Becoming a REALTOR® is a rewarding career that provides many with flexibility and opportunity. The process to getting your real estate license in Alberta involves several steps, and it’s not just as easy as enrolling in area learn courses.
There are a few eligibility requirements to become a licensed REALTOR® in Alberta and it requires a bit of back and forth between the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) and Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA)/area learn, which can often be confusing to aspiring real estate professionals.
We’ve outlined a step-by-step guide to clarify this process and provide guidance for those who want to become a REALTOR® in AB:
Steps to Getting Your Real Estate License in Alberta
Step 1: Determine Your Suitability
To become a REALTOR®, you must be at least 18 years old, have a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent, and be a Canadian citizen or have a valid work permit.
- be a minimum of 18 years old
- be able to legally work and study in Canada
- provide government-issued ID
- have at least a Canadian high school education (or equivalent)
- demonstrate proficiency in the English language
For more information on eligibility requirements, click here.
Step 2: Complete Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) Eligibility
Next, you must submit an eligibility application through the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). RECA is the governing body for Alberta’s real estate professionals. Once RECA has determined your eligibility, you will be provided a RECA CONID, which will allow you to enroll in your licensing education courses.
For more information and to begin your RECA application process, visit the RECA website.
If you already have a CONID and you’re ready to begin your real estate journey, click here to get started.
Step 3: Enroll in area learn’s Pre-Licensing Education Courses
Before you can apply for your real estate license, you must complete your pre-licensing courses.
area learn is a recognized pre-licensing course provider that provides expert-crafted courses to prepare aspiring REALTORS® for the licensing exam.
There are at least two courses you need to take to be eligible for your real estate license in Alberta. The first course is the Fundamentals of Real Estate course and the second is a licensing designation course of your choice.
Click here to learn more about the different real estate licensing designations in Alberta.
Step 4: Pass RECA Exams & Complete Waivers
Upon completion of your pre-licensing course, you'll need to pass the associated RECA licensing exam. Once you pass your first licensing exam, you will be required to enroll in your second course and complete the associated exam.
Upon completing a minimum of two courses and exams (Fundamentals of Real Estate + one licensing designation course), you may complete the required waivers.
Step 5: Find a Brokerage
After passing the exams and completing your waivers, you will need to find a brokerage to sponsor you. This brokerage will be where you hang your license and conduct your business.
Step 6: Complete Licensing and RECA Registration
Once you have found a brokerage, your broker will help you apply for your license through RECA, become a member of your provincial real estate association (Alberta Real Estate Association) and your local real estate board and gain access to resources like the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®).
Ready to get started on your journey to becoming a REALTOR® in Alberta? Click here to enroll in area learn’s pre-licensing education courses and get equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your real estate career.
