Step 1 – Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Minimum Conditions Set by RECA
Before you spend money on courses, make sure you meet RECA's basic rules. RECA, the Real Estate Council of Alberta, is the group that grants real estate licenses in Alberta. If you are researching how to become a real estate agent in Alberta, this is where it starts. To apply for eligibility, RECA says you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Provide accepted, valid government-issued ID
- Have at least Canadian high school education, or an equivalent
- Provide proof of English proficiency, including Alberta English 30, or an equivalent
If your education was completed outside Canada, RECA has specific options for what documents they will accept.
Why Eligibility Matters Early
Eligibility is the gate that unlocks everything else. It helps you avoid delays later because RECA checks your documents before you can start pre-licensing education. In plain terms, if you want to know how to get your real estate license in Alberta, getting this step right makes the rest of the process much smoother.
Resources:
- Getting licensed (new licensees)
- Guide to Applying for Eligibility for First-Time Licensees (PDF)
- Good Character and Licensing (PDF)
- New Licensees: Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Licence (PDF)
Step 2 – Create Your myRECA Account
What is myRECA and Why is it Important?
myRECA is the Real Estate Council of Alberta's (RECA's) online portal. It is where you submit applications and documents, track your progress, request services, update your information, and pay fees. If you are looking up how to become a real estate agent in Alberta, or how to get a real estate license in Alberta, you will use myRECA through almost every step.
Steps to Set Up Your Account
First, create your myRECA account and complete the first-time login steps. Then you complete the online eligibility application and pay the eligibility fee. After that, you upload your profile photo and identification documents. RECA also says you may need to request transcripts or assessments to prove you meet the education and English standards. When RECA approves your eligibility, you can start pre-licensing education.
Tips to Avoid Delays
Small details matter here. We'd recommend uploading clear, easy-to-read documents, and double-checking that your name and details match your legal ID. If something is missing, your application can sit in "waiting" status until it is complete. myRECA lets you track your application status as you go.
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Step 3 – Complete the Mandatory Pre-Licensing Education
A. Fundamentals of Real Estate (Mandatory Course)
To start, you take the Fundamentals of Real Estate course. RECA requires it for all new real estate associates. It covers the basics, Alberta rules, ethics, and how a transaction works. Each approved school can deliver it in their own format, like self-paced online or instructor-led.
B. Choose Your Practice Area Course
After Fundamentals, you choose a practice area course. A practice area is the kind of real estate work you want to do. RECA lists 4 options:
- Residential
- Commercial
- Rural
- Property Management
RECA requires the completion of the practice course(s) that match your chosen work, plus a passing grade on the exams.
This step is the heart of how to get your real estate license in Alberta. Many courses are flexible, but you still need a steady study schedule. If you want more flexibility in your studying, look for a self-paced option. A self-paced option would allow you to work at your own pace and complete the courses as quickly or as slowly as you'd like.
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Step 4 – Pass the RECA Licensing Exams
Exam Requirements
RECA publishes exam blueprints and weighting charts, so you can see in advance what the exam focuses on. Each required course has its own exam. In the real estate stream, that usually means one exam for Fundamentals of Real Estate, plus one exam for your selected practice area. You can only book an exam after your course provider marks you as "Ready for Exam" in myRECA. From that date, you have 3 months to book and write your exam. You get 2 attempts to pass. This is a big step in how to become a real estate agent in Alberta.
Exam Format
RECA pre-licensing exams are proctored, which means you are supervised, either online or at a test center. The exams are multiple choice on a computer. The Fundamentals of Real Estate exam has 120 questions, and most other exams have 100 questions. You get 3 hours to write. The passing mark is 70%, and the exam fee is $235 per attempt. When you finish, you get a PASS or FAIL result right away. If you fail, you will be authorized for one more attempt (2 total attempts). Your RECA score report will show results by competency, so you'll know how you did and what to work on.
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Step 5 – Find a Licensed Brokerage to Join
Why Brokerage Affiliation Is Required
In Alberta, you do not work as a solo agent. Real estate associates need to be registered with a brokerage, which is the licensed real estate company you work under. A brokerage is led by a broker, the person responsible for supervision and rules. Once you've selected a brokerage, your broker will initiate your licensing application in myRECA.
What Brokerages Offer
Brokerages can help you get started with training, mentorship, and day-to-day support. They also help with compliance. Compliance is about following the rules. A brokerage offers guidance on paperwork and how to ensure you're doing things the right way. Many brokerages also offer tools, templates, and coaching to help you build confidence with clients.
How to Choose the Right Brokerage
Consider reputation, culture, training, fees, and long-term career alignment. Everyone has different priorities when it comes to selecting a brokerage. Our advice? Focus on fit, not hype. Ask about training, mentorship, fees, and expectations. Ask who you go to when you get stuck, and how quickly you can get help. Often, the best choice is the place where you feel supported and comfortable asking questions, because that matters a lot in your first year.
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Step 6 – Apply for Your Alberta Real Estate License
Submitting Your Application
Once you have a brokerage lined up, your broker starts your new license application in myRECA. Then you fill in the details, upload any missing documents, and send it back to your broker for review and approval. RECA also requires a criminal record check (CRC) for new applicants. You'll request that through myRECA. RECA receives the results directly from their provider. Your CRC must be less than 6 months old when you apply.
Activation Timeline
After your broker approves your application, you'll pay your licensing fees in myRECA. Your license is automatically issued unless there are concerns that require review. In plain terms, once your license is issued and active under your brokerage in myRECA, you are good to go and can start working with clients. This is the final stretch!
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Step 7 – Maintain Your Real Estate License
Ongoing RECA Requirements
Getting licensed is the start, not the finish line. RECA requires an annual renewal to keep your license active. You also need to complete Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses, which are required each year. RECA also expects you to follow the Real Estate Act Rules, plus other standards set for licensees.
Importance of Ongoing Education
Ongoing education helps you stay current, confident, and trustworthy. It also keeps you competitive, since laws, forms, and best practices change. In our opinion, CPD is easiest when you treat it like a simple yearly checklist instead of a last-minute scramble.
How Relo Helps You Become a Real Estate Agent in Alberta
Support at Every Stage
If you are learning how to become a real estate agent in Alberta, it helps to have a guide that lays out each step clearly. Relo is a RECA-approved real estate education provider. We offer a step-by-step Alberta licensing pathway, plus FAQs that explain RECA requirements, courses, and exams in plain language.
Our new adaptive learning platform provides ongoing support in your learning journey by tracking your growth and readiness rating for your exam. We provide ongoing support from our subject matter experts—practicing real estate agents with real insight. At any time, you can also reach out to Relo's support team if you have questions about course content, which course to take next, or if you need technical help with the learning platform.
Why Relo Is a Great Option
If you are figuring out how to become a real estate agent in Alberta, the hardest part is often staying on track and knowing when you are truly ready for the exam. Relo's adaptive learning platform finds your knowledge gaps and builds a tailored study plan, so you can focus on what you actually need to improve.
This kind of structure can reduce stress and guesswork while you work towards achieving your real estate license step-by-step. It's a great fit for first-time applicants who want a clear plan and steady support instead of trying to piece everything together alone.
Learn how adaptive learning works and explore RECA-approved courses.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to become a real estate agent in Alberta, from start to finish. Check the eligibility rules first, then set up your myRECA account. Complete the pre-licensing courses, pass the RECA exams, and choose a licensed brokerage. Next, your broker starts your license application in myRECA, you finish it, complete your criminal record check, and pay your fees. After your license is issued, keep up with renewals and Continuing Professional Development courses.
If you want extra support while learning how to get your real estate license in Alberta, Relo can help you stay organized and confident. Our pass guarantee supports you every step of the way. You've got this!