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Apr 2024
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Humber College, Real Estate Salesperson Program
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How to Become a Real Estate Salesperson in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever dreamed of a career where each day presents new challenges, every client needs your individual attention and every negotiation is unique, then becoming a real estate salesperson might just be your calling.

In Ontario, the pathway to this dynamic and potentially, lucrative profession starts with an education component and progresses to registration as a real estate salesperson with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). Since this process costs several thousand dollars and can span a year or more, it’s crucial to understand how everything fits together.

Let’s dive into the steps — here’s an overview:

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility for the Education Component

The Real Estate Salesperson Program is currently solely delivered for RECO by Humber College. To be admitted to the Program, you:

  • Confirm that you can read, write, understand and speak English.
  • Provide a Canadian secondary school diploma or GED certificate. If you do not have either, you can provide acceptable equivalency credentials for consideration or complete an admissions exam.

Step 2: Review RECO’s Requirements and Application Process

You won’t register with RECO until after completing the Pre-Registration Phase of the Real Estate Salesperson Program, but it’s crucial to know early what the RECO application requires:

  • You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • A current Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) must be submitted with your application.
  • If you are not a Canadian citizen, documentation is required to verify your eligibility to work in Canada; e.g., Landed Immigrant Status papers or Permanent Resident card.
  • You must disclose and provide additional information that RECO will consider, including:
    • Any other registrations/licenses you have;
    • Any other business, occupation or profession you are engaged in or employed by;
    • Any bankruptcies, consumer proposals or insolvency proceedings;
    • Any unpaid judgements or outstanding debts;
    • Any suspended, revoked or refused professional registrations or licenses; and
    • Any pending charges or past convictions.
  • RECO provides a Registration Policy to help explain how past conduct is assessed.
  • Prior to registration you must be employed by a real estate brokerage. Aspiring real estate salespeople can connect with prospective brokerages at any time, but typically do so when they are completing the Pre-Registration Phase. The employing brokerage must be indicated on the RECO application.

Step 3: Apply for the Real Estate Salesperson Program at Humber College

TIME: 1-3 Business Days
COST: $125

The application process at Humber College is entirely online. You will:

  • Provide your full legal name, date of birth, address, phone number and email;
  • Upload the applicable credential document (high school diploma or transcript, GED certificate, etc.); and
  • Agree to the Program’s terms and conditions.

Your learner account will be created immediately, but the Pre-Registration Phase cannot be started until the application has been reviewed and approved.

Step 4: Complete the Pre-Registration Phase

TIME: 6 Months – 2 Years
COST: $4,110

Now your commitment and tenacity will be tested! The Pre-Registration Phase consists of multiple courses and exams that must be completed in 24 months. This phase is primarily self-directed, self-paced and pay-as-you-go, so you can schedule your courses and exams for dates that best suit your schedule. Additional fees apply if courses or exams need to be repeated. 

If this sounds daunting, don’t worry — Passit study guides will help! Widely recognized as indispensable, these exceptional guides offer comprehensive coverage and detailed explanations across each course. With extensive practice questions and targeted support to strengthen your weak areas, Passit helps ensure you are well-prepared and confident for each exam. This makes your learning path more effective, enjoyable and achievable! 

Step 5: Obtain A Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check

TIME: 1–6+ weeks
COST: $40-60 avg (varies throughout the Province)

When you are close to completing the Pre-Registration Phase, it’s time to start completing the final steps to register as a salesperson. RECO requires the submission of a Level 2 Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) with each application. This can be obtained in advance, but keep in mind that the CRJMC can be dated no earlier than six months before your RECO application date.

Step 6: Find the Best Real Estate Brokerage for You

TIME: 1–6+ weeks
COST: Free 

When applying for registration with RECO, you will need to provide the name of the brokerage where you’ll be working, since you cannot trade in real estate without being both registered and employed by a brokerage.

Finding the right brokerage is crucial as it determines the support, training and compensation structure you’ll receive, all of which significantly impact your early success and career development in real estate. You can complete this step anytime! There are benefits to getting started early (training, mentorship, networking, etc.). Passit Scout is a helpful, free tool to find brokerages in your area that are hiring new salespeople. It also lets you quickly connect directly with the individual responsible for hiring (e.g., Broker of Record, Manager, Team Lead, etc.).

Step 7: Apply for Registration as a Real Estate Salesperson with RECO

TIME: 1–4+ weeks
COST: $356 (application) + $500 (for insurance, if approved)

You’ve almost made it! You’ve finished the Pre-Registration Phase, obtained your CRJMC and selected a brokerage. Create a RECO MyWeb account to start the online application process. You cannot trade in real estate until the application is approved. 

You Did It! What’s Next?

Once your RECO application is approved, you’re ready to start selling!

Just remember that obtaining your registration as a real estate salesperson in Ontario is just the beginning. Launching your career involves additional time, investment and ongoing costs—from obtaining memberships in local real estate boards, the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), to completing the Post-Registration Phase and renewing your registration with RECO. Each step is an investment in your future success, setting the stage for a thriving career in real estate. Stay proactive, prepared and persistent… the effort you put in now will pave the way for rewarding opportunities ahead!

Did we miss anything you’d like to know? Leave a comment below — we’re happy to answer any questions or provide additional details!

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