Education & Careers

Steps to Entry

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9 Steps to Becoming a Real Estate Associate

To become licensed as a real estate associate in Alberta for the first time candidates must meet the following requirements:
  • Achieved a minimum of a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent
  • Proof of English language proficiency, if applicable
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Successfully completed licensing education: the Real Estate Associates Program (REAP)
  • Successfully complete mandatory licensing course "Understanding Designated Agency and Transaction Brokerage" (UDA&TB)
    NOTE:  Once you have completed REAP Phase 2, you are eligible to complete UDA&TB online through the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA)
  • A current Certified Criminal Record Check (CCRC) must be sent to RECA  The CCRC must be dated within the last six (6) months at the time of obtaining real estate license. 
    NOTE: A CCRC can take approximately six months to complete, therefore, applicants are encouraged to submit their request to the RCMP at the start of their licensing education (Part-Time Students may wish to submit their request during or after they complete REAP Phase 2).
  • Sponsorship of a licensed real estate brokerage and eligible member of CREB®

For Availability & Registration forms click here: Real Estate Associates Program (REAP)

Candidates who are currently licensed in other jurisdictions or who were previously licensed should contact RECA and/or a sponsoring brokerage to obtain the necessary information for exemptions, if any, and requirements for licensing.

Otherwise the following steps will assist a candidate to achieve licensing:

1) Register & Complete Real Estate Introduction to a Career in Real Estate Free Information Session:

2) Prepare Prerequisites & Other Requirements:

  • Forward a copy of government issued photo ID to AREA by fax: 403-229-4179 or email to education@areahub.ca.
  • Also forward copy of birth certificate to AREA by fax: 403-229-4179 or email to education@areahub.ca.

  • Arrange to have grade 12 education transcripts (95KB PDF) forwarded directly from the institution or provincial department of education to AREA addressed as follows:

    The Registrar of Licensing Education
    ALBERTA REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION
    WestMount Corporate Campus
    Suite 300, 4954 Richard Road SW
    Calgary AB. T3E 6L1

  • Apply for a certified Criminal Record Check (Part-Time Students may wish to submit their request during or after they complete REAP Phase 2)

    NOTE:  Certified Criminal Record Check information is to be provided to RECA, as per licensing requirements.

    Candidates for real estate licensing should be aware that RECA requires a current certified criminal record check (CCRC), dated within the last six months from the RCMP. To obtain a CCRC, you must provide your fingerprints to the RCMP Civil Fingerprint Screening Services in Ottawa (electronically or in paper based format).  A certified criminal record check can take up to 6 months or more to complete, therefore applicants are encouraged to submit their request to the RCMP at the start of their licensing education. (Part-Time Students may wish to submit their request during or after they complete REAP Phase 2).
  • Attend REAP-Phase 2 course and pass exam with a minimum 70% exam grade

3) Register & Complete REAP-Phase 2:

  • Confirm (403-218-3684) that all forms & documents listed in Step 2 have been received at the AREA office
  • Successful completion of Phase 1
  • Pay course fee & complete CREB® Phase 2 – module 1-6 Registration Form (168KB PDF)
  • Attend REAP-Phase 2 course and pass exam with a minimum 70% exam grade

4) Register & Complete first module of REAP-Phase 3:

  • Successful completion of Phase 2 and a minimum 70% exam grade
  • Pay course fee & complete CREB® Phase 3- module 7 Registration Form (167KB PDF)
  • Attend first module of REAP-Phase 3 course and pass exam with a minimum 70% exam grade

5) Register & Complete second module of REAP-Phase 3:

6) Register & Complete third module of REAP-Phase 3:

7) Getting Licensed:

  • Send Certified Criminal Record Check results to RECA directly
  • Request licensing application & registration with RECA through brokerage
  • Payment of Brokerage (if applicable) & RECA Fees

8) Register & Complete CREB® Orientation Program and Obtaining CREB® Membership:

  • Prior to registering for the CREB® Orientation Program, each student MUST:
    • Be licensed with RECA (Proof of License)
    • Be sponsored by a CREB® Firm Member (CREB® Orientation Sponsor Registration Form)
    • Complete the Membership Application Forms and submit to CREB® no later than two business days prior to the first day of the Orientation Program.  CREB® Membership fees are to be paid in full at the time of course registration
  • Successful completion of modules 8-9 of REAP-Phase 3 with a minimum 70% exam grade

9) REAP SUCCESS

  • Access MLS®/CLS System within hours of obtaining CREB® membership
  • Utilize marketing strategies to locate clients
  • List/sell houses
  • Ensure all education requirements are up-to-date for re-licensing by September 30th
  • Continue to learn & grow attend through professional development courses at CREB®