Getting Licensed

This step-by-step guide to applying for a licence from RECA contains everything you need to know for your specific situation.

Please review the entire process before beginning. New applicants should pay special attention to the accepted proofs of eligibility outlined in Step 3c (unless you are a Licence Mobility or Suitability applicant).


First thing’s first: ensure you meet the minimum mandatory requirements for a licence.

To apply, you must:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • be able to lawfully study and work in Canada
  • be able to provide specific government-issued identification (ID)
  • have a minimum of Canadian high school education or equivalent
  • prove your English language skills

For more information on these requirements, see Step 3c: Eligibility (Alberta Resident)


myRECA is RECA’s online licensing and education system. You will become eligible, complete courses, request services, and maintain your licence through myRECA.

To create an account, you will need to:

  • Create a username and password
  • Supply the email RECA will use to contact you
  • Accept the myRECA Terms of Use, which gives RECA consent to contact you or otherwise use your personal information for regulatory purposes

View the tutorial for Creating a myRECA Account.


Once you complete setting up your myRECA account, the system will ask you to log in for the first time. Do not begin this step until you are ready to begin your application and eligibility process. This step includes the completion of one of two potential eligibility related applications, including payment. Read through these steps and wait until you’re ready before logging in for the first time.

The first question in this process will ask you what type of user you are. Select Licensee.

The first time you log in, RECA will ask you to submit one of the following:

As you answer the questions in myRECA when you log in, simply indicate if the labour mobility and suitability do not apply to you, and move on to the Eligibility Application.

If Labour Mobility or Suitability reviews apply to you, the system will instruct you about your next steps.

Go to step 3a, 3b, or 3c, depending on which situation applies to you.

Abandonment Policy

RECA considers an Eligibility Application abandoned if not completed within 180 days after payment of the $350 non-refundable application fee. RECA destroys all documentation for abandoned applications.

Privacy Policy

RECA maintains reasonable and systematic controls, schedules, and practices for personal information retention and destruction. As part of RECA’s Education course enrollment process, learners are required to indicate they agree to RECA’s collection, use, and disclosure of their personal information for determining their eligibility and enrollment in any pre-licensing or post-licensing education courses, licensing, and other regulatory purposes under the Real Estate Act, in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

 


Individuals who are licensed or eligible to be relicensed with no additional requirements in another jurisdiction qualify to have their licensing recognized through the labour mobility provisions of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. Applicants are not required to be residents of Alberta.

Only licensees from certain jurisdictions are eligible for labour mobility with Alberta. Make sure you are eligible by reviewing the information in the drop down below.

Labour mobility eligible jurisdictions

If you currently hold or previously held a licence in one of the below jurisdictions, you are exempt from the pre-licensing education requirements in Alberta for a comparable licence class.

Real Estate

CanadaUSA

British Columbia

Georgia

Manitoba

Montana

New Brunswick

Nebraska

Newfoundland and Labrador

Oregon

Northwest Territories

South Dakota

Nova Scotia

Utah

Ontario

Quebec

PEI

Saskatchewan

Yukon Territory

Mortgage

Canada

British Columbia

Manitoba

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia

Ontario

Quebec

Saskatchewan

Condominium Management

Canada

British Columbia

Ontario

Completing a Labour Mobility Application

When you log in to myRECA for the first time, the system will ask if you are coming from another jurisdiction. Answer positively, and follow the steps.

The fee for a Labour Mobility Application is $350.

The system will ask you to upload supporting documents with your application. You have six months to complete your application.

The required documents are:

  • Profile photo
  • Canadian-issued identification:
    • birth certificate
    • permanent resident card
    • citizenship card, front and back
    • valid work permit (Note: if your work permit expires within 30 days of your submission, you must also provide proof of your application for renewal)
  • If there are terms, conditions, or restrictions on your licence, you must provide evidence of same
  • Proof that you met the English proficiency requirements in your current jurisdiction. If you weren’t required to demonstrate proof of English proficiency in your current jurisdiction, you must meet Alberta’s English proficiency standard of English 30 or equivalent, or greater

 

Licensing History from your current jurisdiction

Also, request your current and past regulatory bodies to send RECA your licensing history. RECA deems licensing histories valid for 90 days from the issue date. As such, if approved for labour mobility, you must become licensed within 90 days from the date of your licensing history or your eligibility will expire.

Additional Education

Real Estate Professionals (not Mortgage) must complete the Consumer Relationships e-learning course on transaction brokerage and designated agency, unless coming from British Columbia or Nova Scotia. The Consumer Relationships course fee is $300 and you must complete it and the exam within 120 days of RECA issuing a licence. RECA licensing staff will direct you on how to enroll.

If RECA approves your Labour Mobility application, go to step 5: Certified Criminal Record Check.

View the tutorial for completing a Labour Mobility Application

 


During the licensing process you will need to answer a series of suitability questions about matters such as past criminal proceedings, regulatory proceedings, civil proceedings, and bankruptcies. If this might be an issue for you, it is better to address it now through a Suitability Review, before you proceed any further.

Suitability issues can include events where you:

  • have been disciplined by a professional association; professional or occupational body, or any other regulatory body.
  • have withdrawn, received a lifetime ban or had any licence, registration, or authorization suspended, cancelled or revoked by any regulatory body.
  • have been fined, sanctioned or disciplined by any professional, occupational or trade association or any other regulatory body.
  • are the subject of an investigation or any kind of review by any professional, occupational or trade association or by any other regulatory body.
  • have been or are the subject of a judgment or order related to misrepresentation, theft, fraud, breach of trust or the provision of products or services.
  • are the defendant in any active civil proceedings where the statement of claim alleges misrepresentation, theft, fraud or breach of trust or where the civil proceeding is in relation to the provision of product or services.
  • have been or are the subject of bankruptcy, insolvency or receivership proceedings.
  • have been or are the subject of a criminal investigation or criminal proceedings.
  • have been charged with a criminal offence.
  • have participated in the Alternative Measures Program.
  • have been found guilty or convicted of any offence under any law of any jurisdiction (excluding provincial or municipal highway offences).

A positive response to these questions on a licensing application will trigger a review of your good character by RECA, and may result in RECA refusing your application or placing terms on your licence.

If you think you might have a concern with these suitability issues, apply for a suitability review prior to spending any money on the pre-licensing education. Better you find out if there’s an issue before you begin than after spending thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours on courses.

How RECA reviews your suitability

RECA follows a Good Character Policy when determining suitability.

Case law defines good character as moral strength and includes integrity, candour, empathy, and honesty. RECA evaluates the following when assessing an individual’s good character:

  • respect for the rule of law
  • honesty
  • governability
  • financial responsibility
  • professionalism

Read RECA’s Good Character Policy in full.

Complete a Suitability Review

When you log in to myRECA for the first time, the system will ask you if there is anything in your past that you think may prevent you from becoming licensed. If you answer positively, follow the system steps.

The Fee for a Suitability Review Application is $350.

The system will ask you to upload supporting documents with your application. The supporting documents RECA requires differ depending on which suitability question you answer positively.

If RECA reviews your suitability and determines your circumstances would not prevent you from obtaining a licence, you may go to step 3c and begin an Education Eligibility Application.

View the tutorial for completing a Suitability Review Application


NOTE: We are experiencing higher than normal volume of applications and it may take minimum of 10 business days to process your Eligibility Application and related documents. You can check the status of your application by logging into myRECA account. Documents will not be reviewed until the application fee has been paid and the application is active in myRECA. Limited contact by phone is appreciated during this time.

Before you can enrol in RECA pre-licensing courses, you must prove you meet the requirements listed in Step 1.

When you log into myRECA for the first time, and answer no to the Labour Mobility and Suitability Review sections, you will begin an Eligibility Application. Answer honestly as you will have to provide evidence.

The fee for processing an Eligibility Application is $350. This fee is non-refundable.

The system will ask you to upload documents supporting your eligibility. See below for a complete list of proof that RECA accepts for eligibility. Upload required documents 1, 2, and 3 (listed below) to your application within your myRECA account, while having your Proof of Education and Proof of English Proficiency (documents 4 & 5 listed below) sent directly to RECA by the education institution or assessment service. Once eligibility documents have been processed all documents are destroyed in compliance with RECA’s privacy policy.

Here are the documents we require:
1. Source document: proof of identity and ability to study in Alberta (no substitute accepted)
Born in Canada copy of birth certificate
Born outside of Canada
  • front and back copy of your Canadian Citizenship Card/Certificate
  • front and back copy of your valid/non-expired Permanent Resident card
  • a copy of your valid/non-expired Work Permit
2. Supporting Document – Canadian government photo identification (one of the following)
RECA accepts
  • Canadian passport
  • Driver’s licence
  • Provincial identification card
  • Canadian treaty status card
  • Canadian Forces identification card
  • Canadian firearms card
Identification must contain
  • a clear photo
  • your full legal name
  • your date of birth
Identification must also
  • be valid (not expired)
  • have been issued within the last 5 years if the identification does not have an expiry date

Important: If there are errors in either the source document or government photo identification the issuing government agency must make the correction. If the legal name on the identification is truncated due to limited space, we may request additional documentation to confirm the full legal name.

The name and birthdate in the source document, government-issued photo identification, and myRECA account must match.

3. If the identification does not match we will accept the following:
Legal name change

All name change documents must show both the current and the previous name and be supported by one of the following:

  • registered marriage certificate(s) issued by a vital statistics agency
  • divorce decree(s)/certificates(s) showing name from to name to
  • certificate(s) of name change
Preferred name(s)

Preferred names (i.e. Bill instead of William or Sue instead of Susan) are not allowed unless a legal certificate of name change is presented.

  • names cannot be re-arranged into a different order
  • once licensed an industry professional can apply for an AKA to use a preferred name
4. Proof of Education

You must provide proof of education by submitting one of the following documents. You must ensure your documentation is sent to RECA as indicated in this section.

RECA will not accept transcripts directly from applicants. Contact your document provider to see how they deliver transcripts or education assessments. Please do not send more than one copy of transcripts. Choose either digital or mail. RECA will accept official education transcripts or education assessments sent one of three ways:

Mailed directly to our office

Real Estate Council of Alberta
202-1506 11 Ave SW
Calgary AB T3C 0M9

Instruct the institution or assessment service to mail transcripts directly to the address above. We will not receive mail held by Canada Post for pick-up.

Emailed

  • from an official school email address by a school administrator (RECA must be able to contact the administrator through this email address)
  • to registration@reca.ca
Electronically submitted

  • MyCreds
  • My Pass
  • Secure Portal
Proof of Canadian Education
  • accredited Canadian high school transcript showing you received a graduation diploma
  • General Education Development (GED) transcript if you did not complete your Canadian high school education or your Canadian high school transcript cannot be provided
  • post-Secondary transcript showing graduation from a minimum 2-year diploma or degree program from a Canadian college or university (as listed on either the Colleges and Institutes Canada or Universities Canada website)
    • diploma has been granted (minimum 2-year/4-semester, in-class program, in English)
    • degree has been granted (minimum 2-year/4-semester, in-class program, in English)
    • successful completion of a minimum of 3 for-credit academic courses towards a diploma (2-year minimum/4-semester, in-class program, in English) or degree
Proof of Non-Canadian Education

Assessed non-Canadian education transcript:

  • you will need to have your transcript assessed by any member of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC)
    • please direct any concerns about the education assessment itself directly to the ACESC member you are using (RECA is not affiliated with any of these organizations and cannot answer any questions or make any decisions on their behalf)
  • this assessment must show that your education is equivalent to:
    • a minimum of a Canadian high school graduation, or
    • graduation from a Canadian post-secondary diploma or degree program with a minimum 2-years, in-classroom instruction

Important note: RECA uses the assessment’s comparative outcome to understand your level of education. To use your education assessment as proof of English proficiency, please follow the requirements outlined in section 5: Proof of English Proficiency

RECA does not accept the following as proof of education:

  • acceptance into another education program in lieu of the required transcript or assessment listed above
  • online education programs
  • trade or vocational designations, certificates, or diplomas
  • apprenticeships or fast-tracked or condensed education programs
  • professional or occupational memberships, certificates, or designations
  • non-credit college or university courses, designations, certificates, or diplomas
  • work experience
5. Proof of English Proficiency

All education programs are in English consistent with the Alberta business environment. You must provide proof of English proficiency, in all areas (listening, speaking, reading, and writing), by submitting one of the following documents. You must ensure your documentation is sent to RECA as indicated in this section.

 Transcripts

(must be sent by the issuing institution directly to RECA)
  • accredited Canadian high school transcript showing you successfully completed Grade 12 English and received a graduation diploma
  • General Education Development (GED) transcript if you did not complete your high school education or your Canadian high school transcript cannot be provided
  • post-Secondary transcript showing graduation from a minimum 2-year diploma or degree program from a Canadian college or university (as listed on either the Colleges and Institutes Canada or Universities Canada website)
    • in-classroom program
    • delivered in English
    • achieving a diploma or degree
English Proficiency Assessment

(the applicant may email their official assessment results to RECA)

RECA will only accept assessments given by the listed organizations

  • English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    • iBT test with an overall score of 92 and minimum scores of: Listening, 21; Speaking, 26; Reading, 21; Writing, 24
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
    • Academic Assessment minimum score of 6.5 in all areas (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing)
  • Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
    • General test with a minimum score of 7 in all areas (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing)
  • Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL)
    • Minimum score of 60 in all areas (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing)
  • non-Canadian education transcript assessment

Please note: Not all ACESC members include language of instruction on their assessment. Please confirm with the organization before you apply. If your ASESC assessment does not state that the language of instruction was exclusively in English, you will need to provide an English language evaluation from one of the other organizations listed.

RECA does not accept the following as proof of English

  • ESL courses
  • employment experience
  • acceptance into another educational program in lieu of the required proof of English proficiency document listed above
  • trade or vocational designations, certificates, or diplomas
  • apprenticeships or fast-tracked or condensed education programs
  • professional or occupational memberships, certificates, or designations
  • non-credit college or university courses, designations, certificates, or diplomas
  • online education programs

Once RECA receives your supporting documentation and approves your application, you can enrol in RECA pre-licensing courses.

View the tutorial for Completing an Eligibility Application


If you are an existing licensee and would like to complete education for a different industry or if you are a former licensee who wishes to complete education and rejoin an industry, please contact Registration Services at registration@reca.ca to find out about your specific requirements before applying for eligibility as some requirements may be waived.


Individuals hoping to become licensed will need to complete the required education through a third-party recognized course provider.

Learn more about pre-licensing education and choosing a course provider.


As you near the completion of your pre-licensing education, or, if you are applying for labour mobility, once you receive your approval, contact a private, accredited fingerprint agency, or your local law enforcement to request a Certified Criminal Record Check (CCRC). These agencies take and forward your fingerprints to the Royal Canadian Mountain Police (RCMP) in Ottawa, who will perform the check.

RECA must receive and process your original CCRC before you can become licensed.

CONSUMER TIP: Sign a Third Party Waiver of Consent when you apply for a CCRC, so the RCMP can forward your results directly to RECA.

FAQs

Q

A

What is a Certified Criminal Record Check?

A Certified Criminal Record Check (CCRC) is a certified fingerprint-based criminal record search for non-criminal purposes conducted by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Ottawa, in which digital fingerprints are compared against the central repository of Canadian criminal records.

Please ensure you request a CCRC, not a vulnerable sector search.

Q

A

Who is required to submit a CCRC?

RECA requires you to submit a CCRC if you are:

  • applying for a licence for the first-time in Alberta
  • a licensee who has not been licensed with a brokerage in the past 12 months

Q

A

Why does RECA require a CCRC?

RECA’s mandate is to protect the public and the reputation of the profession, and to protect against and suppress mortgage fraud.

RECA requires a CCRC to confirm your identity and background information. If you have had a criminal conviction, this may indicate you are not of good character, may place the public at risk, harm the integrity of the profession or bring the integrity of other industry professionals into disrepute. By providing digital fingerprints, the RCMP can confirm your identity and your background.

Q

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What are the CCRC requirements?

Your CCRC must be no older than 6 months at the time you submit an application for licensing.

Complete a Third Party Waiver of Consent when you apply for your CCRC so the RCMP can send it directly to RECA.

Q

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How do I get a CCRC?

To get a CCRC, go to a private accredited fingerprinting agency or a police detachment that provides fingerprinting services (NOTE: not all police services/detachments provide fingerprinting services—we suggest you call in advance). The private fingerprinting agency or local police will scan your fingerprints and forward them to the RCMP Civil Fingerprint Screening Services in Ottawa.

Fingerprints must be scanned and submitted electronically to the RCMP. The RCMP does not accept paper-based fingerprint submissions. Complete a Third Party Waiver of Consent when you apply for your CCRC so the RCMP can send it directly to RECA.

Q

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How long does it take to get a CCRC?

It depends on whether you have a criminal record. Visit the RCMP's website to find approximate processing times.

RECA is not able to provide any explanations for RCMP processing delays.

Q

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What can I do to reduce delays?

To avoid delays in obtaining your CCRC, apply for your CCRC before completing your pre-licensing education. Ensure your CCRC is not more than 6 months old at the time you apply to RECA for your licence.

Q

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Where can I get my fingerprints scanned?

Visit the RCMP website for a list of private accredited fingerprinting agencies to find one close to you.

If you are unable to visit these locations, you may submit paper-based fingerprints using form C-216C available at your local police station or a private accredited fingerprinting agency to XL-ID Solutions, which will digitize your fingerprints and submit them to the RCMP on your behalf.

Q

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How do I know RECA has received my CCRC?

RECA will send you an email when we receive and process your CCRC. To ensure you receive this email, make sure your email address is up to date through your myRECA account. RECA processes CCRCs the same day they are received.

Q

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Can I become licensed after RECA receives my CCRC?

Your broker can initiate your licensing application when RECA has received and processed your CCRC, and :

  • you have completed all pre-licensing education and exams or have been approved for labour mobility
  • or you are reinstating your licence and you have completed all outstanding re-licensing education courses

Q

A

Can I get licensed if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not necessarily prevent you from becoming licensed, as each applicant is evaluated on his or her own merits.

You may request a suitability review, as per step 3b of this process to avoid investing in pre-licensing education only to have your licence application refused due to something in your past (criminal record, discipline, etc).

Q

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What happens to my fingerprints and my CCRC?

When RECA receives your CCRC your fingerprints are immediately removed and destroyed. Your CCRC, with fingerprints removed, is held securely by RECA in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act and RECA’s Privacy Policy. For more information on RECA’s Privacy Policy, contact RECA’s Privacy Officer.

Further Information

For more information on CCRCs, please visit the RCMP’s Civil Fingerprinting Screening Services website.


When you complete your education, or are approved for labour mobility, and RECA has received and approved your Certified Criminal Record Check, you become eligible for licensing. This status will show in the Licensing tab of your myRECA account.

For your next step, you must contact a licensed brokerage in Alberta and come to an agreement for them to hire you.

TIP: Be choosey. Don’t just go with the first brokerage you come across. Every brokerage is different: different in size, level of supervision, opportunities for mentorship, and employment arrangements. It’s important to go with the brokerage that fits you best. Ask brokers a lot of questions before agreeing to work for them. RECA prepared a List of Questions to Ask A Brokerage (PDF) to use when interviewing a brokerage.

When your brokerage hires you, you will likely have to complete employment contracts with the brokerage, membership applications for your trade association (if your brokerage is a member), along with your licensing application.


Once you find a brokerage you want to work for, and they’ve agreed to take you on, your new broker will begin the licensing process.

To do so they will ask for your myRECA username.

They will use their brokerage myRECA account to begin an application for you based on your username. Once initiated, you can complete your portion of the application from your myRECA account. Once you’ve finished and submitted your application back to the broker, they will review your application. If they accept it, either they, or you, will pay your licensing fees (it depends what you agreed to beforehand). Once you or they have paid your fees, you are licensed, registered, and ready to work.

Check the current licensing fees in the Fee Schedule. Please note that these costs do not include membership in any real estate organizations or boards which may be required if your brokerage is a member. The initial costs to join a board varies, but can be up to $3,000, with ongoing annual costs as high as $1,800. Contact the specific organizations to determine their costs. Some brokerages may also have start-up costs for new hires, which you should determine during your brokerage interview.

Check your licence status in the licence tab of your myRECA account. It should indicate you are authorized and show what sectors are on your licence (for real estate).

View the tutorial for completing a new licence application with myRECA



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