The NC Broker-Only State: Why North Carolina Doesn’t Have a Real Estate Salesperson License
Understanding NC’s Unique Licensing Structure
If you’re coming to North Carolina real estate from another state, or if you’ve done general research, you’ve likely heard the term “real estate salesperson.” This designation is the entry-level license in most of the country. So, does North Carolina have a real estate salesperson license?
The answer is NO. North Carolina is proudly a “Broker-Only” State. The North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) eliminated the salesperson category years ago to elevate professional standards and consolidate all licenses under the title of “Broker.”
The Entry-Level Title: Provisional Broker (PB)
In North Carolina, when you successfully complete the 75-hour Pre-Licensing course, pass the state exam, and are issued your license, you are designated a Provisional Broker (PB).
The Provisional Broker status is the functional equivalent of the “real estate salesperson” license in other states. It is the initial, entry-level status that all new licensees start with.
| Status | NC Terminology | Traditional Terminology | Key Difference |
| Entry Level | Provisional Broker (PB) | Real Estate Salesperson | Must be supervised by a BIC. |
| Next Level | Broker (Non-Provisional) | Real Estate Broker/Associate Broker | Can work independently. |
The Provisional Catch: Mandatory Supervision
The key defining feature of a Provisional Broker is mandatory supervision. To legally practice real estate and have an Active license status, a Provisional Broker must affiliate with and work under a designated Broker-in-Charge (BIC).
The BIC acts as a mentor and supervisor, overseeing all of the PB’s brokerage activities. This ensures new agents gain experience while adhering to the highest standards of the License Law.
The Path to “Full Broker” Status
The Provisional status is not permanent. It is designed to be removed within the first 18 months of licensure. To terminate the Provisional status and become a “Full Broker” (non-provisional), you must complete the state-mandated 90 hours of Post-Licensing Education (three 30-hour courses) within that 18-month window.
Once you are a Full Broker, you are no longer required to work under supervision and can operate independently, though most brokers wisely choose to remain affiliated with a firm for resources and support.
Key Takeaway
North Carolina is a Broker-Only State and does not issue a “salesperson” license. All new licensees start as a Provisional Broker (PB) and must complete 90 hours of Post-Licensing Education within 18 months to upgrade to the fully independent Broker status.