Prerequisites For Real Estate Licensing In BC

Prerequisites for Real Estate Licensing in BC

Becoming a real estate agent in BC involves several steps with specific requirements and associated costs. Here's a simplified guide to help you through the process.

While obtaining your real estate license takes dedication, study, and passing a challenging UBC exam, the rewards are well worth it. As a licensed agent in BC, you'll appreciate the preparation and training you've received.

Step 1: Meet the Initial Requirements

1. Age & Reputation
• Must be at least 19 years old and have a clean record (no bankruptcies, no criminal record). If you have concerns about your reputation, contact BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA).
2. Language Proficiency
• You need to have graduated (with a degree, not a diploma) from an English-speaking accredited institution. If not, you must score 7/12 or higher on the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP-General).
• Tip: If English isn’t your first language, we recommend hiring a CELPIP tutor.
  (You can find tutors online, but shop around to find the best match for your native language and learning needs.)

Step 2: Register for the Real Estate Licensing Course

1. Course Enrollment

• • Register for the UBC Real Estate Trading Services Course through the UBC online registration form.

Note: You don’t have to buy the hardcover textbook for an extra $200. You can download the PDF from your UBC account.

2. Calculator Requirement
• You’ll need an HP 10BII+ Financial Calculator for the math portion of the course.
• If you're taking the exam outside of the Lower Mainland, you must buy the calculator. If you're taking it within the Lower Mainland, you can download/buy an app on your phone with the same functionality. UBC provides a tablet with the app shown below during the exam.

Step 3: Coursework & The Exam

1. Access Study Materials
   • After registering, you'll receive access to UBC’s online course materials. These include video lectures and assignments.
2. Complete Assignments
   • Submit 20 assignments (around 400 questions) over a one-year period.
     • You are allowed to submit a maximum of 2 assignments per week regardless of when you enrolled in the course.
3. Study for and pass the Exam
   • Exam Format: 100 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours.
     • Passing score: 70%
     • You have two attempts within 2 years to pass. If you fail both, you'll need to re-enroll in the UBC course.
   • Less than 50% of students pass the UBC exam on their first try, so dedicated study is crucial.

Step 4: Applied Practice Course

Only after you pass the UBC exam, you'll be eligible for the post-exam Residential or Commercial Real Estate Trading Applied Practice Course.

This course has two phases and each phase has two components:

1. Applied Practice Course (Phase 1)
   • Phase 1, component 1 (online studying and submitting assignments): Takes about two weeks to complete.
   • Phase 1, component 2 (two-day Zoom session): Interactive classroom-style training, after which you will be able to join a brokerage.
2. Choose a Brokerage
   • Before applying for your temporary license, you'll need to select a brokerage.
     • It’s a good idea to shop around for the right fit even while you’re doing the course — long before starting the “Applied Practice Course” course.
3. Apply for a Temporary Real Estate License
   • Submit your licensing application through your chosen brokerage. Once approved, you’ll get a temporary license, allowing you to trade properties under the supervision of your managing broker.

Step 5: Complete The Applied Practice Course

1. Applied Practice Course (Phase 2)
• Phase 2, component 1 (acting as a buyers’ agent): Your brokerage must help you find a buyer and complete a transaction as a buyer’s agent.
• Phase 2, component 2 (acting as a sellers’ agent): Your brokerage must also help you find a seller and complete a transaction as a seller’s agent.
2. Full License
   After completing both transactions, you’ll be a fully licensed agent!

Time Breakdown

Here’s a rough timeline of the process:

• UBC course registration: 3–4 days
• Assignment submission: 10 weeks
• Tutoring program (optional): 3–6 weeks
• Mock exam preparation: 2–3 weeks
• UBC computer exam scheduling: 1–2 weeks
  (Written exams may take longer.)
• First phase of Applied Course: 2–3 weeks
• Licensing and brokerage applications: 2–3 weeks

Estimated Total Time: 3–4 months (if completed promptly)
Note: Some people take up to a year if they opt for more gradual self-study or tutorials.

Attending UBC's online classes and self-studying can often take up to a year.

Enrolling in external tutorials with pre-recorded classes will definitely take longer than 8 months), and you'll pay multiple fees. We’ve seen countless students waste a lot of time and money with pre-recorded classes.

Curious about how much this will all cost you?

Provincial Real Estate Licensing Fees (to become Real Estate Agent/Licensee):

Real Estate Board Fees (to become Realtor®):

Other expenses that may apply:

Useful Links:

• BSFSA Licensing Guide: The government agency's website that protects the public interest by enforcing the licensing and agents' conduct requirements under the Real Estate Services Act.
• Sauder School of Business: Administers the real estate licensing course and the exam on behalf of the BCFSA.
• BC Real Estate Association: Is a voluntary professional association in BC with more than 25,000 member REALTORS®.
• Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program-General (CELPIP-General or CELPIP-G) test: If you do not have a university degree, you have to take the English language test at this UBC-affiliated institution.
• Free CELPIP-General test offered by Paragon Testing Enterprise: Even if English is your native language, we highly encourage you to practice this free test so you are better prepared.