Everything you need to know about getting your real estate license in Canada. Compare OACIQ (Quebec), RECO (Ontario), BCFSA (British Columbia), and RECA (Alberta) — costs, exam formats, pass rates, timelines, and step-by-step processes.
| Province | Regulator | Cost | Timeline | Exam Format | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | OACIQ | $5,000 - $8,000 | 12 - 18 months | 100 MCQs | 60% |
| Ontario | RECO | $3,000 - $6,000 | 3 - 6 months | 100 - 150 MCQs | 75% |
| British Columbia | BCFSA | $4,000 - $7,000 | 4 - 8 months | ~100 MCQs | 70% |
| Alberta | RECA | $3,500 - $6,500 | 3 - 6 months | 90 - 120 MCQs | 65% |
Quebec (OACIQ) is the most expensive at $5,000 to $8,000 CAD due to the mandatory 300-hour training course and 6-12 month internship. Ontario (RECO) costs $3,000 to $6,000, driven by the Humber College pre-registration course. British Columbia (BCFSA) ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 through the UBC Sauder program. Alberta (RECA) is the most affordable at $3,500 to $6,500. All estimates include education, exam fees, licensing, and insurance. Exam prep tools like RealtyLicence start free with monthly ($29.99) or lifetime ($199) plans. For a detailed breakdown, see our guide to real estate exam costs in Canada.
The fastest path is Ontario or Alberta (3-6 months full-time). British Columbia takes 4-8 months. Quebec takes the longest at 12-18 months due to the mandatory internship. Part-time study extends all timelines. For province-specific details, see our licensing timeline guide.
Each province has distinct exam characteristics. Ontario (RECO) has the highest pass threshold at 75%, making it the most challenging. Quebec (OACIQ) requires 60%, BC (BCFSA) requires 70%, and Alberta (RECA) requires 65%. First-time pass rates range from 60% to 75% depending on the province. Using adaptive practice platforms like RealtyLicence significantly improves your chances by identifying weak areas. See our exam pass rates guide for detailed data.
Effective exam preparation requires a structured approach:
For comprehensive strategies, read our exam study guide and how to study effectively. Avoid common mistakes with our top 10 mistakes guide.
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