Getting Licensed


STEP 1: MEET THE BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

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

 

STEP 2: CREATE A myRECA ACCOUNT

myRECA is RECA’s online licensing and education system. You will become eligible, track your courses and exams, 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.

 

STEP 3: LOGIN TO myRECA FOR THE FIRST TIME

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:

  • (SKIP THIS OPTION) Labour Mobility Application—indicate this option does not apply to you and move on to the next section of the process. This is for those who were licensed in a different jurisdiction and want to also become licensed in Alberta
  • Suitability Review Application—if there are instances in your past (criminal events, bankrupticies, etc.) that could affect RECA’s decision to give you a licence, begin this application. If you begin this application, the eligibility process typically stops as you provide particulars and documentation to RECA for review as part of the suitability review process, though you can continue to start an eligibility application should you wish to. The system will guide you to your next steps. You can also review more information on this page below. If this does not apply to you, please indicate so and move on to the Eligibility section.
  • Eligibility (Alberta resident)—complete this application.
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).

 

STEP 4: BEGIN YOUR ELIGIBILITY 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.

The purpose of this application is to prove you meet the requirements listed in Step 1, before you can enrol in licensing education courses. 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.

Requirement 1: Identification
To assist in achieving its mandate, which includes protection of consumers and promotion of the integrity of the industry, Registration Services employs rigorous identification verification methods for all licensing applicants.

Following is a list of identification documents you must supply to support your eligibility application. The registrar may require you to supply additional proof of identification, at their discretion. You must be at least 18 years of age to get your licence.

Proof of identity

Government issued photo identification Proof of name change
if applicable
Method of Submission

Born in Canada Born outside Canada must be valid (not expired) or issued within past 5 years if no expiry date if applicable
birth certificate
  • front and back of Canadian Citizenship Card
  • front and back of Canadian Citizenship Certificate
  • Permanent Resident card*
  • valid/non-expired Open Work Permit with no study restrictions
  • Canadian passport
  • Driver’s licence
  • Provincial identification card
  • Canadian treaty status card
  • Canadian Forces identification card
  • Canadian firearms card
  • registered marriage certificate
  • divorce decree/certificates showing the name change
  • certificate of name change issued by vital statists agency
Copy uploaded to eligibility application by applicant in myRECA**

*If your PR card is expired, you will be required to supply a Statement indicating that you have not lost your PR status and that you are currently eligible to work in Canada
**The registrar may require an applicant to present original documents to a Registration Specialist for inspection

Requirement 2: Education Standard

Applicants are required to demonstrate a minimum of high school graduation (or equivalent) to ensure they have the necessary skills and abilities to successfully complete education.

Education completed in Canada
One of the following:
Education completed outside Canada Method of Submission
  • accredited Canadian high school transcript showing you received a graduation diploma, or
  • General Education Development (GED) transcript if you did not complete your Canadian high school education or your Canadian high school transcript cannot be provided, or
  • 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), and
  • diploma has been granted (minimum 2-year/4-semester, in-class program, in English), or
  • degree has been granted (minimum 2-year/4-semester, in-class program, in English), or
  • 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
Assessed non-Canadian education transcript:

  • have your transcript assessed by a member of the Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada (ACESC)
    • direct questions or concerns about the assessment 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)
  • assessment must show that your education is equivalent to:
    • 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

Note: You may also be able to use your education assessment as proof of English proficiency.

Must be submitted to RECA by the issuing institution or assessment body. RECA will not accept an education transcript or assessment from an applicant.

By mail
Real Estate Council of Alberta 202, 1506 – 11 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T3C 0M9

Note: documents must be sent by regular post (not registered mail). RECA is unable to pick up registered mail from postal outlets

By email

registration@reca.ca

Note: RECA will only accept emailed transcripts from a school administrator/ official school email address

By secure portal, such as:

  • MyCreds
  • My Pass

 

Requirement 3: English Proficiency

Pre-licensing education courses are delivered in English, Alberta’s official language. To ensure applicants are able to successfully complete these courses and, once licensed, successfully practice in their chosen real estate profession in Alberta, the registrar requires applicants to demonstrate they have successfully completed a minimum of grade 12 English or equivalent.

For individuals who have completed the following education IN Canada:

Education Transcript
One of the following:
Method of Submission
  • accredited Canadian high school transcript showing successful completion of Grade 12 English or a copy of your diploma, or
  • Alberta General Education Development (GED) transcript or diploma if you did not complete your high school education or your Canadian high school transcript cannot be provided, or
  • 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), and
    • in-classroom program, and
    • delivered in English, and
    • achieving a diploma or degree
Must be submitted to RECA by the issuing education institution. RECA will not accept education transcripts or diplomas submitted by applicants.

By mail
Real Estate Council of Alberta 202, 1506 – 11 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T3C 0M9

Note: documents must be sent by regular post (not registered mail). RECA is unable to pick up registered mail from postal outlets

By email

registration@reca.ca

Note: RECA will only accept emailed transcripts from a school administrator/ official school email address

By secure portal, such as:

  • MyCreds
  • My Pass

 

For individuals who have NOT completed the following education in Canada:

Current* English Assessment Method of Submission
  • 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

Note: Not all ACESC members include language of instruction on their assessment. 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.

An English assessment may be submitted to RECA by an applicant.

By mail
Real Estate Council of Alberta 202, 1506 – 11 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T3C 0M9

Note: documents must be sent by regular post (not registered mail). RECA is unable to pick up registered mail from postal outlets

By email

registration@reca.ca

 

* English assessments completed within the past three years are considered current

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

View the tutorial for Completing an Eligibility Application

 

STEP 5: ENROL IN AND COMPLETE PRE-LICENSING EDUCATION

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.

 

STEP 6: PROVIDE A CERTIFIED CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK (CCRC)

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.

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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

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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.

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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

A

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.

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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.

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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

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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).

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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.

 

STEP 7: OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT WITH A BROKERAGE

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.

STEP 8: COMPLETE A 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


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, continue to step 6 under New Licensees: Provide a Certified Criminal Record Check (CCRC).

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, continue to Step 4 under New Licensees: Begin Your Eligibility Application.

View the tutorial for completing a Suitability Review 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.



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