Hiya loves!! I am beyond excited to share with you, like, the best news ever!! (other than Adam & I getting engaged! haha) Just in case you missed the title of this post (lol) I passed the NC Real Estate Exam. Eek!!! I am incredibly proud of myself for this huge accomplishment! North Carolina is one of the hardest, if not THE hardest state to get your Real Estate license in.
On the first day of class, my instructor, Deborah Cox, pretty much scared the sh*t out of us letting us know how many people fail the course — the pass rate is only 61%. She gave examples of lawyers & people with their Masters degree who have failed. I’d say about half of my class were repeaters. A majority dropped out in the beginning-middle of the 5 1/2 week course and several did fail the final exam. I’ll never forget when Deborah said “whatever you do in life, you need to do less of it” if you want to pass this class. Let me tell you, this statement was 100% true!! I had no idea the hours upon hours of studying that would be involved in the course. To give you an idea, Deborah told us that we should be studying 2 hours per every hour of class. Oh and by the way, the course is 75 hours.
So, a bit of info about the course for anyone who is simply interested and/or has ever considered getting their Real Estate license…
– I took the Broker Pre-licensing course at Superior School of Real Estate in Ballantyne. I’ve heard great things about Superior, they have a wonderful reputation and I know several people, including my mom, who have gone thru their school to get their license. They have other locations but Ballantyne was most convenient for me.
– As I wrote above, the course was 75 hours. Actual classroom time is 75 hours, however, they call it 79 taking the 4 hour exam into account. I was on a Tuesday/Thursday schedule from 9am-5pm + an hour lunch break. I didn’t know at the time, but evidently this was an “accelerated course” meeting 10x. The Monday/Wednesday schedule is an evening class spread out over 20 class sessions. There are also weekend classes available, too, if weekdays just aren’t doable for you bc of work, family, or other commitments…
– The cost of the course was about $450 + an additional $47 for the required textbook — Modern Real Estate Practice in NC 8th Edition Update Revised. I actually borrowed my sisters textbook from when she took the course so I didn’t need to purchase the book. Additionally, you’ll need your “Adventure Guide” which is included in the cost of the course. The Adventure Guide is a huge help as it is full of the [exact] Power Point slides we reviewed in class. We used the Adventure Guide in class more than the text book. Next to each slide in the book is space to take notes as Deborah went over the correlating slide on the projection screen. As I said, HUGE HELP!
– Class moves at a VERY FAST PACE. You honestly cannot miss a beat or you will be left behind. This is 3 fold:
1) CHAPTER READING/HOMEWORK: end of chapter quizzes + reading were given at the end of every class. You need to be current if not ahead on your reading so the next time you meet, the material actually makes sense and sinks in.
2) ENGRADE: Engrade is an online tool where you login to take more fun-filled chapter quizzes. Seriously tho, this was super helpful in preparing me for my final exam. After your first day of class, you’ll receive an email with your UN/PW giving you access to all Chapter Quizzes, Quarterly Reviews + several quizzes with questions pertaining to Pre-licensing & Law. Engrade isn’t like a, oh hey, this is a nice-to-have / take-it-or-leave-it kinda thing, it IS a requirement. If you don’t complete 19 out of 21 chapter quizzes + the quarterly reviews + the licensing laws you are not eligible to sit for the exam.
3) CLASS ATTENDANCE: Deborah ran a pretty tight ship in regards to attendance. We had to sign in for both our morning & afternoon sessions after returning from lunch. If you miss 7 hours or more of class, you are no longer eligible to sit for the exam. I would suggest showing up for class promptly and leaving any and all distractions at the door. This class requires your full attention!
– So about that exam… 4 hours, 140 questions combining both NC State & National questions. You get 2 attempts at the class exam. If you fail the first time, you get a second chance. Fail the second, you have to repeat the course. Yikes! After you pass the class exam, you are eligible to sit for the final exam that actually gets you your Real Estate license! Wee!
You schedule your exam either online or over the phone thru a company called AMP and you go to an H&R block (so random) to sit an take another 4 hour exam. This exam, unlike the class exam is electronic and you find out your results immediately. Also, another difference in the class to state exam is, it isn’t cumulative. Say you fail one section, you simply sit for that portion again.
Speaking of failing, I passed my class exam on the first try! Whoop Whoop! However, I only passed the NC Section on my first stab at the state exam. I had to wait the 10 days, pay $96 and retake the National portion. Thankfully, a lot more studying paid off and I passed!
As I wrote at the start of this post, I am incredibly proud of myself for successfully passing the course/exam. Honestly, I don’t think anyone truly understands how much hard work & dedication it takes to pass it all unless you’ve gone thru it yourself! And if its been several years since you’ve taken the course you might still not get it, as the requirements continue to change & get harder. For example, my mom, who’s been licensed for about 20 years only had to sit thru 30 hours of class. I believe from here it increased to 40 and so on, and as you now know, it is at 79 hours.
A little bit about the commitment it took for me to pull this off…
The course ran from Nov. 10th-Dec.15th with the exam on Dec. 22nd. For 6 weeks, I went to class from 9-5 Tuesday/Thursday and on Tuesday’s, I left class, sat in traffic & taught my yoga class from 6-7pm. Get home at nearly 8pm, eat dinner and study until I passed out!
Mon/Weds/Fri, I managed all my training sessions, having anywhere between 6-8 hours of clients a day. I still managed to get in a workout at least 3x a week (if I didn’t, I may have gone crazy!) and honestly every bit of my free time was sucked up with studying. There were many nights I fell asleep studying and pretty much every morning before class, I’d wake up at 630-645am to refresh material for class that day.
Before the class began, I already made the decision to stay with my parents on Monday & Wednesday nights 1) to avoid traffic & make it easier to get to class in the morning since Adam & I live uptown + I just suck at mornings all together 2) to have no distractions, get all my studying/reading done on the nights before class. This was a tough but needed decision bc I knew Adam would be a distraction to me. I mean this in the best, most loving way possible. That man is my best friend & we just have fun with each other…cooking dinner, hanging out, listening to music & drinking wine. This just couldn’t be during these 6 weeks! Another reason this little separation was so tough is, Adam had JUST returned from filming Loving in RVA. (If your just tuning in, you can get caught up, here.) He had been away for 4 months and this class started 5 days before he came back home. ugh I basically had no social life for 6 weeks and studied my face off. Anytime I was in the car, I listened to a set of CD’s called “Hiking The Real Estate Trail”. These CD’s were awesome & very helpful, too! Just another way to get the material in my head. There were many nights I didn’t sleep bc I just felt so stressed (probably self-induced, I tend to do this) but it was a tough schedule to keep. One morning, I had a complete breakdown and had a much needed cry fest. I left the house to go study with my study buddy from class pretty much all weekend, every weekend. And on the final days leading up to the exam, I studied for about 8+ hours a day.
I’m by all means, not boasting. I just wanted to share what it really took for me to pass this whole thing. Perhaps it would come easier to others, but honestly, I don’t believe so. I remember one afternoon, a girl in my class, during one of our short little 10 minute breaks said she felt like she was going to cry. So many people in my class were super stressed.
Any way, the point of all of my rambling is that HARD WORK PAYS OFF. You are capable of anything you set your mind to — all it takes is the commitment + a drive to succeed from inside of you! If your wondering why the heck I decided to get my Real Estate license in the first place, stay tuned…there will be a post to follow!
Much Love,
Hi so first off way to go. But I am taking the class as well study every second I have. any tips for remembering definitions and study parts to focus on? Thanks so very much Lee
Hi Lee!Thank you! Passing was a proud moment, for sure! Honestly, my advice would be to just study, study, study. I had a study partner, made flash cards for definitions & listened to the "Hiking the RE Trail" CD’s in the car nonstop. I basically did nothing but live & breathe that class until it was over. Always pre-read before class and re-read any sections your not quite getting.Hope that helps!! Best of luck to you!! xoLS
You have exactly given what you hear from classroom and the amount of work you have to put in to pass this exam. Sure will help many who want to hear about the class from a student perspective. 2 days ago I have passed the class test and have to appear for the state test. Is there any specific materials i have to go through to clear the state or increase the chance of my passing 🙂 . I got amp book and yet to register for state.
For the class test i primarily used engrade online test/superiors text book/and the Adventure guide..which is more than sufficiient in my opinion. Just would like to see anything that may help for the state exam. Thanks Elay
Hi there! Congrats on passing the class exam. In my opinion, the final/ State Exam was harder and different from the class exam. Sounds like you are on the right track and using all of your resources. Everything I used & studied is what I shared in my post. Thank you for reading & commenting.
All the best!LS
Hi Lauren,
I just passed Superior’s class exam. I thought the school was great! My teacher Tim Terry was hilarious!! They told us to study 30 hours a week and I studied about 20 hrs a week and made a 93%.
Question though, did you think the actual licensing exam was a lot harder, or about the same? Superior says they make their test to reflect the same amount of questions on each topic, but I wasn’t sure how accurate that is?
Congrats by the way. It’s cool to see a local blogger going through the same process in the same area!
Hi Erin!!Congrats on passing – that’s awesome! I’ve heard wonderful things about Tim Terry. A girlfriend of mine actually had him for her instructor, and loved him as well!
I thought the actual licensing exam was way harder AND different from the class exam.
Thanks for reading! Best of luck with your Real Estate career! 🙂
xxLS
Hey Lauren,
Just wanted to come back to tell you I passed the state licensing exam today! Through-out school I kept hearing mixed results on whether the school or licensing exam was harder. You were right, the licensing exam was way harder! I about had a panic attack when I was taking it!
So for anyone else reading this, don’t let up on the studying after you pass the school exam and make sure you are studying beyond what the school emphasises!
Hi Erin!!That’s awesome – biggest congrats to you!! Yes, licensing exam was definitely harder!! Thanks for the update!! Best luck, again!! xx
Great article! I am taking this class at Superior in Ballantyne starting in November and would love to get the audio CDs you wrote about. Where did you find them? I don’t think I found the right set when I looked for them online. Thanks!
Hi Molly!!I actually borrowed the CD’s from my sister who took the class a few months before me. I believe you can just order them directly thru Superior! Study. Study. Study. And best luck with the class!! xx
LS
Is it possible to pass this class with a 45hour a week work schedule? And without any college education? I’m supposed to take this in March with JY Monk
HI Brandy,The class + a 45 hour work week will be stressful, for sure! I worked about a 25 hour work week while in the class and it was still super hard. I committed myself to the class 100% – no social life for about 6 weeks, stayed on stop of/ahead of the class reading + studied my butt off. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it, right!? 🙂
Best of luck!! xxLS
Hey , so I am at GoRealty school. We are only on Chapter 3 but I’m having a hard time already, I’m not sure if its just me, a lot of people in the class seem like they are understanding it all :/ Im a little disappointed all we have to study with is the modern real estate book and the instructor during class no extra studying materials. How am I suppose to know exactly what to study? I’m on day 4 in class and have written over 180 flash cards, is this to much? I feel like Im drowning and my mind can’t keep up.
Hi!So sorry to hear your having a tough time so early on. I read the book like crazy & listened to the Hiking the Real Estate Trail CD’s as I shared in my post. We also had practice tests that we were required to take in order to even sit for the final exam – those were a big help!I rewrote flash cards for info. that I was having a hard time drilling into my head! lolI know it sounds tough, but try not to stress!Wish you all the best,
LS
Hi! I’m currently preparing to take me exam & Superior next Monday. I’ve heard from some folks that passed the class and that they solely studied their engrades and passed with flying colors. Can you comment on this?
Hi Shira!Yes, I would agree with that, I studied my Engrades as well as re-read sections of the book that I knew I needed to understand better! Best of Luck!! xx
Hi! Having passed the Superior School class test I’m now preparing for the state exam. In what way do you believe the state exam was much harder than the school exam? I’ve attempted some online free sample exams and have been amazed at the level of difficulty. Did you attempt any of the online papers and, if so, do you feel they reflect the difficulty of the actual state exam?
Hi Marshall!Congrats on passing the class test – one down, one to go!The state exam was definitely harder to me – I felt that the structure of the questions was much different than the class exam, if that makes any sense…? I simply studied my Engrade tests from class, reviewed the parts/topics in the book that I felt I was lacking in and listened to my Hiking the Real Estate Trail CD’s a little more.So sorry, I can’t speak to the online papers as I never used them.Hope this helps. Just continue to study and you will do well!!
All the best!!LS
Congratulations!! I know it’s been a year already but I hope you’re kicking butt in your new career! This was so super helpful. I’ll be taking the classes in September and all I keep hearing is how hard it is! Thank you for going in depth when describing the class. Now I won’t feel so blind sided. Is there anything I could do or get right now to study that will help me with the class/exams?
Awe, thank you so much!! Happy you enjoyed my post about the class!! It is very hard but totally worth it! :)If you like, get a head start on your reading. If I remember correctly, I believe they recommend having the first 4 chapters read before class starts so I would say that’s a great place to start! As I wrote, I basically had no social life for the 5.5 weeks of class – I didn’t want any distractions. I made sure to re-read any parts that weren’t clear to me and the Engrade Exams are extremely helpful!!Hope this helps! best of luck! You’ll do great! xxLS
Hey Lauren,
Your post was very helpful as I am in the throes of real estate school and aiming to take the class test on June 15. Wondering if you had access to the Power Point or Adventure Guide as you call it. Also, would you know how I could get access to the Engrade program online?
ThanksHap
Hi Hap!Thank you! Happy to hear you found the post helpful!!You should have access to Engrade as a part of your class. I’m not sure where your in school, but at Superior School of Real Estate, we logged into our Engrade account to take our Engrade Quizzes as we moved thru the chapters in the course. If I remember correctly, you lose access to Engrade once the course is over so I would recommend printing or saving each quiz to your computer so you can go back and review them in preparation for your final exams – the class & the state exam. As I wrote in my post, I used the Hiking the Real estate Trail CD’s and the only other things I used was my book & Engrade. Hope the helps. Best of Luck!! Study, Study, Study!LS
I just finished tha class at Ballantine on June 9th. I failed the test the first time(by one question UGH!) My second try I got a 90. I take the big test next Wednesday (June 28th) I am so nervous. I loved reading this post. It gave me an extreme amount of encouragement.
Hi!!ugh…one question!! Sorry you missed it on the first try but happy to hear you passed the test!!! Best luck on the BIG exam!! You will ace it!! keep reading & studying to keep the info fresh in your mind!So happy you enjoyed the post! Thank you for reading! xo
Hi Lauren!
Congrats on passing this very difficult exam and starting your real estate career! I wanted to ask how you are liking it? I am thinking about becoming a realtor and am looking at schools that starting in January right now (Go School, Fonville Morisey and Superior). I know there are a ton of realtors and competition can be fierce, but the ones who stick it out past their first year tend to really love it. Thanks!!!
Hi Kim!Thank you so much! I defnitely was NOT easy! I actually am LOVING it! Competition is tough, but if you work hard, stay persistent and just GO FOR IT you absolutely can do it and be a successful Realtor!Good luck with the class and don’t hesitate to reach out — happy to help if I can! xxBest!LS
Congratulations, Lauren!
I felt very inspired reading your story. We can do anything if we just try. If you try and you fail, if you continue trying… eventually you will succeed!
Thanks 🙂
Hi Lauren!
Thanks so much for posting this! I just completed Superiors prelicensing course, passing my test on Feb 22! My licensing test is this coming Monday and all the stress is resurfacing! I hear the state portion is mega hard, but it sounds like that is the section you excelled in!I actually found this post while googling "How to pass the NC state real estate exam"!This was motivating, so again, thank you!
Fingers crossed for Monday!
Hi Erica!Awe, you are so welcome! I am so happy you found my post so motivating. Congrats on passing the class test @ Superior! Good luck with the final on Monday – sending you nothing but good vibes!!! xxLS
Thank you for this and the encouragement! I am taking the weekend class with Superior. I am about to go to my second weekend of classes and already feel so overwhelmed!!!
Hi Erin,Awe, I can totally relate to feeling overwhelmed. I definitely felt that way, too. Just take it one weekend at a time and completely commit yourself to this class and to all the studying!! You will do great!!Best of luck to you!LS
Congratulations!I just recently went thru the SC schooling, took and passed my National and state testings! I am now going to get my NC license, only makes sense since i live just a hop skip and jump from Charlotte(Rock Hill) I’m hoping my schooling from South Carolina will count towards NC! I will call and find out! Congrats again!
Hi Michelle!Congrats on passing the SC schooling and exam! Good luck with the NC portion!! I’m not sure how it works when you get your SC License first, however, I do know if you get your NC first, all you need to do is take the SC state portion.Wish you all the best with your Real Estate Career!!
xxLS
What type of questions are on the class exam and the type of questions on the state exam
Just had my first two first days of class this week! I’m still trying to get a hang of the math section. How was it on the state exam? Was it terrible???
Hi Abriel!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Math is definitely not my strong suit and I had a hard time getting the hang of it as well. The closing disclosure is the biggest math part on the final exam so I definitely would make sure you have that down and feel really solid with it. The CD will account for 4 questions on the exam, so…practice, practice, practice! 😉 I practiced a ton and one day it just clicked and now I actually enjoy it!
Best of luck to you!!
LS
Going to take the class test for the second time tomorrow. I thought I knew the material pretty good until the answer choices seem so tricky. I feel like knowing the material isn’t the only thing you have to master but also to master how to not be tricked by the questions and answers .
Good luck with the retake tomorrow. The questions are terribly tricky. Remember to slow down, re-read the questions, especially the ones that are tripping you up, and really focus on what exactly they are asking in the question.
You will ace it!!! Best of luck to you and let me know how it goes! xx
Hello Lauren!
Congratulations to you! I wanted to reach out because I am really struggling. I passed class first try, passed national section, but I am about to retake NC portion for the 5th time. I am so embarrassed and trying not to beat myself up over it. Just so you know I will not give up! Any advice for studying? Or how to break down the questions? Any advice would be amazing! Thank you!
Lauren
Hi Lauren!
Thank you so much and I’m so glad you reached out. I am so sorry to hear you are struggling with the NC portion. I actually had to retake the NC portion as well. In my opinion, the questions on the final exam to get your license are structured/worded so differently than the class exam. Since you know your having a tough time with the NC Portion, study. study. study. the NC booklet that is provided in class. Write notecards. Say the laws out loud and make sure the information is super engrained in your brain!!! 😃 give yourself a little bit of time to kind of get rid of the stress & anxiety of not passing so far and go back in when your fully ready. Also, TAKE YOUR TIME. reread each question and ALL the answers — pay attention to the little words in each answer that could trip you up and make you choose the wrong answer.
BEST OF LUCK!!!! Your going to pass this time! ❤️
Hi Lauren!
On this past Monday Nov. 11th, I also failed the NC portion, but for the 5th time. I am also embarrassed. I’m really disappointed that the test questions have to be so tricky! I haven’t felt this low in years and have anxiety from all this. I have studied so hard for so long and feel like nothing will help me now but a miracle from God!
Hi Rhonda!
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear this and that you feel so stressed and full of anxiety. I would encourage you to take some time between your next attempt to hopefully alleviate some of the stress you are feeling 🙁 but not TOO much time, so you don’t forget the information. Please see my above comment to Lauren and take those suggestions for studying and slowwwww it down the next time you go in for your retake. I tend to want to rush thru but reading each question 2x over and reading every answer and focusing on those words that can trip you up can be so helpful! Don’t be embarrassed. You will pass the next time!!! ❤️
We got this Rhonda!!!
Thanks Lauren, I hope to respond back in the near future with an “I PASSED my NC section!!!!”
I hope so, too!! Please send a note when you PASS!!!! ☺️
Well I didn’t pass the NC portion for the last time, my eligibility runs out on Dec. 15th and my last attempt was on the 9th yesterday. For the last four tries I missed it by two questions. Is that possible to miss it by two questions on the last four tests times in a row!!!!! I am sick to my stomach and want to know if you have any advice for me. Thanks
Oh Rhonda,
I am so so sorry!! Are you not able to take it one last time before the 15th?? I feel so awful hearing this news ;( I remember the final exam to get the license and the questions are SO tough and have so many words that can confuse you and make you choose the wrong answer.
Will you take the class again??
My class certificate is good until June 2022. I need to start my new 180 day eligibility period all over again in a few days.
Hi! I take my class final on Monday, however I’m taking the class at Gaston college. Not sure if anyone has gone there. I’ve have a site called qbank, where I am able to go and do random questions. Even a 140 question exam. I do good on those but I fell like the tests we take in class are a bit tricky and difficult. Anyone taken the class exam at Gaston? Can someone confirm if the class final are questions randomly selected by the NCREC? My teacher told me it was, but I would like to confirm. Thanks!
Hi! Yes, the questions should be selected by the NCREC even tho you are taking the class at Gaston College. So glad your doing those practice exams. Best of luck on your final exam on Monday!!!
Thanks Lauren! I passed, and everything is clear! Now I can schedule to take the licensing exam. 😊
I have taken the class 4 times and I thought for sure that I was ready this time. The questions in the book were not like them on the class exam. I have still yet be able to pass the class exam. I study with a group M, W, and F nights and do well. I am thinking about going to a Community College for the next course to take along with my 4 year college. Do you have any advice in this case?
I am so sorry to hear this. I can image how discouraged you feel 😞 is there an area of information where you feel you are struggling and could study more in?
I highly recommend writing flash cards, reciting the information out loud to yourself and listening to the real estate CDs in your car. I think the more ways you get the information in your brain the better.
Also, slow down on the exam and reread the questions. In my opinion, they intentionally try to trip you up with the way the questions are worded — you just pay attention to the way the questions are phrased.
Good luck!!!!!
Hi Dextavian,
I just passed my class at Gaston and it was not easy! It was nerve racking to say the least. I passed with a 75! So I almost didn’t make it, even though I knew the material and on parts of the test my brain would freeze. I honestly had to pray to myself while I was taking it to shift my mind back. Lol. For real …. You can watch Travis Everett on YouTube, I did. On my daily drives to and from work I would play it in my car. You can listen to it over and over. He even gives an entire final review. I also did practice tests through a knowledge bank offered by my teacher. I was always taking the tests and reading the responses whether I got them right or wrong. It helps keep them in your memory. I hope this helps!
Thanks for sharing your tips with Dextavian, Tami. The practice tests + listening in the car are a HUGE help!! Congratulations on passing — I’m so happy for you!!
Dextavian, look up the success rates of the Real Estate schools. I went through HPW, and I liked my instructor which helped. Do not give up! I take state exam again tomorrow which will be my 6th time. I know exactly how you feel, but when knocked down, just get right back up! Best of luck!!
Lauren, that’s a great suggestion on looking up the success/passing rate of the school!
BEST OF LUCK TOMORROW – YOU GOT THIS!!!
Where could I get the CDs?
I borrowed mine from a friend while I was taking the class. I know Superior School of Real Estate (where I took my class) sells them and i believe they are on amazon, too!
Thank you
Your welcome! I hope they help you as much as I they helped me!
Lauren,
I PASSED!!! 6th times the charm for the state part!! The proctors were sad to see me go lol! For everyone struggling, keep pushing! I did and I passed! Good luck to all, do not get discouraged and DO NOT GIVE UP!!! Remember it is one of the hardest states to pass.
Lauren Piontka
OMG YAY!!!! I am so happy you passed!! I knew you could! Congrats girl!!! Too funny about the proctors! LOL
Hey random question ! When you went back to take the national test was all the questions the same or was it different ?
Hi Lucy,
The questions were entirely different — the questions themselves as well as the way the questions are worded, if that makes sense. Continue to study and make sure you know the material inside and out.
Best of luck!!!
Congratulations. I’m currently in my undergrad and I’m taking my final course before graduating with my Bachelors degree. After my undergrad I will start my pre-licensing courses. Do you mind sharing any tips you’d like to give to a new student trying to obtain their Real Estate license?
Hi Sheng, thanks so much! Make sure you have the time to fully commit to the course + study, study & study some more.
I also recommend taking the licensing exam ASAP after completing and passing the class. GOOD LUCK!!
Just ran across your blog. I got my license last June 2020. Yes, right in the midst of covid. I went to Go School. We were the first class to go zoom in March and April 2020. That was a lot of fun. Our director told us in the very beginning what chapters to focus on. Of course you should know everything, but those chapters were exactly what I really knew inside out. I am glad to to say I passed the classroom on the second try. Passed the state and national exam on the very first try. Boy was I relieved. State was the hardest for me. During the state exam I thought I might fail, thank God I didn’t. During the national exam I knew I would pass. Now it is hard to find homes for my buyers in Raleigh.
Hi Ken,
Congrats on earning your RE License! Yes, we are in a crazy market here in Charlotte, too!
Best wishes to you & hope you’re having a great summer!