raleigh
- Statesville
- Wilmington
- Winston-Salem
Additional Pearson VUE testing centers are available throughout the United States.
Can you take the North Carolina real estate exam online?
No. The North Carolina real estate exam is generally administered in person at Pearson VUE testing centers.
Pearson VUE currently does not list remote online proctoring as a standard option for North Carolina real estate licensing candidates.
Can you retake the real estate exam?
Yes, you can retake the North Carolina real estate exam if you do not pass.
| Retake Detail | Information |
| Number of attempts | No set limit |
| Waiting period | No mandatory waiting period |
| Retake fee | $63 full exam | $53 single section |
| Sections to retake | Only the failed section |
| Passing section validity | 180-day eligibility period |
If you pass one section but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section during your current 180-day eligibility period.
Before retesting, you must refile your application with the NCREC and pay another application fee.
What to expect on exam day
You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam appointment.
✓ Bring:
- One valid government-issued photo ID with signature
- Identification matching your registration name exactly
✗ Do not bring:
- Phones or electronic devices
- Notes or study materials
- Bags or personal belongings
- Books or reference materials
Testing Details:
- Computer-based testing
- Scratch paper provided
- Financial calculators permitted
- Immediate pass/fail results
- Closed-book exam
Breaks are allowed, but the exam timer does not stop during breaks.
Practice questions for the North Carolina real estate exam
Question 1
A seller gives a buyer the right to purchase property at a specific price within a set time period. What type of agreement is this?
a) Bilateral contract
b) Option contract
c) Listing agreement
d) Executed contract
Answer: b) Option contract
Question 2
Which document transfers legal ownership of real property from one party to another?
a) Lease
b) Listing agreement
c) Deed
d) Mortgage
Answer: c) Deed
Question 3
A lender collects monthly payments for taxes and insurance along with a mortgage payment. These funds are usually held in what type of account?
a) Equity account
b) Escrow account
c) Operating account
d) Trust account
Answer: b) Escrow account
Get ready to pass your real estate exam
Colibri Real Estate has helped more than 1.5 million students prepare for their real estate exams over the past 29 years. Our North Carolina exam prep is designed to help you pass confidently with structured practice, realistic exam simulation, and proven study tools.
Already completed your pre-licensing course elsewhere? You can still purchase exam prep as a standalone program and access Colibri Real Estate’s exam preparation tools.
Colibri Real Estate offers two exam prep options for North Carolina:
- Exam Prep
A self-paced program powered by CompuCram. Includes simulated exams, unlimited practice tests, flashcards, readiness tracking, and audio review tools. Fully mobile-friendly so you can study anytime, anywhere.
- Exam Prep Live
Includes everything in Exam Prep, plus live Q&A with instructors and an Exam Crammer Webinar Series with six focused, instructor-led sessions to reinforce key topics before test day.
Starting from scratch? Superior School of Real Estate, Colibri Real Estate’s sister school, offers North Carolina pre-licensing packages with at-your-own-pace, livestream, and in-person learning options that include exam prep tools and flexible study support.
Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee
Colibri Real Estate stands behind its exam prep with a clear promise.
If you purchase a qualifying pre-licensing package or standalone exam prep program and don’t pass your state exam on your first attempt, you may be eligible for a full refund.
Here’s how our Pass or Don’t Pay Guarantee works:
- Complete the exam prep program
- Pass at least three practice exams with a score of 80% or higher
- Take your state exam within 30 days of completing the exam prep program
- If you don’t pass, submit your results to request your refund
FAQs
You have 180 days from the date your Notice of Exam Eligibility is issued to pass all required sections of the exam.
You only need to retake the section you failed, but both sections must be passed within the same 180-day eligibility period.
Yes. Breaks are allowed, but the exam clock continues running during breaks.
No. Walk-in testing is not available. You must schedule your exam through Pearson VUE in advance.
No. There is no penalty for incorrect answers, so you should answer every question even if you are unsure.
Pearson VUE recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment for check-in and identity verification.