How to Get Your Real Estate Licence in Ontario

Getting your real estate licence in Ontario is one of the most rewarding career moves you can make, but the Ontario real estate licensing pathway involves several distinct stages that trip up many aspiring agents. This guide walks you through every step, from the initial admission test to your first day at a brokerage, so you know exactly what to expect in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Ontario real estate licensing is governed by the Trust in Real Estate Services Act (TRESA) and administered by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO).
• You must complete a pre-registration education program through a RECO-approved provider such as Humber College, NIIT Canada, Algonquin Careers Academy (ACA), or Kaplan Real Estate Education.
• The full process takes 12 to 18 months and costs approximately $4,000 to $6,000 in total.
• After passing all exams, you must register with RECO through an approved brokerage before you can legally trade in real estate.
• Ongoing continuing education is required to maintain your registration.

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The Legal Framework: TRESA, Not REBBA

Before we get into the steps, it is worth understanding the legal backdrop. Ontario's real estate industry is governed by the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2002 (TRESA), which fully replaced the former Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA) in 2023. TRESA introduced several significant changes, including designated representation, clearer rules for self-represented parties, and enhanced consumer protection measures.

Everything in this guide operates under the TRESA framework. If you come across older resources that reference REBBA, the licensing process described there is outdated.

RECO is the regulatory body that administers TRESA. It oversees the registration of all salespersons and brokers in Ontario, sets education requirements, and handles complaints and discipline.

Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Basic Requirements

Ontario does not have overly restrictive entry requirements, but you do need to meet a few baseline criteria:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
• Legal status: You must be legally entitled to work in Canada (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or valid work permit).
• Education: There is no specific post-secondary education requirement. A high school diploma is sufficient.
• Background: RECO conducts a background check as part of the registration process. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you, but certain convictions may affect your eligibility.

There are no residency requirements that limit you to a specific part of Ontario, though you will need to join a brokerage that operates in the province.

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

The first formal step is the Real Estate Admission Test (REAT), an assessment that confirms you have the foundational math, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills needed for the education program.

The REAT is administered by the education provider you choose. It is not an exam on real estate knowledge; rather, it tests whether you can handle the academic demands of the program.

What the REAT covers:

• Basic mathematics (percentages, fractions, ratios)
• Reading comprehension (interpreting written passages)
• Critical thinking and logical reasoning
• Basic written communication

Most students pass the REAT on their first attempt, but it is not something to walk into unprepared. If math is not your strongest subject, spend a few days reviewing percentages and ratio calculations before you sit down for the test.

You can practise REAT-style questions for free on ExamAce to gauge your readiness before booking your test date.

Step 3: Choose a RECO-Approved Education Provider

Once you pass the REAT, you enrol in the pre-registration education program through a RECO-approved provider. As of 2026, four providers are approved to deliver the program:

All four providers deliver the same RECO-approved curriculum. The exams, regardless of provider, test the same competencies and use the same passing standard. Your choice comes down to learning format preference, scheduling flexibility, and cost.

A note on OREA: The Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) used to deliver the licensing education, but that responsibility transferred to Humber College in October 2021. If you see references to "OREA exams" online, they are talking about what is now the Humber (or equivalent provider) program.

Step 4: Complete the Pre-Registration Courses

The salesperson pre-registration program consists of the following courses, completed in sequence:

Course 1: Real Estate Essentials

The foundational course covering TRESA, the RECO regulatory framework, property ownership types, land registration systems, environmental issues, and the legal responsibilities of a registrant. This is where you learn how Ontario real estate regulation works from the ground up.

Course 2: Residential Real Estate Transactions

Focuses on representing buyers and sellers in residential transactions. You will learn how to complete an Agreement of Purchase and Sale, handle showings, manage multiple-offer situations, and guide a transaction through to closing.

Course 3: Additional Residential Real Estate Transactions

Builds on Course 2 with more complex scenarios: condominiums, new construction, rural properties, title insurance, and landlord-tenant considerations.

Simulation 1

A scenario-based assessment that tests your ability to apply what you learned in Courses 1 through 3 to realistic residential transaction situations.

Course 4: Commercial Real Estate Transactions

Covers commercial property types, commercial lease structures, income analysis (NOI, cap rates), commercial Agreements of Purchase and Sale, and financing for commercial properties.

Simulation 2

A scenario-based assessment focused on commercial transaction scenarios.

Course 5: Getting Started

The final course in the program, covering how to set up your real estate business, personal branding, prospecting, time management, and transitioning into active practice. This course does not have a formal exam.

Each course builds on the previous one, and you must pass each exam before moving to the next course. Exams are multiple-choice, open-book, with a 75% passing threshold.

You can prepare for each course exam with ExamAce's course-specific practice questions, which mirror the format and difficulty of the actual assessments.

Step 5: Pass All Required Exams

Each course exam (except Course 5) requires a score of at least 75% to pass. The exams are:

• Format: Multiple-choice questions
• Duration: Typically 2 hours per exam
• Open-book: You can reference your course materials during the exam
• Proctored: Exams are administered under supervised conditions (online proctoring or in-person, depending on your provider)

If you fail an exam, you can retake it. Most providers require a waiting period and charge an additional fee for retakes, so thorough preparation upfront is far more cost-effective.

The exams test applied knowledge, not rote memorization. You need to understand concepts well enough to apply them to scenarios, not just recall definitions. This is where many students stumble: having the textbook open does not help if you cannot quickly locate the relevant section and apply it correctly under time pressure.

Step 6: Apply for RECO Registration

After completing all courses and passing all exams, you apply for registration through RECO's MyWeb portal. But here is the critical point: you cannot register independently. You must be sponsored by a registered brokerage.

Finding a brokerage

Before submitting your RECO application, you need to secure a position with a brokerage. This involves:

• Researching brokerages in your target market
• Interviewing with several to compare commission splits, desk fees, training programs, and culture
• Signing an Independent Contractor Agreement (most salespersons are independent contractors, not employees)

The RECO application

Your registration application includes:

• Personal information and identification
• Education completion confirmation (your provider submits this to RECO)
• Criminal background check
• Brokerage sponsorship (your broker of record confirms they are sponsoring your registration)
• Registration fees (approximately $590 for initial salesperson registration)
• Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance (mandatory; approximately $460 annually, arranged through RECO's group plan)

RECO processes applications on a rolling basis. Once approved, you receive your registration number and can legally trade in real estate.

Step 7: Join a Local Real Estate Board

While not strictly required by RECO to hold your registration, joining a local real estate board is practically essential for your career. Board membership gives you access to:

• MLS (Multiple Listing Service): The database where properties are listed and searched
• Standard forms: OREA standard forms used in Ontario transactions
• Networking and professional development: Local events, committees, and mentorship opportunities
• CREA membership: Board membership includes membership in the Canadian Real Estate Association, which gives you access to REALTOR.ca and the REALTOR trademark

Major boards in Ontario include the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB), and the Kitchener-Waterloo Association of REALTORS (KWAR), among many others.

Board membership fees vary but typically range from $1,000 to $2,000 annually, depending on the board.

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

The timeline varies based on how quickly you move through the courses. Here is a realistic breakdown:

Some students complete the program faster by studying full-time, while others take longer because they are working another job simultaneously. The self-paced nature of most providers means you have flexibility, but there are typically maximum time limits for each course (usually 6 to 12 months).

Cost Breakdown

Here is an approximate breakdown of the costs you can expect:

These figures do not include optional expenses like business cards, a website, marketing, or additional exam prep resources. For a detailed cost breakdown, see our guide on real estate licence costs in Ontario.

Post-Registration: What Comes Next

Getting your licence is the beginning, not the end. Once registered, you are subject to ongoing obligations:

Continuing Education

RECO requires registered salespersons to complete continuing education (CE) courses to maintain their registration. This includes a mandatory annual update course plus elective courses. CE keeps you current on legislative changes, market developments, and professional standards.

Two-Year Registration Cycle

Your registration with RECO must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires completing your CE obligations and paying the renewal fee.

Insurance

E&O insurance must be maintained at all times while you are registered. Lapses in coverage can result in suspension of your registration.

Record Keeping

Under TRESA, registrants must maintain proper records of all transactions and client interactions. Your brokerage will have systems for this, but the obligation is ultimately yours as a registrant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Based on what we hear from students going through the process, here are the most frequent missteps:

1. Underestimating the exams: The open-book format gives a false sense of security. You still need to study thoroughly. See our guide on how hard the Humber real estate exam actually is.
2. Not researching brokerages early enough: Start looking at brokerages while you are still completing your courses. You do not want to finish your exams and then scramble to find a brokerage.
3. Ignoring the math: Real estate involves mortgage calculations, commission math, and property tax calculations. Students who avoid the math sections tend to struggle on exams.
4. Choosing a brokerage based solely on commission split: A higher split means nothing if the brokerage provides no training, leads, or mentorship. New agents need support.
5. Not budgeting for the full cost: Factor in board fees, insurance, marketing costs, and the reality that it may take several months before you earn your first commission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my real estate licence online?

Yes. All four RECO-approved providers offer online delivery. You can complete the entire pre-registration education program remotely. Exams are proctored online or at designated testing centres.

Do I need a university degree?

No. There is no post-secondary education requirement. You need to be at least 18 and legally entitled to work in Canada.

Can I work part-time as a real estate agent?

Technically yes, but real estate is demanding and most successful agents treat it as a full-time commitment, especially in the first year. Your brokerage may have expectations about availability.

How long is my registration valid?

RECO registration is renewed every two years. You must complete continuing education requirements and pay renewal fees to maintain active status.

What if I fail an exam?

You can retake failed exams after a waiting period (varies by provider). Additional fees apply. There is typically a limit on the number of retake attempts.

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Start Preparing Today

The Ontario real estate licensing process is structured but manageable when you know what to expect. The students who move through it most efficiently are the ones who prepare thoroughly for each exam rather than relying on the open-book format to carry them through.

ExamAce offers practice questions for every course in the program, from the free REAT prep through to the broker exams. Our questions are designed to match the format and difficulty of the actual assessments, so you know exactly what you are walking into on exam day.

Related on ExamAce

• Ontario real estate exam process and licensing pathway — the regulatory route at a glance
• How to become a Realtor in Ontario — 7-step companion guide
• Free REAT prep course — the admission test before the program

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ExamAce is an independent exam preparation platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Humber College, NIIT Canada, Algonquin Careers Academy, Kaplan Real Estate Education, RECO, OREA, or CREA. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.