Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Business
Financial Advisor Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for financial advisor in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Financial Advisor in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Department of the Secretary of State • Securities Division
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$102,140 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#15 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Financial Advisor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Department of the Secretary of State~Securities Division and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $102,140, Financial Advisors in North Carolina earn 0% above the national median of $102,140. North Carolina ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$102,140Hourly estimate
$49.110% above national median
Difference: +$0
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFinancial Advisor Salary Ranking
#15 of 50 statesfor Financial Advisor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $167,970 |
| #2 | Idaho | $136,440 |
| #3 | California | $128,650 |
| #4 | Delaware | $128,170 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $123,690 |
Nearby States Comparison
Financial Advisor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $102,140 | No educational requirements | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $99,990 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $89,390 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $98,490 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $98,900 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Tennessee | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Georgia | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Department of the Secretary of State • Securities Division
2 South Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC, 27601-2903
Phone: 9198145500
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $87,990 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $43,870 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $80,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $93,590 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Financial Advisor in North Carolina?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Financial Advisors in North Carolina?
North Carolina lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Financial Advisors.
What education do you need to become a Financial Advisor in North Carolina?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Financial Advisor licensure in North Carolina.
What is the typical Financial Advisor salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Financial Advisors in North Carolina is $102,140.
How does the Financial Advisor salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Financial Advisors in North Carolina earn 0% above the national median of $102,140, with a state median of $102,140.
How many Financial Advisors work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 12,850 Financial Advisors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Financial Advisor license to North Carolina from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Financial Advisors in North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Department of the Secretary of State / Securities Division. Review agency details at https://www.sosnc.gov/divisions/securities/for_securities_professionals.
How often do you renew a Financial Advisor license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.