Becoming An Agent
Here’s our straight talking step by step guide from a team that loves to mentor new agents . Plus what the job is actually like once you're licensed.
Five Steps from Start to Finish
Check your eligibility:
Before you can enrol in any Alberta real estate licensing course, RECA (Real Estate Council of Alberta) confirms you meet a few basics: you're 18 or older, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, hold valid government ID, and have a Canadian high school diploma (or equivalent) plus proof of English proficiency. Get these sorted first, every other step in becoming a licensed real estate agent in Alberta builds from your eligibility approval.
Complete your pre-licensing education:
Alberta’s real estate industry has four sectors: residential, commercial, property management and rural. Each sector requires its own education and licensing. After you complete the Fundamentals course you can select an area of specialty. Alberta's real estate education is delivered through RECA-approved coursework provider and it is mostly self-paced, typically completed over several months alongside work or school.
Pass the exam:
Once coursework is done, you'll write RECA's licensing exam. Most people spend the last few weeks of their course in focused review. Statics show most people who study full time without working need 2-3 months to pass, while the casual studier could need up to 9 months to feel ready.
Exam FAQ’s:
You will need a score of 70% or more in order to pass. The average is around 73%.
There are 120 Fundamental questions, and 100 questions on the expertise exam (ex: Residential, Commercial, etc.
You have 3 months from completing the course work to book and write the exam.
Each exam costs $235.
Interview Brokerages:
To activate your license you need to register with a Brokerage. You will need a licensed brokerage to accept your application before RECA will license you. This is the decision that will shape your first few years. It’s important to interview the Brokerages to find one that fits your needs best, and that you feel aligned with. Joining a Brokerage usually comes with a fee structure, some charging a monthly fee, and some transactional. It’s imperative that you feel supported and that there is value in being a part of your brokerage. Culture and mentorship matter as much as commission in Real Estate.
Apply for your license:
To activate your license you need to register with a Brokerage. You will need a licensed brokerage to accept your application before RECA will license you. This is the decision that will shape your first few years. It’s important to interview the Brokerages to find one that fits your needs best, and that you feel aligned with. Joining a Brokerage usually comes with a fee structure, some charging a monthly fee, and some transactional. It’s imperative that you feel supported and that there is value in being a part of your brokerage. Culture and mentorship matter as much as commission in Real Estate.
Timeline & Cost At A Glance
What is the total cost?
Exam, tuition and fees in the first year are higher than the years that will follow, here is a breakdown:
Tuition: $
Membership dues (first year): $1075
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
How long is the process?
We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
Want a full breakdown and printable guide? We’ve made one for you!
We’re the Experts you Need
Wether you’re helping someone move into their first home, last home, or somewhere in between… being a Real Estate agent is a highly rewarding career. However, becoming a licensed Realtor® is not as simple as some may think. It takes study, time, and dedication. Having someone to mentor you can seriously accelerate your career, and help you avoid mistakes and burn out early on.
