Introduction
Curious about a real estate career in Calgary? You are in the right place. This guide explains how to become an agent in Calgary, step by step.
In Alberta, the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is the licensing body. RECA sets the real estate license requirements and grants licenses. You start in RECA's online portal, called myRECA. This is the "eligibility process" where you'll submit your application and upload documents. At this step, they check that you meet the basics before you can start training. We will explain the eligibility rules soon.
Next, you complete pre-licensing education, which is a required step in the process. You take it through a recognized course provider, an approved school. Next, you'll write the pre-licensing exam, complete a criminal record check, and apply for your license. Once approved, you'll choose a real estate company (a brokerage) to work under.
Two big questions come up early. How long does it take to get a real estate license? And what is the cost? We'll cover both of these questions and more!
Step 1: Real Estate License Requirements in Alberta
The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) sets the requirements for getting a real estate license. Before you can start training, you need to meet the basics:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to lawfully study and work in Canada
- Have valid government-issued ID
- Have at least Canadian high school (or an equivalent)
- Provide proof of English language skills
You'll submit your application and upload your documents within myRECA, RECA's online portal. This step is called the "Eligibility Process." Once RECA approves your eligibility, you can enroll in pre-licensing education with an approved school.
Step 2: Take a Real Estate Course in Calgary
Once your eligibility is approved by RECA, you can enroll with a recognized course provider. You will usually start with a course called "Fundamentals of Real Estate." After you complete this course and pass the pre-licensing exam, you can choose the next course based on the type of work you want to do. Some options include Residential, Commercial, or Property Management.
The courses cover key terms, Alberta rules, ethics, and the steps in a real transaction. You will work through real-life examples and practice questions. By the end of the course material, you should feel ready for the next step.
Explore RECA-approved courses.
Step 3: Pass the Real Estate Licensing Exams
After completing each course, you will book your exam. You need to write the licensing exam within 3 months of finishing your course. You can usually write at a test center or online. If you write online, a proctor (a person who watches on camera) will supervise your exam. The exam is multiple choice on a computer. You get your result right after you finish, no waiting. To pass, you need a minimum grade of 70%, and you get 2 chances to write.
Step 4: Select a Brokerage
In Alberta, you need to choose a brokerage before you can finish your real estate license application. A brokerage is the real estate company you work under. Think of it as your home base for supervision, paperwork, and support. RECA says real estate associates need to be registered with a brokerage. Each brokerage has a broker (the person in charge) and your broker is the person who starts your new license application in myRECA.
When you compare brokerages in Calgary, ask about monthly fees and what you get for them. Ask what training is provided, and if you will have coaching or mentorship. Ask how the fee structure works, and what technology or tools are included. Also ask what support you can expect when a deal gets stressful. The best fit will likely be a place where you feel comfortable asking questions. You will have a lot of them at the start.
Step 5: Apply for Your Real Estate License in Calgary
Once you have chosen a brokerage, your broker will start your application for your real estate license in myRECA. You'll then fill in the details, upload anything missing, and submit it back to your broker for review and approval. After your broker approves it, you pay your licensing fees in myRECA. You can also check myRECA to see the status of your application. Your license is automatically issued unless there are concerns. For example, RECA may need to review something in your background check.
You will also need a criminal record check, often called a CRC. You request it through myRECA, and RECA receives the results directly from their provider. RECA says your CRC must be less than 6 months old when you apply for your license. They also suggest waiting to apply until after you finish your pre-licensing courses, so it does not expire before you are ready. If the results are unclear, you may be asked for a fingerprint-based check.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Real Estate License?
What is the typical timeline from starting the real estate course to having a license? Truly, there is no official answer to the common question: "how long does it take to get a real estate license." The courses are self-paced. So, it depends on a lot of factors. How much time you dedicate to the course material. How quickly you learn. How fast your documents are checked.
RECA says you must write each pre-licensing exam within 3 months of finishing the course. Your criminal record check must be less than 6 months old when you apply for your licence. Delays can happen if you need more study time, if exam spots are full, if paperwork is missing, if your criminal record check results are unclear, or if it takes time to select a brokerage.
See a detailed timeline for getting licensed in Alberta.
Real Estate Certification Cost in Calgary
What is the real estate certification cost in Calgary? It adds up, so it helps to plan for it up front.
There is usually a course tuition fee set by the approved school. RECA also charges an eligibility fee of $350. RECA charges a pre-licensing exam fee of $235 per exam attempt. When you are ready to get licensed, RECA charges $800 for New Licence and Registration, and $450 each year to renew.
You will also pay for your criminal record check through RECA's provider. After that, you may have brokerage fees and real estate board fees. For example, CREB lists a $650 entry fee, plus a $200 CREA initiation fee, and a $50 SentriLock activation fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with RECA, your brokerage, and your board.
View a full cost breakdown for getting your license in Alberta. Relo offers RECA-approved courses at 50% off.
Conclusion
If you have been wondering how to become a real estate agent in Calgary, you now have the full roadmap. First, meet the real estate license requirements and complete the eligibility process in myRECA. Then finish your pre-licensing education with an approved school, pass your pre-licensing exams, and choose a brokerage to work under. After that, your broker can start your license application, you complete it, and RECA grants your license.
If you are ready to get started, your next step is simple: review the requirements, gather your documents, and pick a course provider. Take it one step at a time—you can do this.
Explore Relo's RECA-approved courses or contact us if you have questions.
*The costs and fees quoted are approximate and may be subject to change.