How to pass the North Carolina real estate exam?

If you’re planning to start a career in real estate, passing the North Carolina real estate exam is one of the most critical steps to earning your license. Many future agents worry about how to pass the North Carolina real estate exam on the first attempt, and with good reason—this test is challenging and requires thorough preparation.

In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to improve your chances of passing, from what’s on the test to studying successfully.

Understand the structure of the North Carolina real estate exam

Before jumping into exam prep, it’s essential to know how the test is structured. The North Carolina real estate license exam is divided into two main sections:

• National portion:
  • 80 multiple choice questions
  • Covers general real estate principles and practices
• State portion:
  • 40 multiple choice questions
  • Focuses on North Carolina real estate laws and regulations

You’ll need to answer a total of 120 multiple-choice questions, and the passing score is at least 57 correct answers on the national portion and 29 on the state portion. Each section is scored separately, so even if you pass one part, you’ll need to retake the other if you don’t meet the score requirement.

Is the North Carolina real estate exam hard? What to expect

One of the top questions aspiring agents ask is, how hard is the North Carolina real estate exam? The truth is, it’s a challenging test, but one that you can pass with the right preparation. Here are some factors that make it tough:

• Wide range of topics, including math, contracts, property ownership, agency relationships, and state-specific laws
• Tricky multiple-choice questions designed to test both your knowledge and critical thinking
• Time pressure, as you’ll need to answer 120 questions in 240 minutes

Despite these challenges, with focused study and the right prep tools, many students pass on their first attempt.

Tips for North Carolina real estate license exam prep

Passing the North Carolina real estate exam requires more than just memorizing facts. Here are proven tips to prepare effectively:

Take a quality pre-licensing course

• Complete an approved 75-hour pre-licensing course, which is mandatory to sit for the exam.
• Focus on understanding key concepts, not just passing the course exam.

Use North Carolina real estate exam prep tools

• Practice tests: These simulate real exam conditions, and help identify weak areas.
• Flashcards: Great for memorizing terms and definitions.
• Exam prep software: Offers personalized quizzes and explanations for each question.

Focus on both the national and state portions

• National portion: Study real estate principles, contracts, agency, and math.
• State portion: Focus on North Carolina laws, including brokerage practices, licensing, and fair housing.

Practice real estate math

• Study percentage problems, proration, commission calculations, and property tax math.
• Math makes up a significant part of the national portion—don’t skip it.

Simulate exam conditions

• Take full-length real estate practice tests to get used to time limits and question formats.
• Review explanations for both correct and incorrect answers to reinforce learning.

What is the North Carolina real estate exam pass rate?

If you’re wondering about the North Carolina real estate exam pass rate, it typically hovers around 40-50% for first-time takers. This relatively low pass rate shows how important proper preparation is. But students who commit to thorough study and exam prep often exceed this average.

Common topics covered in the North Carolina real estate exam

Knowing what topics to expect is key. Below are some of the main categories you’ll encounter on both the state and national portions:

National portion topics

• Contracts
• Agency relationships and duties
• Property ownership and transfer
• Land use controls and regulations
• Real estate math (prorations, commissions, closing costs)

State portion topics

• North Carolina license law and commission rules
• Brokerage relationships and disclosures
• Property management
• Fair housing laws and agency
• State-specific real estate practices and legal issues

Make sure to balance your studies between these topics to avoid gaps in knowledge.

Key strategies for how to pass the NC real estate exam

If you’re serious about learning how to pass the NC real estate exam, focus on these strategies:

Study consistently, not cramming

• Set a study schedule to review material over several weeks.
• Break down topics into manageable sections—don’t try to study everything at once.

Review state-specific content thoroughly

• Pay extra attention to North Carolina laws and real estate practices.
• Use state-specific practice tests to reinforce this knowledge.

Focus on high-yield areas

• Real estate math and agency relationships are often heavily tested.
• Make sure to master contract law and brokerage responsibilities.

Take advantage of real estate exam prep platforms

• Get unlimited practice tests, category-based study tools, and real-time performance tracking.
• Use flashcards and explanations to deepen your understanding of key concepts.

Summing-up

It is tough but achievable to pass the North Carolina real estate exam if you prepare yourself with the proper mindset and materials. Being familiar with the format of the exam, focusing on key topics, and practicing effectively, you can walk into the test center with confidence. Remember that consistent practice and using extensive exam preparation like Lexawise can be the difference between passing on the first try and having to retake the test.

Ready to start studying to become a licensed real estate agent in North Carolina? Learn about Lexawise’s full array of exam prep materials and take one step closer to success!