
If you’re considering a career in real estate, your first big step is completing a North Carolina Real Estate Prelicensing Course. This required 75-hour course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to pass the North Carolina licensing exam and launch your real estate career with confidence. But what exactly does the course cover? What should you expect in terms of workload, content, and learning style? Let’s break it all down.
Why Take a Prelicensing Course?
In North Carolina, completing a prelicensing course approved by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) is a legal requirement before you can sit for the licensing exam. Beyond that, it’s your opportunity to build a strong foundation in the laws, practices, and ethical standards that govern the real estate profession. Think of it as real estate bootcamp—designed to prepare you not only for the exam, but also for the realities of working with clients, contracts, and properties.
Course Format Options
Depending on the school you choose, North Carolina real estate prelicensing courses may be delivered in a few different formats:
- Live Virtual Classes (Zoom): Real-time instruction with an instructor and classmates.
- Self-Paced Online Courses: Study at your own speed on your own schedule.
- In-Person Classes (less common post-2020): Face-to-face learning in a classroom setting.
At First Flight Real Estate Academy, we offer a self-paced, fully online course using the trusted Dearborn Real Estate Education curriculum—a leader in real estate instruction.
Topics Covered in the Course
The course is structured around key topics that align with the licensing exam and real-world practice. You can expect to learn about:
1. Real Property and Ownership Rights
- What constitutes real vs. personal property
- Types of estates and ownership
- Land use controls and restrictions
2. Contracts and Agency Law
- Types of contracts and key elements
- Buyer and seller agency relationships
- Fiduciary duties and disclosure obligations
3. Financing and Valuation
- Mortgage types and lending practices
- Appraisals and market value
- Loan qualification and credit
4. Property Disclosures and Environmental Issues
- Material facts and disclosure requirements
- Common environmental hazards like radon and lead-based paint
5. NC-Specific Laws and Practices
- NC license law and commission rules
- Working With Real Estate Agents disclosure
- Trust account handling and fair housing laws
This isn’t just textbook theory. Everything you learn is directly applicable to day-to-day real estate transactions.
Time Commitment and Workload
The course is 75 hours long and must be completed before you can register for the state exam. If you’re doing the course self-paced, you can take it over a few weeks or accelerate your pace depending on your schedule. Some students complete it in as little as 2-3 weeks with consistent daily study.
Plan to spend at least 10-15 hours per week if you want to finish within a month. This includes reading, watching instructional videos, taking quizzes, and reviewing flashcards or prep questions.
Exams and Assessments
Most prelicensing courses include:
- Module quizzes to check your understanding as you go
- A final course exam that simulates the structure and difficulty of the state licensing exam
- Optional exam prep tools like practice tests and vocabulary drills
You need to pass the course final with at least a 75% score to receive your course completion certificate and move on to the state exam.
What Students Say
Many students are surprised by how much they learn—not just about laws and contracts, but about how to think like a real estate professional. The prelicensing course builds your confidence and opens your eyes to how much opportunity exists in the industry.
What Happens After the Course?
Once you finish the course and pass the final exam, you’ll:
- Submit your license application to the NCREC
- Complete a background check (fingerprints and criminal record review)
- Schedule and take the North Carolina real estate exam, which includes both national and state-specific sections
After passing the state exam, you’ll receive your provisional broker license, which allows you to start working under a licensed broker-in-charge.
Tips for Success
- Create a study schedule and stick to it
- Use exam prep materials generously
- Don’t rush—take time to absorb each concept
- Connect with other students or a mentor if possible
- Review NC real estate law and agency relationships multiple times
Is It Worth It?
Absolutely. With low startup costs, flexible schedules, and unlimited earning potential, real estate is one of the most accessible professional careers available. Your prelicensing course is the gateway to this new path.
Many agents make back their course investment with just one closed transaction.
Ready to Begin?
At First Flight Real Estate Academy, we make it easy to get started. Our self-paced online prelicensing course is affordable, engaging, and backed by the trusted Dearborn curriculum. Whether you’re launching a new career or adding a new skillset, we’re here to help you succeed.
Let’s Get Started