NC Real Estate Continuing Education (CE)

Everything you need to renew your North Carolina real estate license with confidence—what to take, when to take it, and how Providence delivers a better in-person learning experience.

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Quick Facts

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    Annual Requirement

    8 hours per license year

    4-hour Update course (GENUP or BICUP) plus one 4-hour approved elective.

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    CE Window

    July 1 – June 10
    Complete CE each license year by June 10 to renew on active status.

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    Renewal Deadline

    Every licensed broker must renew their license between May 15 and June 30 each year.

    The renewal fee is $45, paid directly to the NC Real Estate Commission (NCREC) online.

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Who Takes What?

  • For: Provisional brokers and non-BIC/BIC-Eligible brokers
    You’ll do: The General Update (GENUP) course plus one approved elective.
    Focus: Commission updates, laws & rules, and current practice risks.

  • For: Brokers-in-Charge and BIC-Eligible brokers
    You’ll do: The Broker-in-Charge Update (BICUP) course plus one approved elective.

    Important: Taking GENUP instead of BICUP will keep your license active but you will lose BIC/BIC-Eligible status for that year.

    Heads up: If you’re BIC or BIC-Eligible, do not take GENUP in place of BICUP unless you’re prepared to forfeit BIC/BIC-Eligible status for the year.

  • All licensees must take one 4-hour approved elective

Course Formats with Providence

  • Providence delivers high-impact, discussion-driven, in-person courses that align with Commission guidance. We emphasize case studies, peer dialogue, and real-world application—because the best learning happens together.

  • Live, instructor-led, classroom setting.

  • Commission-approved 4-hour topics taught in person with interactive activities.

Our NC CE Courses

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    General Update

    This mandatory annual course keeps North Carolina real estate brokers informed on key regulatory changes, legal updates, and industry trends.

    More Info
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    BIC Update

    This mandatory annual course keeps North Carolina Brokers-in-Charge informed on key regulatory changes, legal updates, and industry trends.

    More Info
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    Understanding Residential Appraisals

    Appraisals are often the most misunderstood step in a real estate transaction — yet they play a critical role in whether a deal closes smoothly.

    More Info
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    Listening to the Pros

    Step into the shoes of today’s most informed and ethical real estate professionals.

    More Info

CE FAQs

  • Eight (8) total: four hours of an Update course (GENUP or BICUP) and four hours of an approved elective.

  • Complete CE for the license year by June 10.

  • Non-BIC/BIC-Eligible brokers take GENUP. BICs and BIC-Eligible brokers take BICUP. Taking the wrong one may affect your BIC/BIC-Eligible status.

  • Yes. Our Update and elective offerings are taught live by Commission-approved instructors using current-year materials and policies. We maintain attendance/identity verification and classroom policies consistent with Commission guidance.

  • Yes, but only under certain conditions. You may carry forward up to 4 elective credit hours into the next license period if the course was not used at all toward your CE requirement in the current license period. Carry-over credit is only allowed for full elective courses, not for unused hours within a single course.

Compliance Notes & Helpful Links

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Bring Providence to Your Office

Want a private CE day for your brokerage or team? We’ll handle registration, attendance, and certificates. Group discounts available.

Contact: info@ProvidenceRealEstateEducation.com