If you’re a North Carolina real estate broker looking to take your career to the next level, you may be wondering how to become a broker-in-charge. The broker-in-charge license category is a higher level where brokers can supervise other brokers—and potentially earn more money. So, what does it take to become a broker-in-charge? This article has everything you need to know about how to become eligible to be a broker-in-charge in North Carolina.
Key Takeaways
- Eligibility Requirements: To become a Broker-in-Charge (BIC) in North Carolina, a broker must hold a full, active broker license, have 2 years of full-time or 4 years of part-time real estate experience within the last 5 years (or be a NC licensed attorney with 3 years of relevant experience), submit the Request for BIC Eligible Status form, and complete a 12-hour Broker-in-Charge Course within the specified timeframe.
- Achieving BIC Eligible Status: Brokers must first obtain BIC Eligible status by meeting the experience requirements, submitting the necessary form (REC 2.25), and completing the required course within one year before or 120 days after submitting the form.
- Requesting and Terminating BIC Designation: Once eligible, brokers can request BIC designation by indicating the firm or sole proprietorship they will serve. The designation can be terminated if another broker is designated as BIC at the same office, or voluntarily by submitting a termination form (REC 2.22).
- Maintaining BIC Status: To maintain BIC designation, brokers must renew their license annually between May 15 and June 30, and complete the Broker-in-Charge Update (BICUP) course along with one Commission-approved elective by June 10 each year.
- Resources and Further Information: Additional details and resources for becoming a BIC can be found on the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC) website or by downloading relevant manuals and guides.
Step 1: Obtain Broker-In-Charge Eligible Status
Before you can become a broker-in-charge (BIC), you must obtain BIC eligible status. In order to achieve this status, a broker must:
1.) Hold a “full” broker license (not provisional) on active status;
AND
2.) Have acquired at least 2 years of full-time or 4 years of part-time real estate brokerage experience within the previous 5 years or be a North Carolina licensed attorney with a practice that consisted primarily of handling real estate closings and related matters in North Carolina for 3 years immediately preceding application;
AND
3.) Submit the Request for BIC Eligible Status and/or BIC Designation form (REC 2.25);
AND
4.) Complete the Commission’s 12-hour Broker-in-Charge Course no earlier than one year prior to and no later than 120 days after submission of form REC 2.25.
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Step 2: Obtain the Broker-In-Charge Designation
Once a broker has obtained BIC Eligible status, the broker may step in and out of active Broker-in-Charge designation by submitting a request form. As long as the broker maintains BIC Eligible status by timely renewing his/her license and completing the correct CE each year, the broker will not be required to take the 12-hour Broker-in-Charge Course upon redesignation.
Requesting Broker-in-Charge Designation: Submit the Request for BIC Eligible Status and/or BIC Designation form (REC 2.25). You must indicate the firm or sole proprietorship for which you will be serving as BIC.
Terminating Broker-in-Charge Designation: If another broker submits a Request for BIC Eligible Status and/or BIC Designation form to be designated as the BIC at your office, your BIC designation will be automatically terminated when the new BIC’s form is processed. However, if you wish to be removed as BIC immediately, you may submit a Request for Termination of Affiliation form (REC 2.22).
Step 3: Maintain Your Broker-In-Charge Designation
A broker may maintain BIC Eligible status and BIC designation by:
1.) Renewing his/her license between May 15-June 30 each year;
AND
2.) Completing the BICUP (Broker-in-Charge Update) course plus 1 Commission-approved elective by June 10 each year.
For more information about how to become a broker-in-charge, visit the NCREC website or download our student manual.
