North Carolina Business Broker License — Requirements & M&A Advisor Guide 2025
$
$
North Carolina Business Broker & M&A Advisor License Requirements
Becoming a licensed business broker or M&A advisor in North Carolina requires meeting specific education, exam, and experience standards. This guide covers every requirement, fee, and regulatory pathway for North Carolina as of 2025–2026.
License Type Required in North Carolina Real estate broker license required. North Carolina business brokers operate under the Real Estate Broker License, regulated by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission (NCREC).
Education Requirements
Pre-license (salesperson): 75 hours of approved coursework
Broker upgrade: 90 hrs postlicense education within 18 months of provisional license
Experience Required No minimum experience requirement — direct broker pathway.
Exam & Licensing Fees
Exam: PSI national + North Carolina state exam
Application fee: $100 application + $64 exam
License fee: $45
Exam note: NC uses a provisional broker system — full broker status after 90 hrs postlicense
Continuing Education 8 hours per year required to maintain active North Carolina broker license. Include mandatory ethics and law topics.
M&A Advisor Requirements in North Carolina North Carolina's Research Triangle is a fast-growing M&A market in biotech, tech, and healthcare. Business brokerage uses the NCREC broker license. North Carolina Secretary of State's Securities Division oversees M&A securities activity. Mid-market M&A advisors commonly affiliate with FINRA-registered broker-dealers.
Industry Certifications (Optional but Career-Critical)
CBI (Certified Business Intermediary) — International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
M&AMI (M&A Master Intermediary) — IBBA, for deals $5M+
CMAP (Certified M&A Professional) — AM&AA
Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) — FINRA, for larger M&A advisory
Series 82 (Private Securities Offerings Representative) — FINRA
How to Get Started as a Business Broker in North Carolina 1. Complete 75 hrs pre-license coursework 2. Pass the PSI national + North Carolina state exam 3. Obtain your North Carolina salesperson/associate license 4. Work under a licensed broker for No minimum experience requirement — direct broker pathway 5. Complete 90 hrs postlicense education within 18 months of provisional license and pass the broker exam 6. Pursue CBI certification via IBBA to establish market credibility