Real Estate License in North Carolina to access MLS listings

[Kou Y.]

I wanted to get a Real Estate License in North Carolina to have access to the MLS listings and comps rather than relying on another Real Estate agent. I notice that on a website that trains Real Estate students that once the student pass the state exams, they needed to be attached to an experienced Real Estate firm or something similar. I don't want to sell nor list properties, I just need to have access to the MLS so do I need to be attached to a Real Estate firm ? Can anyone that pass the state license have access to the MLS or do they have to actually work as an Agent ?

Thanks,  Johnny