WANT TO BE A REALTOR®?
Becoming a REALTOR®
Becoming a commercial or residential REALTOR® means making a commitment to professionalism that goes beyond regulatory requirements, becoming a member of your local real estate board and upholding the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. Find out how to join the profession.
-
STEP 1
Successfully complete the BC Financial Services Authority’s (BCFSA) Real Estate Trading Services Licensing Course offered through the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business.
-
STEP 2
Begin talking to real estate brokerages to find a brokerage that is the right fit for you to join when you are licenced. Make sure this brokerage is a member of a local real estate board.
-
STEP 3
Register for BCFSA’s Applied Practice Course for either residential or commercial trading services. Once you begin the course submit your licensing application to BCFSA. Make sure you understand all the information that is required as part of the application (including an original criminal record check and brokerage certification).
For more details click here to view BCFSA’s Step-by-Step Licensing Guide. -
STEP 4
Congratulations, if your application is approved, you’re now a real estate agent. Once you have received your licence, you must complete all remaining components of the Applied Practice Course within six months.
-
STEP 5
. . .but not yet a REALTOR®. To officially become a REALTOR®, your next step is to join your local real estate board. Joining a board also makes you a member of BCREA and the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).
-
STEP 6
Maintain your real estate license and REALTOR® designation by completing BCFSA’s mandatory licensing courses, like Legal Update, and 18 hours of professional development through BCREA and/or your member board every two years.
What is the Value of Becoming a REALTOR®?
Benefits of being a REALTOR® include:
- Access to MLS® Systems operated by real estate boards
- Professional standards and business practices
- Access to standard forms
- Educational standards and opportunities
- Access to statistics, newsletters and other industry communications
- Leading-edge marketing and technology tools
- Arbitration services
- Networking opportunities
Supporting Organizations
-
BC Financial Services Authority
Regulatory agency in charge of licensing, Real Estate Services Act, and complaints against licensees.
-
Real Estate Foundation of BC
Funds real estate related education, research, law reform, and other activities.
-
Real Estate
Errors & Omissions
Liability, insurance, and insurance protection.
-
Real Estate
Compensation Fund
Oversees compensation fund and trust accounts. Protects public from suffering compensable loss.
-
Real Estate
Institute of BC
Umbrella group for the real estate industry responsible for professional development seminars, workshops, and high industry standards.
- National Standards
- CREA Brands and Trademarks
- Federal Government Advocacy
- Economic Analysis
- Communication
- Education
- Economics
- Government Relations
- Standard Forms
- Arbitration
- MLS®
- Education
- Marketing Tools
- High Standards of Business Practice and Ethics
- Commercial Transactions
- Residential Transactions
- Leasing and Renting