How Much Does a Real Estate License Cost in Ontario?
The total cost to become a licensed real estate salesperson in Ontario ranges from $6,500 to $8,000+ in your first year. Here's exactly where every dollar goes.
Education Costs (Humber College)
The pre-registration education program through Humber College is the largest upfront expense:
- Course 1: Real Estate Essentials — $575
- Course 2: Residential Transactions — $575
- Course 3: Additional Residential — $575
- Course 4: Commercial Transactions — $575
- Simulation 1 — $575
- Simulation 2 — $575
Education subtotal: $3,450
Note: If you fail an exam, retake fees are approximately $100-$200 per exam.
RECO Registration Fees
- Registration application fee — $590
- Errors & Omissions Insurance — ~$480/year
RECO subtotal: ~$1,070
Real Estate Board & Association Fees
To practice, you must join a local real estate board and the provincial/national associations:
- Local Board Entrance Fee (one-time) — $460
- Local Board Membership (annual) — $680
- OREA & CREA Entrance Fees (one-time) — $400
- OREA & CREA Membership (annual) — $1,080
Board/Association subtotal: ~$2,620
Optional But Recommended Costs
- Study guides (PassOREA) — $19.99 per course ($79.96 for all 4)
- Business cards & marketing — $200-$500
- MLS access fees — Varies by board
- Lockbox/Supra key — ~$200-$400
Total First-Year Cost Summary
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Education (Humber) | $3,450 |
| RECO Registration + Insurance | $1,070 |
| Board & Association Fees | $2,620 |
| Total First Year | ~$7,140 |
Ongoing Annual Costs
After your first year, ongoing costs to maintain your license are approximately $2,240/year:
- Insurance renewal: ~$480
- Board membership: ~$680
- OREA & CREA membership: ~$1,080
Is It Worth the Investment?
The average Ontario real estate salesperson earns $50,000-$80,000 in their first year, with top performers earning well over $100,000. Given the total investment of ~$7,000, most agents recoup their education costs with their first transaction.
Save Money — Pass on Your First Try
Every failed exam costs $100-$200 to retake. PassOREA study guides help you pass the first time, saving you money and months of delay.
View All Study Guides — From $19.99Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a real estate license cost in Ontario?
The total first-year cost for a real estate license in Ontario is approximately $7,140, including education ($3,450), RECO registration and insurance ($1,070), and real estate board and association fees ($2,620).
How much are Humber real estate course fees?
Each Humber College real estate course costs approximately $575. With 4 pre-registration courses and 2 simulation exams, the total education cost is $3,450.
Are there ongoing costs after getting your real estate license?
Yes, ongoing annual costs to maintain your real estate license in Ontario are approximately $2,240 per year, including insurance renewal ($480), board membership ($680), and OREA/CREA membership ($1,080).
Can I get financial aid for real estate courses in Ontario?
Humber College real estate courses are not typically eligible for OSAP. However, the course fees may be tax-deductible as a business expense once you are licensed and earning income as a real estate salesperson.