Upcoming TRESA Changes to the Humber Polytechnic Real Estate Program

The Short Story: TRESA Phase 2 came into effect December 1st, 2023, but the following Humber courses and exams are still based on REBBA:
- Course 1
- Course 2
- Course 3
- Simulation 1
- Course 4
- Simulation 2
- Real Estate Broker Program: Qualifying & Final Exam

Passit study guides reflect Humber's current course materials (REBBA). Passit TRESA updates can only occur in sync with Humber's update schedule to prevent any confusion while studying.

This article was originally published in 2023 and subsequently updated in 2024 and 2025.

TRESA Phase 2 came into effect December 1^st, 2023. Humber Polytechnic* real estate course materials and exams will be changing but a timeline has not been provided. Currently, students learn REBBA throughout the pre-registration phase and TRESA is only introduced in the final course (Course 5, which has no exam). Consequently, every Humber real estate exam is currently based solely on REBBA, not TRESA. Humber previously indicated that TRESA content changes were planned for 2024, but subsequently removed any reference to an estimated timeline:

TRESA updates to the salesperson and broker courses at Humber College are expected to be completed in due course.
Humber College learners can proceed with confidence through current course content while course material is being updated because fundamental obligations under the law remain. Humber College will keep learners informed in advance of the dates TRESA updates will be applied to all courses in the salesperson and broker programs. Updates to courses will not affect learning paths.
The 2024 Update Course : Introduction to TRESA is included in COURSE 5 of the pre-registration salesperson program AND the mandatory post-registration Compliance Course delivered by Humber College.

Humber College Real Estate Education Program

*In 2024, Humber College changed its name to Humber Polytechnic.

Although nothing has happened yet, important email updates from Humber should soon arrive in your inbox.

What Changed?

The new TRESA requirements enhance consumer protection and improve RECO’s regulatory powers. These changes will significantly impact your day-to-day activities as a registrant and are the most substantive updates to Ontario real estate legislation since REBBA 2002. Here is a very brief overview of several significant changes that came into force in December:

• REBBA (the Real Estate and Business Brokers Act) was renamed TRESA (Trust in Real Estate Services Act).
• There are no more customer relationships; all individuals are either clients or self-represented.
• A RECO Information Guide must be provided to all clients and self-represented parties prior to providing any services.
• Brokerages can use designated representation as an alternative to multiple representation in specific circumstances.
• Sellers can now choose how much other information, if any, they want to share about the offers they receive. This can include price, conditions, closing date, etc. (personal information remains confidential).
• There are new requirements for disclosures, consents and acknowledgements to ensure they are concise, written in plain language and readily understandable.
• RECO’s powers have expanded to improve compliance and enforcement.
• The Code of Ethics has been revised to focus on ethical obligations, with compliance specifics moved to the TRESA Regulations.
• The scope and authority of the Discipline Committee has been broadened.

Note: These are the most notable changes with the greatest impact. There are additional Phase 2 requirements not mentioned here.

How Do These Changes Impact You?

As a Humber Polytechnic Real Estate Student:

There’s nothing to worry about right now. Changes will be announced by Humber in advance and Passit study guides will be in sync with these updates. We will ensure these changes are seamlessly integrated into your learning experience. As always, Passit study guides will be skillfully tailored to ensure that you have a stress-free study experience.

As a New Real Estate Salesperson:

TRESA changes are important and will take time to learn and understand. TRESA modules are now integrated into Course 5 and additional resources are available at RECO’s website. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone in this transition — every real estate salesperson and broker in Ontario (there are over 90,000) are sifting through these updates and learning how the changes impact their legal and ethical obligations. Take advantage of all available resources, especially RECO Bulletins. Once you are registered, you will also have access to:

• Info provided by your brokerage; and
• Local real estate board resources and OREA forms (if you are a member of organized real estate).

What Do I Need To Do Now?

If you’re currently completing the Humber Polytechnic Real Estate Salesperson Program, stay focused on current course materials. The course changes have not yet been finalized, so diving too far into TRESA updates will overload you with details that are not yet applicable for exam purposes.

Course 1 and Course 2 will be significantly impacted by these updates. Strategically, it is a great idea to finish these courses prior to the changeover. You still need to learn all about TRESA, but you can avoid some immediate stress and confusion that may result from navigating Humber’s course updates.

If you are nearly finished the Salesperson Program and will be registering with RECO in the near future, it’s an ideal time to get up-to-speed on TRESA changes in your spare time. Use the existing resources available at RECO and OREA. Keep an eye out for important updates as RECO Bulletins and FAQs are posted in the TRESA Explained section of RECO’s website.

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As the course changes approach, we will keep you updated with timely information to ensure that you’re well-prepared and confident. Not yet a Passit user? Get started with a Passit online study guide today.