Almost Finished Your Ontario Real Estate Courses? RECO Registration Fees Are Increasing by Almost $250 Starting January 1 2027.

If you’re approaching the end of Ontario’s Real Estate Salesperson Program, there’s a new reason to finish your courses before the end of 2026.

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) has announced significant registration fee increases taking effect January 1, 2027.

For new real estate salespersons, the registration and application review fees will jump from $356 to $602 — an increase of $246.

With less than two months remaining in 2026, learners nearing the end of the Real Estate Salesperson Program have a valuable opportunity to complete their remaining education requirements, organize their brokerage connections and apply for registration before the higher fees take effect.

Finishing Course 4 or Simulation 2? Your Timing Matters.

Now is the time to find out whether you can complete your remaining requirements and apply to RECO before the fees increase on January 1, 2027.

Here’s what’s entailed in the final stages of the Salesperson Program:

Four Things to Know Before Planning Your Timeline

1. Course 4 is long and the exam is challenging. Passit’s Course 4 study guide can make a big difference, helping you navigate the material, strengthen your understanding and focus your preparation for exam day.
2. Simulation 2 could determine your timeline. You can only schedule Simulation 2 after passing the Course 4 exam, and available sessions depend on your education provider. Check upcoming dates, noting spaces may get filled as others try to squeeze this course in before 2027. If there’s a gap between Course 4 and Simulation 2, get a head start with Passit’s Simulation 2 study guide. Review key concepts and practice applying your knowledge so you’re ready for the exam immediately after your session.
3. Course 5 is the easy part to plan around. It’s short, entirely self-paced and has no exam. Once you’ve passed Simulation 2, you can move through this final requirement quickly.
4. Don’t overlook the Christmas holidays. Reduced course availability, limited exam dates and holiday closures could make the December 31 deadline harder to meet than you expect. Contact your course provider to verify course and exam registration availability throughout December.

Important: Simply starting your application in December won’t secure the 2026 rate. Make sure your application and payment are completed well before December 31.

Allow time for your criminal record check. A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) is a required part of RECO’s application process. Results typically arrive within one business day, but delays are possible. You cannot finalize your application until the check is complete, so build some extra time into your plans.

Contact RECO if you have questions about timing or your application status.

Note: RECO also requires professional liability insurance before you can begin trading in real estate. This is a separate cost from the registration fees discussed here.

Don’t Overlook the Brokerage Requirement

To apply for registration with RECO, you must also choose an Ontario real estate brokerage to work with.

Don’t leave this decision until the last minute. The right brokerage can make a significant difference in your first year, particularly through training, mentorship and support as you begin working with clients.

Find Local Brokerages Recruiting New Agents With Passit Scout

Passit Scout makes finding and connecting with local brokerages and teams easy.

Simply select your Planned Trading Area to discover brokerages and teams seeking newly registered agents. Compare profiles, explore training and career opportunities, and connect directly with the person responsible for working with new agents. You can also discover local industry events, including brokerage information sessions, networking opportunities and training events.

Scout is free to use. No Passit account or study guide required.

If you’re aiming to apply to RECO before January 1, start making brokerage connections now.

Your Year-End Action Plan: Finish Strong and Save $246

Here’s where to focus:

If you’re in Course 4: Prioritize your exam preparation with Passit’s Course 4 study guide and check upcoming Simulation 2 dates with your education provider. Confirm that your remaining courses and exams can realistically be completed before year-end.

If you’re in Simulation 2: Get exam-ready with Passit’s Simulation 2 study guide, then plan to complete Course 5 promptly after passing your exam.

If you’ve finished the Pre-Registration Program: Confirm your brokerage arrangements and move ahead with your RECO application through MyWeb. Don’t leave the application and payment until the final days of December.

At every stage, start making brokerage connections. Passit Scout makes it easy to discover and connect with local brokerages and teams welcoming new agents, so you’re not scrambling to find a brokerage after completing your education.

Remember, starting your real estate career also involves insurance, board membership fees (if your brokerage is part of organized real estate) and other startup expenses.

The opportunity is clear: plan now, finish strong and, if your timeline allows, complete your RECO application before the 2027 fee increase takes effect.