How do I activate my license after passing the exam?
License Issued, But Not Ready to Work
Congratulations! After months of study, you’ve passed the comprehensive North Carolina Real Estate Licensing Exam. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) will soon issue you a Provisional Broker license. However, there is one final, crucial step: your license is initially issued on Inactive status. How do you activate your license so you can legally start working?
The immediate, mandatory next step is affiliation with a Broker-in-Charge (BIC). Without this step, you cannot engage in any brokerage activities for compensation, even though you hold a license.
Step 1: Finding Your Broker-in-Charge (BIC)
A Provisional Broker (PB) is legally required to work under the direct supervision of a licensed Broker-in-Charge (BIC). The BIC is the supervisory broker who takes responsibility for your actions and transactions. You must select a real estate firm and secure this affiliation.
The BIC Search is Vital: Start interviewing BICs before you pass the state exam. Your BIC will be your primary mentor, trainer, and support system for the first year or two. Ask about:
- Commission splits and fees.
- Training and mentoring programs.
- Required association memberships (e.g., Realtor, MLS).
Step 2: Submitting the Activation/Affiliation Form
Once you have secured an agreement with a BIC and brokerage firm, you must notify the NCREC. The BIC, or often the Provisional Broker with the BIC’s permission, submits the License Activation and Broker Affiliation Form (Form REC 2.08) to the Commission.
- Who Submits? While the Provisional Broker completes most of the form, the BIC must certify the affiliation and supervision responsibility.
- When Can I Start? According to the NCREC, once the BIC has mailed or delivered this properly completed form to the Commission, the Provisional Broker may officially begin engaging in real estate brokerage activities under supervision.
The Status Change
Upon successful processing of Form REC 2.08, your license status officially changes from Inactive Provisional Broker to Active Provisional Broker.
Remember, while your license is now Active, the Provisional status remains until you complete the required 90 hours of Post-Licensing education within 18 months.
Key Takeaway
To activate your NC Provisional Broker license after passing the exam, you must affiliate with a Broker-in-Charge (BIC) and ensure the License Activation/Affiliation Form (REC 2.08) is immediately submitted to the NCREC. This step transitions your status from Inactive to Active, allowing you to legally practice real estate.