Thinking of a real-estate career in Ontario? Here’s a simple, practical path. You’ll pick an approved education provider, get a RECO ID, complete pre-registration courses and exams, join a brokerage, and finish post-registration electives in your first two years. This guide keeps jargon light and focuses on what to do next. Real estate is one of high demand carreer in Ontario.
What “studying real estate” means in Ontario
Real-estate is regulated by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO). Since 2025, four RECO-approved institutions deliver the registration education: Humber Polytechnic, Algonquin College, Fleming College, and Career College Group. Curriculum is standardised; exams are administered by Meazure Learning.
Step-by-step: from enquiry to first day at a brokerage
- Create your RECO MyWeb account & get a RECO ID. You need a RECO ID before you can enrol in a provider’s programme.
- Choose an approved provider and apply. Admission typically requires secondary-school completion and English proficiency; some providers charge a small application fee.
- Complete the Pre-Registration phase. This includes 5 courses, 2 simulations, and 6 exams, taken in sequence. You have up to 24 months to finish.
- Register with RECO and join a brokerage. After pre-registration, apply for salesperson registration via MyWeb within one year, and secure employment with a registered brokerage to trade in real estate.
- Complete Post-Registration within your first 2-year cycle. Take one mandatory compliance course + any two electives to be eligible to renew your registration at the end of the initial cycle.
- Maintain insurance. All registrants must participate in RECO’s professional liability insurance programme (errors & omissions, commission protection, and consumer-deposit coverage).
Timelines, exams, and costs
Timeline: Fast-track learners can finish pre-registration in several months, but RECO allows up to 24 months. Post-registration is done during your first two-year registration cycle. Book simulations/exams early to avoid scheduling delays.
Exams: Delivered by Meazure Learning from 2025, with test-centre and remote options.
Fees: Fees vary by provider and change over time. Check the provider’s current fee page before you budget your path.
Read: How to become a travel agent in Ontario
A simple 12-week study plan
Weeks 1–2: Read course outlines; build a glossary (agency, fiduciary duties, TRESA basics).
Weeks 3–6: Core theory (property rights, offers, conditions, forms). Do daily 45-minute question blocks.
Week 7: Simulation prep: practise end-to-end residential listing → offer → conditions → closing.
Weeks 8–10: Advanced topics (condos, rural, leases, disclosures).
Week 11: Mock exams + exam-day checklist (ID, calculator policy, timing).
Week 12: Simulation + recovery week; book the next component immediately after results.
How to pick a provider (beyond marketing)
- Delivery & support: Compare live sessions, instructor access, and simulation availability. (Providers are RECO-approved; curriculum is consistent.)
- Exam windows/locations: Check Meazure test-centre options if you prefer in-person.
- Transfer rules: If you’re mid-programme from earlier intakes, review current transition guidance before switching.
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Study materials that actually help
Provider materials (primary).
Ontario real-estate law references (useful when concepts feel abstract):
- Real Estate Practice in Ontario (LexisNexis) — a practical, transaction-focused reference.
- Ontario Residential Real Estate for Practitioners (Emond) — clear walkthroughs of residential deals.
Many learners searching for the “best book to study real estate law in Ontario” find the two titles above help connect course concepts to real files.
Quick checklist
- Get RECO ID in MyWeb.
- Apply to a RECO-approved provider (Humber/Algonquin/Fleming/Career College Group).
- Finish 5 courses + 2 simulations + 6 exams (≤24 months).
- Register with RECO within a year; join a brokerage.
- Complete post-registration (compliance + 2 electives) in your first 2-year cycle.
- Maintain RECO insurance every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to study real estate in Ontario?
Anywhere from a few months to 24 months for pre-registration, depending on your pace and scheduling; post-registration is completed during your first two-year cycle.
Do all schools teach the same thing?
Yes—RECO sets the curriculum; four approved providers deliver it, and Meazure Learning runs the exams.
When do I start working?
After pre-registration, you apply to RECO, join a brokerage, then you can trade while you complete post-registration within the first cycle.
Is insurance optional?
No. Participation in RECO’s insurance programme is mandatory for registrants.
Key takeaways
In Ontario, your pathway is standardised by RECO; providers differ mainly in delivery and support. Register with RECO within one year of finishing pre-registration; complete post-registration in your first 2-year cycle.
