Entering the real estate industry in Ontario can be a rewarding career choice. However, before you can start selling properties, you need to obtain a real estate license. This guide will walk you through the steps to become a licensed real estate salesperson in Ontario.
1. Eligibility Criteria
Before you start the process, ensure you meet the following criteria:
Be at least 18 years old.
Be a resident of Canada.
Have a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Choose an Education Provider
In Ontario, the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) oversees the licensing of real estate professionals. They have authorized the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) to provide the real estate education programs.
Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) College: This was the primary institution for real estate education, but as of 2021, they no longer offer the pre-registration courses. If you had started your courses with OREA before this date, you could complete them until 2021. 1
Humber College: As of 2019, Humber College and NIIT Canada are the new providers for the Real Estate Salesperson Program on behalf of RECO. 2
3. Complete the Required Courses
The Real Estate Salesperson Program offered by Humber College is divided into six courses:
Real Estate Essentials
Residential Real Estate Transactions
Additional Residential Real Estate Transactions
Commercial Real Estate Transactions
Getting Started
Real Estate Transaction General and Residential
You must complete these courses within 24 months of starting the program.
4. Register with a Brokerage
Before you can apply for your license, you need to be employed by a brokerage. The brokerage will apply to RECO on your behalf to get your registration. It's essential to choose a brokerage that aligns with your career goals, as they will be instrumental in your early career development.
5. Apply for Your License
Once you've completed your courses and have a brokerage to sponsor you, you can apply for your real estate license. The brokerage will typically handle this process for you. There's a fee associated with the application, and you'll also need to provide your educational transcripts and other relevant documents.
6. Post-Registration Phase
After obtaining your license, you'll enter a two-year post-registration phase, during which you must complete additional courses:
Real Estate Broker Course
Elective Course (choose one from a list of options)
7. Maintain Your License
To keep your license active, you need to:
Renew your license every two years.
Complete the required continuing education courses.
Pay the associated renewal fees.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed real estate salesperson in Ontario is a structured process that ensures you are well-prepared to serve clients effectively and ethically. By following the steps outlined above and staying committed to continuous learning, you can enjoy a successful career in the Ontario real estate market.
References:
Note: Always check with the official RECO website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on licensing and education requirements.
Footnotes
Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA). (n.d.). Transition FAQs. Retrieved from OREA's official website. ↩
Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). (n.d.). Becoming a Salesperson. Retrieved from RECO's official website. ↩
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