Best Online Real Estate Schools in North Carolina

If you're ready to become a real estate agent in North Carolina, your first step is completing the state’s required education. While that might sound daunting, online real estate schools make it easier than ever to get licensed on your schedule.

In North Carolina, this means completing a 75-hour broker pre-licensing course through a provider approved by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC).

So, which online real estate school is right for you? We break down what to look for—and our top picks.

What to Look for in a North Carolina Real Estate School

NCREC Certification
This is a non-negotiable. Only take your course from a provider currently approved by the NCREC. If a school isn’t certified, the course won’t count toward licensure.

Instruction Style (Synchronous vs Asynchronous)
Some schools offer live instruction (synchronous), while others let you learn at your own pace (asynchronous). North Carolina allows both, but the requirements differ slightly. Make sure your school is clear about the format and what’s expected of you.

Convenience and Platform
The best schools fit into your life, not the other way around. Look for platforms that are intuitive, mobile-friendly, and available on multiple devices. Bonus points for self-paced access.

Course Quality
A well-designed course does more than check boxes. It teaches you what you need to know, helps you stay engaged, and prepares you to pass your licensing exam. Interactive features, expert instruction, and modern design all matter.

Value
Don’t choose a school based on price alone. Instead, compare what’s included in the package: Is exam prep extra? Are support tools built in? Make sure you understand what you’re getting for your money.

Top 3 Online Real Estate Schools in North Carolina

1. AceableAgent

AceableAgent brings a modern, mobile-first experience to North Carolina real estate education. Fully approved by the NCREC, AceableAgent's 75-hour pre-licensing course is designed to fit into your life.

Built by Real Estate Pros and Instructional Experts
Unlike traditional textbook-based programs, AceableAgent courses include video lessons, interactive elements, quizzes, and animations to keep you focused and help you retain information. The course was developed by experienced agents, professional writers, and Harvard-educated instructional designers.

True Mobile Optimization—Anywhere Learning
Whether you're studying on your phone during your lunch break, on your laptop at home, or switching between devices, AceableAgent syncs your progress across platforms. It’s one of the only providers offering a true mobile-first experience with a dedicated app.

Smart Pricing for Every Stage
AceableAgent offers three packages. The Basic package includes the NCREC-required course. Deluxe and Premium packages add tools like Ultimate Exam Prep, additional study guides, tutoring, and more. This allows you to customize your learning path according to your desired level of support.

Where AceableAgent excels:
Intuitive interface, mobile-first course design, and customizable pricing. Great for self-paced learners who want flexibility and a course that’s easy to follow.

Where AceableAgent could use work:
As a newer provider in North Carolina, it may not yet be a household name among local brokerages, but its national reputation is strong and growing.

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2. RealEstateU

RealEstateU is a flexible online course provider that offers audio-based learning—a rare format that appeals to auditory learners and multitaskers.

Learn on the Go
The course includes audio lectures that allow you to study while commuting, exercising, or doing chores. Visual components and sample tests are also provided to help reinforce key concepts.

Self-Paced Simplicity
RealEstateU’s platform allows students to go at their own pace, with the ability to access the course on multiple devices. The school includes eight sample exams to help students review and self-assess before taking the licensing exam.

Where RealEstateU excels:
Innovative audio format and affordability make this school a good fit for independent, auditory learners.

Where RealEstateU could use work:
The audio-heavy design doesn’t serve visual learners well, and reviewing or referencing specific topics later can be more challenging compared to interactive or video-based platforms.

3. The CE Shop

The CE Shop is currently offering its full 75-hour North Carolina Broker Pre-Licensing course, available entirely online. The program is designed for self-paced learning with a modern, user-friendly platform.

Interactive and Flexible
The CE Shop's platform includes progress tracking, study resources, and features that make navigation intuitive for learners on any device. You can move through the material on your schedule without needing live instruction.

Multiple Package Options
Students can choose from different course packages that layer on tools like exam prep, flashcards, and even post-licensing education—all in one place. That flexibility gives learners the ability to tailor their experience to fit their needs.

Where The CE Shop excels:
Strong online platform, helpful bundled resources, and user-friendly course navigation make this a solid option for self-paced learners who prefer tech-forward learning.

Where The CE Shop could use work:

While the platform is polished and modern, the course experience leans heavily on reading and self-guided review. Students who prefer more dynamic visuals or instructor interaction may find it less engaging.

What Kind of License Will You Get?

When you complete your pre-licensing education and pass the North Carolina exam, you’ll earn a Provisional Broker license. This allows you to practice under the supervision of a Broker-in-Charge. To remove the provisional status and gain more independence, you’ll need to complete an additional 90 hours of post-licensing education within the first 18 months.

What Type of Real Estate License Is Required in North Carolina?

Prospective licensees who complete their 75-hour prelicensing education requirements and pass the North Carolina licensing examination are initially issued a Provisional Broker license, which is technically a broker’s license on provisional status.

To provide brokerage services during this time, they must operate under the supervision of a Broker-in-Charge. To move beyond the provisional status and work independently if they choose, they must complete an additional 90-hour post-licensing educational requirement.

Start Your NC Real Estate Courses!

Ready to get started on the required education to become an NC real estate agent? Learn more about AceableAgent's NCREC-certified course today!

After years of helping people across the U.S. make their real estate dreams come true, we are happy to serve NC students!