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If you want to start a high-income, flexible, and fast-growing career in real estate, getting your Real Estate License in Ontario is your first major step. Ontario’s real estate market continues to grow, creating opportunities for new agents who are well-trained and properly licensed. But the licensing process can feel confusing if you’re hearing about it for the first time.
This detailed, beginner-friendly guide explains every step involved — from eligibility and education to joining a brokerage and becoming fully licensed with RECO. By the end, you’ll understand exactly what you need to do and how long each stage takes.
1. What Exactly Is a Real Estate License in Ontario?
A real estate license in Ontario gives you the legal authority to trade in real estate. This means you can:
- Help clients buy homes
- Help clients sell their properties
- Advertise and list homes on MLS
- Negotiate offers
- Prepare documents for transactions
- Guide clients through the closing process
Without this license, you cannot earn commissions or represent clients in the province.
The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) regulates the entire system, ensuring every agent follows strict ethical, professional, and legal guidelines. Humber College is responsible for delivering all licensing courses.
2. Eligibility Requirements Before You Apply
Before you can start your registration, make sure you meet these basic requirements:
Minimum age requirement
You must be 18 years or older.
Educational requirement
You need a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent. If you completed your education outside Canada, you might need a credential evaluation.
Legal work eligibility
You must be eligible to work in Canada (citizen, PR, or valid work permit).
Language requirement
The entire program is offered in English, so you need basic fluency in reading, writing, and communication.
These requirements are straightforward and help ensure every student can complete the training successfully.
3. Enroll in Humber College’s Real Estate Salesperson Program
The Real Estate Salesperson Program is divided into two phases:
- Pre-Registration Phase
- Post-Registration Phase
Pre-Registration Phase
This is the first stage and must be completed before you can apply for your real estate license. It includes:
- 5 mandatory courses
- 4 final exams
- 2 simulation sessions (practical training)
These courses cover everything you need to know before becoming a real estate professional, including:
- Real estate fundamentals
- Legal responsibilities
- Property law
- Land structures
- The buying and selling process
- Condo transactions
- Commercial basics
- Ethical requirements
Most students complete this phase in 6 to 12 months, depending on how quickly they study.
4. Complete and Pass All Exams
Every course has a final exam that you must pass with 75% or higher.
There are 4 major exams in total. The exams test your understanding of:
- Real estate laws
- Property types
- Contracts
- Negotiation basics
- Disclosure obligations
- Agency relationships
- Paperwork and closing procedures
If you don’t pass, Humber allows retakes, but extra fees apply.
Many students study through:
- Humber online modules
- Practice questions
- Flashcards
- Mock tests
Completing exams on time helps maintain steady progress and avoids delays.
5. Attend the Mandatory Simulation Sessions
These sessions are practical, hands-on training classes. Instead of learning theory, you practice how real transactions work:
- Handling clients
- Writing offers
- Understanding MLS listings
- Drafting agreements
- Dealing with objections
- Negotiating deals
These sessions are designed to prepare you for real-life scenarios so you can feel confident once you start working with actual clients — just like understanding how to choose the Right Agent for Your Next Move helps clients make informed decisions.
6. Select a Real Estate Brokerage to Work Under
This is one of the most important decisions in your real estate career.
You cannot legally work as an agent in Ontario unless you join a registered real estate brokerage.
A brokerage provides:
- Training
- Mentorship
- MLS access
- Office systems
- Brand support
- Legal support
- Market guidance
When choosing a brokerage, compare:
Commission Splits
Common examples:
- 50/50
- 70/30
- 90/10
- 100% plans with monthly fees
Training & Mentorship
New agents should choose a brokerage that offers strong training programs.
Monthly fees
Some brokerages charge desk fees, tech fees, or marketing fees.
Market presence
A brokerage with good branding can help you grow faster.
Team vs. Independent
Some agents join teams for faster learning and lead generation.
Take your time and choose a brokerage that aligns with your goals.
7. Apply for Your License Through RECO
After a brokerage accepts you, you can apply to RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario) for your official:
Salesperson Registration (your real estate license)
To apply, you must submit:
- Proof of completing the Humber Pre-Registration program
- Your brokerage’s sponsorship confirmation
- A clean criminal record check
- Registration fee payment
Once RECO approves your registration, you are legally permitted to practice real estate in Ontario.
Congratulations — you are now a licensed real estate professional!
8. Complete the Post-Registration Phase (Within 2 Years)
This phase ensures new agents continue learning while working.
You must complete the Post-Registration Phase within 24 months of receiving your license.
This includes:
- 1 mandatory compliance course
- 2 elective specialty courses (choose from residential, condo, or commercial topics)
Completing these keeps your license active and helps you build specialized skills.
9. How Much Does It Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Ontario?
Here’s a breakdown of the major costs:
Humber Pre-Registration:
$4,000 – $4,500
RECO Registration Fee:
~$590
Errors & Omissions Insurance (Mandatory):
~$400/year
Brokerage Fees:
Varies. Could be:
- $100/month
- $500/month
- One-time desk fees
- Commission splits
Marketing Materials (optional but important):
$200 – $1,000 depending on:
- Business cards
- Signs
- Riders
- Feature sheets
- Lockboxes
- Website setup
- Lead generation
Total Estimated Cost
$5,500 – $7,500 (before your first deal)
10. How Long Does the Entire Process Take?
On average:
Full Licensing Timeline:
8 to 12 months
Breakdown:
- Humber courses: 6–12 months
- Simulations: 1–2 weeks
- Brokerage search: 1–4 weeks
- RECO registration: 10–20 business days
Some students finish faster, especially if they study full-time.
11. Career Growth After Getting Your License
Once you become a licensed salesperson, you can:
- Sell residential properties
- Work with investors
- Handle rental properties
- Work in pre-construction
- Specialize in condos
- Move into commercial real estate
- Join a real estate team
- Build your own brand
- Earn unlimited commission potential
Ontario’s real estate industry is highly competitive, but agents with strong marketing, negotiation skills, and consistency build successful long-term careers.
To grow, most agents invest in:
- Social media marketing
- Postcards
- Door hangers
- Yard signs
- Custom real estate riders
- Vinyl banners
- Google Ads
- YouTube property tours
Your success depends on how well you maintain client relationships, generate leads, and stay consistent.
12. Final Thoughts
Getting your Real Estate License in Ontario is a straightforward but detailed process. Once you complete your education at Humber, pass your exams, join a brokerage, and register with RECO, you are fully prepared to start your real estate career.
Ontario offers excellent opportunities for new agents who are motivated, professional, and consistent. Whether you want a full-time career or a flexible income path, real estate can be a rewarding choice.
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