How to Become a Realtor in Ontario (2026)
Becoming a licensed real estate salesperson in Ontario requires completing the Humber College real estate program and registering with RECO. Here's the complete step-by-step process. (See also: How to Get Your Real Estate License in Ontario and full cost breakdown.)
Step 1: Complete the Pre-Registration Phase
You must complete all four pre-registration courses through Humber College:
- Course 1: Real Estate Essentials — Foundations of real estate, TRESA, RECO, property law
- Course 2: Residential Real Estate Transactions — Agency, APS, property valuation
- Course 3: Additional Residential Real Estate Transactions — Condos, rural, new construction
- Course 4: Commercial Real Estate Transactions — Commercial property types, leasing, investment analysis
Each course has a final exam that you must pass with a minimum of 75%.
Step 2: Complete the Simulation Exams
After passing all four courses, you must complete two simulation exams:
- Simulation 1 — Tests practical application of residential transaction knowledge
- Simulation 2 — Tests more complex scenarios including commercial and specialized transactions
Step 3: Register with RECO
Once you've passed all courses and simulations, you can apply to RECO for registration as a salesperson. Requirements include:
- Completed Humber College program (all 4 courses + 2 simulations)
- Criminal background check
- Insurance (errors & omissions)
- Registration fees
- Sponsorship by a registered brokerage
Costs Breakdown
- Humber Course Fees — Approximately $575 per course ($2,300 total for 4 courses)
- Simulation Fees — Approximately $575 each ($1,150 total)
- RECO Registration — Approximately $590
- Insurance — Approximately $480/year
- Total to get licensed — Approximately $4,500-$5,000
Timeline
Most students complete the program in 6-12 months, depending on how many courses they take simultaneously. You can study at your own pace — all courses are available online through Humber.
After Licensing: Articling Phase
Once registered, you enter a 2-year articling phase where you work under the supervision of your brokerage's broker of record. During this time, you must complete additional elective courses.
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View All Study Guides — From $19.99Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a realtor in Ontario?
Most students complete the Humber College pre-registration program in 6-12 months. After passing all courses and simulations, RECO registration takes an additional 2-4 weeks. The full process from enrollment to active license is typically 8-14 months.
How much does it cost to become a realtor in Ontario?
The total cost to become licensed is approximately $4,500-$5,000, including Humber course fees (~$2,300), simulation fees (~$1,150), RECO registration (~$590), and insurance (~$480/year).
Do I need a degree to become a realtor in Ontario?
No, you do not need a university degree to become a real estate salesperson in Ontario. You must be at least 18 years old and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The main requirement is completing the Humber College real estate program.