Is the North Carolina state licensing exam proctored?

Yes. The North Carolina state licensing exam, administered by Pearson VUE, is proctored at an official testing center. This is separate from any school/course final exam an education provider may give.

What is the difference between the school final and the state exam in North Carolina?

The school (course) final is the end-of-course exam your education provider administers before issuing a pre-license completion certificate. The state licensing exam is a separate, official exam administered by the state’s testing vendor that you must pass to be licensed.

Compliance

North Carolina Real Estate Proctoring Requirements

Two different exams get confused all the time. Here's exactly what North Carolina requires for the school/course final versus the state licensing exam.

Two separate exams: The school/course final is given by your education provider at the end of a pre-license course. The state licensing exam is a separate, official exam administered by the state's testing vendor. Proctoring rules for the two are not the same — don't assume one applies to the other.

School / Course Final Exam

The end-of-course exam your education provider administers

Proctored school final required

This state requires the school/course final exam to be completed under proctoring before a pre-license completion certificate can be issued.

Course final required?: yes
Allowed proctor method: In-person or remote online proctoring

Before your certificate is released: Closed-book, proctored end-of-course exam passed; required in all Prelicensing and Postlicensing courses.

www.ncrec.govOfficial source

State Licensing Exam

The official exam administered by the state's testing vendor

The North Carolina state licensing exam is proctored at an official testing center operated by Pearson VUE. You schedule and sit this exam through the state's vendor — it is separate from any school/course final.

Testing vendor: Pearson VUE
Passing score: 71%
Questions: 120
Retake policy: You may retake the exam after a waiting period. Must pass within 180 days of course completion.

Schedule the State Licensing ExamAdministered by Pearson VUE

North Carolina exam prep North Carolina education hub

Requirements are summarized for general guidance and can change without notice. Always confirm the current rules, hours, fees, and deadlines directly with your state real estate commission before enrolling or renewing.

Verify directly with the state real estate commission before relying on this.

Last reviewed: June 25, 2026