How to Become a Realtor in Ontario: The Complete 2026 Guide

Getting your real estate licence in Ontario is one of the most accessible paths into a high-earning, flexible career. But the Ontario real estate licensing pathway has changed significantly since December 2023, when the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) replaced the old REBBA legislation and RECO overhauled its education model with four approved providers.

This guide walks you through every step, from meeting the basic eligibility requirements to landing your first brokerage — with current 2026 costs, timelines, and exam details.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario requires completion of a pre-registration education program through one of four RECO-approved providers: Humber, Algonquin, Fleming, or Career College Group.
• You must pass the REAT (Real Estate Admission Test) before enrolling in the program.
• The program includes 4 courses, 2 simulations, and Course 5 — totalling 6 proctored exams.
• Each exam is 50 multiple-choice questions, requires 75% to pass, and has a 2-hour time limit.
• Total cost from start to first day on the job is roughly $6,000 to $8,000 CAD.
• The entire process takes 6 months at the fastest, though 12 to 18 months is more typical.

Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before you can enter the pre-registration program, you need to satisfy three baseline requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age. There is no upper age limit.
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada. You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid work permit.
• Have a clean criminal record. RECO conducts a background check as part of registration. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain offences — particularly fraud or dishonesty — may be grounds for refusal.

There are no formal educational prerequisites. You do not need a university degree or college diploma. However, you do need to pass an aptitude test (the REAT) before you are admitted into the program.

Step 2: Pass the Real Estate Admission Test (REAT)

The REAT is a screening exam that every prospective student must pass before enrolling with a RECO-approved education provider. It tests three competency areas:

What the REAT Covers

• Mathematics — Basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and simple algebra. You will need these skills throughout the program, especially for mortgage calculations, commission splits, and property tax prorations.
• Reading Comprehension — Ability to read dense passages (like excerpts from legislation or contracts) and answer questions about their meaning.
• Critical Thinking — Logical reasoning, identifying assumptions, evaluating arguments, and drawing conclusions from given information.

REAT Format

The REAT is a computer-based, proctored exam. It is 50 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit. You need a score of 75% (38 out of 50) to pass. If you fail, you can reattempt it after a waiting period.

The REAT is not difficult if you prepare, but it trips up candidates who underestimate the math section or rush through the reading passages. ExamAce offers free REAT practice questions that mirror the format and difficulty of the real test.

Step 3: Enrol with a RECO-Approved Education Provider

Once you pass the REAT, you choose one of four providers approved by RECO to deliver the salesperson pre-registration education program:

1. Humber Polytechnic — The largest and most established provider, based in Toronto. Humber began offering the new curriculum in October 2025.
2. Algonquin College — Based in Ottawa, started delivering the program in July 2025.
3. Fleming College — Based in Peterborough, also started in July 2025.
4. Career College Group — A private college network with multiple locations across Ontario, started in July 2025.

All four providers deliver the same RECO-mandated curriculum and administer the same standardized exams. Your choice of provider does not affect what you learn or how your exam is structured — it affects delivery format, scheduling flexibility, and student support.

Program fees across providers are approximately $4,795 CAD for the full salesperson program. Some providers may charge slightly more or less, and payment plans are sometimes available.

For a detailed comparison, see our guide on Humber vs Algonquin vs other providers.

Step 4: Complete the Pre-Registration Education Program

The salesperson pre-registration program consists of seven components taken in sequence:

The 4 Courses

• Course 1: Real Estate Essentials — The foundational course covering TRESA, RECO's regulatory framework, the Code of Ethics, property ownership types, land registration, zoning, and environmental issues. This is the heaviest course in terms of new terminology and legislation.
• Course 2: Residential Real Estate Transactions — Focuses on representing buyers and sellers. You learn the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, how to work with clients, showing properties, and completing standard residential offers.
• Course 3: Additional Residential Real Estate Transactions — Builds on Course 2 with complex scenarios: condominiums, new construction, rural properties, and situations involving multiple offers.
• Course 4: Commercial Real Estate Transactions — Introduces commercial property types (office, retail, industrial, investment), commercial lease structures, income analysis, and the commercial APS.

The 2 Simulations

• Simulation 1 — Applied residential scenarios that test your ability to handle realistic transaction situations. More case-based than the course exams.
• Simulation 2 — Applied commercial scenarios with a similar case-based format.

Course 5: Getting Started

• Course 5 — Covers launching your career: setting up your business, personal branding, prospecting, time management, and transitioning into active practice. Course 5 does not have a proctored exam.

Each course must be completed before moving to the next. You cannot skip ahead.

Step 5: Pass All 6 Proctored Exams

Every course and simulation (except Course 5) concludes with a proctored exam. Here is what to expect:

If you fail an exam, you can retake it after a waiting period, but each retake costs an additional fee and delays your timeline.

The exams test TRESA-based content — not the old REBBA legislation. Every question bank has been updated since December 2023 to reflect the current regulatory framework. If you are using old study materials that reference REBBA, discard them.

Preparing with practice questions that match the current curriculum is the single most effective study strategy. ExamAce practice exams are written specifically for the 2026 TRESA-based curriculum with 870+ questions for Course 1 alone.

Step 6: Apply to RECO for Registration

After completing the program (all courses, both simulations, and Course 5), you apply to RECO for registration as a salesperson. Here is what the application involves:

The MyWeb Application

RECO uses an online portal called MyWeb for registration applications. You will:

1. Create a MyWeb account.
2. Submit your education completion certificate (your provider sends this to RECO).
3. Provide personal identification documents.
4. Consent to a criminal background check.
5. Pay the registration fee.

Fees at Registration

• RECO registration fee: Approximately $590 CAD (this covers your initial registration period).
• Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance: Mandatory. This professional liability insurance protects consumers if you make a mistake in a transaction. The cost varies but is typically $450 to $550 CAD per year depending on the insurer.

Processing Time

RECO typically processes applications within 2 to 4 weeks, though it can take longer if there are issues with your background check or documentation.

You cannot practise real estate until your registration is confirmed and you are associated with a brokerage.

Step 7: Find a Brokerage and Start Your Career

In Ontario, every salesperson must work under a registered brokerage. You cannot operate independently. Choosing the right brokerage is a critical decision that affects your income, training, and career trajectory.

What to Look For in a Brokerage

• Training and mentorship programs — Especially important in your first year. Does the brokerage pair new agents with experienced mentors?
• Commission split structure — Common splits range from 50/50 to 80/20 (agent/brokerage). Some brokerages charge flat desk fees instead.
• Desk fees and monthly costs — Some brokerages charge a monthly fee regardless of your sales volume.
• Technology and tools — CRM systems, marketing tools, and lead generation support.
• Brand recognition — Larger brands may attract more walk-in clients; boutique brokerages may offer more personalized support.
• Culture and values — Visit the office, talk to current agents, attend a team meeting if possible.

Interview Tips

Treat brokerage interviews as a two-way conversation. You are choosing them as much as they are choosing you. Ask about average time to first deal for new agents, what administrative support is included, and whether there are any hidden costs.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Licence?

The total timeline from starting the REAT to receiving your RECO registration typically breaks down as follows:

The fastest candidates complete the program in about 6 months by taking courses back to back and passing every exam on the first attempt. A more realistic timeline for someone studying part-time while working another job is 12 to 18 months.

How Much Does It Cost? Full Breakdown

For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on real estate licence costs in Ontario.

Tips for Success

Study Consistently, Not Intensely

Cramming the night before does not work for these exams. The material is dense and cumulative. Thirty to sixty minutes of daily study over several weeks produces better results than a weekend marathon.

Use Practice Questions Early and Often

Practice questions do more than test your knowledge — they teach you the exam format, improve your time management, and identify weak areas before exam day. ExamAce offers thousands of practice questions aligned with the current curriculum across all courses and simulations.

Join a Study Group

Find classmates or other students online. Explaining concepts to someone else is one of the most effective ways to solidify your understanding. Reddit's r/OntarioRealEstate and various Facebook groups have active communities of current students.

Understand TRESA, Not Just Memorize It

The exams test application, not memorization. You need to understand why TRESA requires certain disclosures, not just that it does. Read the legislation itself at least once — the Ontario government's guide to starting a real estate career and the e-Laws text are both publicly available.

Do Not Skip Course 5 Material

Even though Course 5 does not have a proctored exam, the content is genuinely useful. It covers the practical skills you will need on day one: prospecting, lead management, time blocking, and setting up your business finances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the title "Realtor" the same as "real estate agent"?

No. "REALTOR" is a trademarked term owned by the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). You can only use it if you are a member of CREA through a local real estate board. All REALTORS are licensed agents, but not all licensed agents are REALTORS. When you register with RECO and join a brokerage that is a member of a CREA-affiliated board (most are), you will become a REALTOR.

Can I get my licence if I have a criminal record?

Potentially, yes. RECO evaluates each application individually. Minor offences from the distant past are less likely to be an issue than recent fraud or dishonesty convictions. You must disclose your record in your application — failure to disclose is itself grounds for refusal.

Do I need to be a Canadian citizen?

No. You need to be legally entitled to work in Canada. Permanent residents and individuals with valid work permits can apply for registration.

Can I take the courses online?

Yes. All four RECO-approved providers offer online delivery options. Some also offer in-person or hybrid formats. The proctored exams may be taken at designated testing centres or through approved online proctoring, depending on the provider.

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Starting a real estate career in Ontario is a structured, achievable process — but it takes genuine preparation. If you are in the early stages and want to test the waters, try our free REAT practice questions to see where you stand before committing to the full program.

Related on ExamAce

• Ontario real estate exam process and licensing pathway — full overview of the regulatory route
• Fastest way to get your real estate licence in Ontario — speed-focused timeline
• Free REAT prep course — pass the admission test before enrolling

ExamAce is not affiliated with RECO, Humber Polytechnic, Algonquin College, Fleming College, or Career College Group. Information in this guide is based on publicly available resources and is provided for educational purposes.