The cornerstone of the NC licensing process is the 75-hour Pre-Licensing course. Given the demands of a busy lifestyle, applicants frequently ask: Can I take the North Carolina 75-hour real estate pre-licensing course entirely online?
The answer is a resounding YES. Thanks to updates from the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC), aspiring brokers now have more flexibility than ever in completing this initial educational requirement.
Your Three Learning Options (All NCREC-Approved)
The NCREC approves licensed education providers to offer the 75-hour course in three primary formats, allowing you to choose the schedule and pace that best suits your needs:
- In-Person Classroom: The traditional format, where you physically attend class sessions, often adhering to a multi-week or weekend schedule.
- Live Online (Synchronous Distance Learning): These are virtual classes delivered via platforms like Zoom or a live webinar. You must log in at specific, scheduled times and participate, often with video and microphone requirements, just as if you were in a physical classroom.
- Self-Paced Online (Asynchronous Distance Learning): This format offers maximum flexibility. You log in whenever you wish (24/7 access) and complete the 75 hours of instruction on your own schedule. However, state rules enforce “seat time” tracking to ensure you spend the required number of hours on the material.
Key Rules for All Online Courses
Regardless of whether you choose the live or self-paced online option, two NCREC rules remain non-negotiable:
- 75 Hours of Instruction: You must log and demonstrate completion of the full 75 hours of learning content.
- Proctored Final Exam: You must successfully pass a proctored, end-of-course final exam administered by the education provider. This exam is usually taken online but monitored by a virtual proctor.
- 180-Day Deadline: The entire course, including the final exam, must be completed within 180 days of your enrollment date.
Key Takeaway
The NC 75-hour Broker Pre-Licensing Course is fully available online, offered both in self-paced (asynchronous) and live online (synchronous) formats by NCREC-approved schools. This flexibility allows you to prepare for the licensing exam while maintaining your current work schedule.