Are you thinking about starting an exciting career in real estate? Alberta is a fantastic place to launch your journey, with a strong economy, growing cities, and plenty of opportunities for motivated agents. But before you can start helping clients buy and sell homes, you’ll need to get your real estate license.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to get your real estate license in Alberta, step by step, so you know what to expect and how to set yourself up for success.
Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin any coursework or applications, you must meet Alberta’s basic requirements for becoming a real estate agent:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent.
- You must be eligible to work in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, or have a valid work permit).
- Provide proof of your english language skills.
If you meet these criteria, you’re ready to move on to the next step!
Step 2: Complete the Real Estate Associates Program (REAP)
The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) oversees the licensing process in Alberta. Your first major task is to complete the Real Estate Associates Program (REAP).
The REAP program is made up of two key parts:
- Fundamentals of Real Estate — an overview of real estate principles, laws, and practices.
- Practice Courses — you’ll choose a specialization based on the area of real estate you want to work in (Residential Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Rural Real Estate, or Property Management).
Each course is designed to give you the knowledge and skills needed to represent clients confidently and ethically.
Important:
- Courses are self paced and can be completed online.
- You’ll need to pass exams at the end of each course.
Recognized Course Providers for Real Estate Education in Alberta
When completing your licensing education, you’ll need to choose a course provider that is approved by the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). Here are some of the recognized providers along with their exam statistics:
| Course Provider | Exam Attempts | Success Rate | Average Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA) | 3,424 | 67% | 73% |
| Alberta Real Estate School | 1,933 | 76% | 76% |
| NAIOP (new course) | – | – | – |
| NAIT | 205 | 62% | 71% |
| REDI Canada + Haskayne School of Business | 279 | 73% | 74% |
| RELO | 1,130 | 70% | 74% |
| Rise Real Estate Academy | 360 | 68% | 73% |
Step 3: Submit a Certified Criminal Record Check
Before you can apply for licensing, you must complete a Certified Criminal Record Check.
Here’s what you need to know:
- It must be conducted by an approved police service or fingerprinting agency.
- It must be less than six months old at the time of your licensing application.
- Plan ahead — processing times can vary.
This step ensures that only trustworthy individuals are licensed to practice real estate in Alberta.
Step 4: Find a Brokerage to Hire You
You cannot practice real estate independently in Alberta, you must be employed by a licensed brokerage.
Here’s why sponsorship matters:
- Your brokerage will guide you through the start of your career.
- Your brokerage activates your license with RECA.
- You’ll need a brokerage to legally represent clients and earn commissions.
Choosing the right brokerage is crucial.
At Real Broker, for example, agents enjoy incredible flexibility, technology driven support, no desk fees, low caps, and opportunities for revenue sharing and stock options, making it one of the best places to launch (and grow) your career.
Discover why making the move to Real Broker was one of the best decisions of my career — here’s my story.
Step 5: Apply for Licensing Through RECA
Once you’ve completed your education, passed your exams, submitted your criminal record check, and secured a brokerage, you’re ready to apply for licensing through RECA.
The final steps include:
- Submitting your application forms online.
- Paying the required licensing fees.
- Confirming your brokerage sponsorship.
After approval, you’ll officially be licensed as a real estate associate and can start working with clients!
Costs of Getting Licensed in Alberta
It’s important to budget for the licensing process. Here’s a rough breakdown of typical costs:
- REAP courses: $3,000–$3,500
- Certified Criminal Record Check: $50–$75
- RECA licensing fee: Approximately $1,200 annually
- Brokerage fees: Varies by brokerage (many brokerages, like Real Broker, offer low fee models)
- Membership Costs – In addition to RECA fees, there are also annual fees for AREA and CREA, as well as monthly and annual fees for boards like the Calgary Real Estate Board etc.
Estimated Total Startup Costs:
Around $4,500–$6,000 depending on your course package and brokerage choice.
How Long Does It Take?
On average, it takes 3 to 6 months to complete the licensing process, depending on your schedule and study pace.
Some factors that can impact the timeline:
- Whether you study full time or part time
- Exam scheduling
- Criminal record check processing times
- How quickly you secure a brokerage sponsorship
Tips for Success
- Stay Consistent: Treat your coursework like a part time job, study a little every day.
- Choose the Right Brokerage: Look for a brokerage that offers mentorship, technology, and strong agent support (Real Broker is a great example!).
- Focus on Long Term Growth: Plan ahead for your real estate career, including building a strong marketing presence early on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard are the exams?
The exams are challenging but fair. They are designed to test your understanding of real estate law, practices, and ethics. Focused study and consistent practice are key.
Can I complete the courses online?
Yes! RECA’s courses are fully online and self paced, which makes it easier to balance study with your current job or responsibilities.
How much can a new agent expect to earn?
Income varies widely. A new agent might earn anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000+ in their first year, depending on work ethic, brokerage support, and market conditions.
What happens if I fail an exam?
You are allowed to retake exams, but limits apply. It’s important to take your studies seriously to avoid delays or additional fees.
Do I need to pay for marketing and business expenses myself?
Usually, yes. Many agents invest in business cards, websites, social media marketing, and MLS access. However, at Real Broker, many tools are provided for free or available at very low cost.
Why Join Real Broker?
If you want a brokerage that empowers you rather than controls you, Real Broker is worth a serious look.
At Real Broker, you’ll get:
- Low fees and no desk fees
- Revenue sharing opportunities
- Agent stock awards
- Flexible work from anywhere model
- Incredible technology support
- Strong national community and culture
Whether you’re just starting or you want to maximize your future earning potential, Real Broker offers a modern path forward for agents who want to thrive.
Thinking about joining Real Broker?
Reach out today to learn more or schedule a no obligation conversation to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a real estate agent in Alberta is a rewarding career move, and getting your license is the first step toward an exciting future. With the right education, support, and brokerage behind you, the sky’s the limit.
If you’re ready to start your real estate journey, or if you have questions about working with Real Broker, get in touch today. Your new career could be closer than you think!