Program for REALTORS®
The PDP is changing
Effective
January 1, 2020
Your existing PDP
credits will be converted
to PDP hours
You will earn 18 hours of
professional development
in two categories
Relicensing education,
like Legal Update, won’t count
toward your PDP hours
The PDP will still
align with your 2-year
licensing cycle
What is self-directed professional development?
Self-directed professional development is learning that has not been accredited by boards or BCREA but enhances your professional practice. It allows you to be recognized for learning that meets your individual needs.
Each licensing cycle, 6 hours of your PDP requirements can be met through self-directed learning. Starting January 1, 2020, you can earn self-directed PDP hours. To count toward your self-directed PDP hours, a learning opportunity must:
1. Enhance your professional practice
2. Be verifiable and auditable by your board
3. Be a minimum of one hour in length
Take the quiz!
Hover over each example to find out if it could count toward your self-directed PDP hours!
Industry conference
Yes. A variety of learning formats, such as conferences, webinars, workshops and online learning, that enhance your professional practice, are verifiable and auditable, and last at least one hour could count toward your self-directed PDP hours.
Brokerage or franchise training
Yes. Provided it enhances your professional practice, is verifiable and auditable, and lasts at least one hour, brokerage and franchise training could count toward your self-directed PDP hours.
Learning not directly related to real estate
Maybe! Learning that's not directly related to real estate but helps you better serve your clients could count toward self-directed PDP hours, provided it's also verifiable, auditable and lasts at least one hour.
Listening to a podcast
No. While all learning is encouraged, professional development that's not verifiable, such as reading or listening to a podcast, will not count toward your self-directed PDP hours. As always, if you're not sure, consult with your board.
What is accredited professional development?
Accredited professional development is learning that's been accredited by boards and/or BCREA and contributes to the fundamental skills, experience and knowledge required of REALTORS® throughout the province.
Each licensing cycle, you will be required to complete at least 12 hours of accredited professional development. Boards and BCREA are finalizing new accreditation guidelines that will maintain professional standards while opening the door to new learning opportunities for REALTORS®.
Top Five Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fulfill all 18 required PDP hours with accredited learning opportunities?
Yes. You may fulfill all 18 PDP hours through accredited learning opportunities if you choose.
Will Legal Update still count toward my PDP hours?
No. Education taken to maintain your licence with RECBC won’t count toward your PDP hours.
My licence is up for renewal in 2020 and I’ve already fulfilled my PDP requirements. What do the changes mean for me?
If you've already fulfilled your PDP requirements, the changes to the PDP won't affect you until your next licensing cycle.
What will happen to the PDP credits I’ve already earned during this licensing cycle?
Your board will convert your existing PDP credits to PDP hours on January 1.
When can I start earning self-directed PDP hours?
You can start earning self-directed PDP hours for learning opportunities taking on or after January 1, 2020.
PDP Resources
For REALTORS®:
- Detailed list of Frequently Asked Questions
- Blog post on self-directed learning
- Presentation with speaking notes to present at your brokerage (click link to download PPT)
- Documentation to provide proof of completion for brokerage training – Coming this fall!
For Managing Brokers:
The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) and BC’s 11 real estate boards oversee the ongoing development and delivery of the PDP. In consultation with REALTORS®, brokers, and instructors from across the province, BCREA and the boards developed this new PDP framework with the aim of giving REALTORS® more flexibility in their professional development.
Questions
Submit your questions about the PDP to BCREA using the form below.