Your Biggest Upfront Investment
The 75-hour Broker Pre-Licensing Course is the single largest upfront expense in your North Carolina real estate journey. The price is not fixed; it varies based on the provider and the format you choose. How much should you budget for the mandatory 75-hour course?
You should expect to spend between $250 and $600 for the 75-hour course itself, plus a mandatory textbook, which may or may not be included in the tuition price.
Cost Breakdown by Course Format
The final price tag often reflects the level of student-teacher interaction and the included supplemental materials:
| Course Format | Typical Cost Range | Key Factors Influencing Price |
| Self-Paced Online | $250 – $450 | Lowest cost due to minimal instructor interaction; often sold with aggressive discounts. |
| Live Online (Zoom/Webinar) | $400 – $550 | Higher cost for real-time instruction, immediate Q&A, and fixed schedules. |
| In-Person Classroom | $450 – $600+ | Highest cost, accounting for physical classroom overhead and personalized face-to-face instruction. |
The Total Cost of Licensing (Before Brokerage Fees)
When budgeting, remember the 75-hour course is only one component. Here is an estimate of the total fixed costs before you even sign with a firm:
| Expense | Estimated Cost | Paid To |
| 75-Hour Course | $350 – $550 | Approved Real Estate School |
| Course Textbook | $30 – $60 | School or Book Vendor (if separate) |
| NCREC License Application Fee | $100 | NC Real Estate Commission (NCREC) |
| State Exam Fee (1st Attempt) | $60 | PSI Testing Vendor |
| Criminal Background Check Fee | $15 – $45 | Approved Vendor (CRC) |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $555 – $815 |
Key Takeaway
The 75-hour NC Broker Pre-Licensing Course costs typically range from $250 to $600. While choosing a cheaper online course saves money, remember to factor in the additional $160+ in NCREC application and exam fees to accurately calculate your total upfront licensing investment.