What real estate programs are available at Algonquin College?
We offer both the Real Estate Salesperson Program and the Real Estate Broker Program, approved by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO).
- The Real Estate Salesperson Program includes two phases: Pre-Registration and Post-Registration.
- The Real Estate Broker Program is for experienced salespersons who want to manage, open or own a brokerage.
Can I transfer to Algonquin College if I started my real estate courses at another college?
Yes. You can transfer to Algonquin College from another RECO-approved education provider, as long as your completed coursework is verified and you meet the eligibility requirements. Transfer applications open July 1 for the Real Estate Salesperson Program. You’ll need a RECO ID, an online account, and documentation of your successfully completed courses and exams. Please note that all applicants, including transfer students, must pay a non-refundable $125 application fee.
How do I apply?
Algonquin College will begin accepting applications online only starting July 1, 2025, at realestate.algonquincollege.com. Please note that all applicants will first require a RECO ID number, which is obtained from their RECO MyWeb account, starting July 1, 2025. To apply, you will need the following items ready:
- Your RECO ID number via your RECO MyWeb account.
- $125 non-refundable application fee
- Proof of academic and English language proficiency. This will include high school transcripts and/or proof of language proficiency.
When do the programs start?
Algonquin College will begin delivering the Real Estate Salesperson Program in July 2025 and the Real Estate Broker Program in fall 2025. While registration is not yet open, you can join our mailing list here.
How long do I have to complete the programs?
- Real Estate Salesperson Program’s pre-registration phase: Must be completed within 24 months of starting Course 1
- Real Estate Salesperson Program’s post-registration phase: Must be completed within 24 months of RECO registration
- Real Estate Broker Program: Must be completed within 12 months of starting Course 1
What is the total cost of each program?
Learners pay for each course individually as they progress through the program.
- Real Estate Salesperson Program (Pre and Post Registration): Approximately $4,640
- Real Estate Broker Program: Approximately $1,820
These figures are estimates only, as actual costs may vary depending on individual progress through the program—for example, learners who do not pass an exam on the first attempt may incur additional exam and course fees.
In addition to course fees, a non-refundable $125 application fee is payable to Algonquin College at the time of enrollment.
Are the courses online or in-person?
Most courses are delivered asynchronously online. However, Simulation Sessions (Real Estate Salesperson Program) and the Wrap-Up Session (Real Estate Broker Program) are instructor-led and will be offered virtually or in person.
Can I register for multiple courses at a time?
No. The Real Estate Salesperson and Real Estate Broker Programs are designed to follow a strict, sequential learning path. Each course must be completed in order, and learners cannot register for the next course until they have successfully completed the current one.
If a course includes an exam, learners must wait for official confirmation of a passing grade before proceeding.
When are courses offered?
Courses are offered on a continuous intake basis, meaning you can start anytime throughout the year. Once admitted to the program, learners may register for courses in the required sequence and progress at their own pace.
After registering and submitting payment for a course, learners will receive access to the course content within three business days. This flexible model allows learners to begin their training when it works best for them, without waiting for fixed start dates.
What are simulation sessions, and when are they offered?
Simulation Sessions are mandatory, hands-on learning experiences that are part of the Real Estate Salesperson Program. These sessions help learners apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios through role-playing, group work, and guided discussions. Sessions are facilitated by registered real estate professionals who bring practical insights to the learning experience.
Unlike the regular online courses, simulation sessions are not self-paced. They follow a scheduled format, and attendance is mandatory. Learners must participate in live virtual classes or in-person at one of the scheduled times.
Who sets the curriculum and oversees the exams?
All content is approved by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), Ontario’s regulator of real estate services. Algonquin College delivers the courses, while the exams are administered by RECO’s approved exam provider, Meazure Learning.
What happens if I fail an exam?
If you do not pass a course exam, you will need to rebook and pay the full exam fee to attempt it again. Learners are permitted a maximum of two exam attempts per course. If both attempts are unsuccessful, you must retake the entire course and pay the applicable course and exam fees again before being eligible to reattempt the exam.
What if I need to withdraw from a course after registering?
The self-paced courses are non-refundable. However, we will assess exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. You may withdraw from a simulation session course (online, instructor-led) up to 10 days prior to the start of the course.
What happens after I complete the program? Am I automatically registered to work as a real estate agent in Ontario?
No. Completing the Real Estate Salesperson Program is an essential step, but it is not the final one. Real estate is a regulated profession in Ontario, and all individuals must be formally registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) before they can legally trade in real estate.
After successfully completing the Pre-Registration Phase of the program, you must apply to RECO to become a registered salesperson. This includes submitting an application, providing documentation, and meeting RECO’s registration requirements. To learn more about the full registration requirements, visit RECO’s official guide.
What are the English Language Requirements?
All applicants must demonstrate adequate English language proficiency through one of the following methods:
Previous Education:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or Canadian provincial equivalent) with English credit (Grade 12 U, M, or C)
- Completed secondary education in English in a country other than Canada where English is the primary/official language. This must include passing a grade 12 English course (not ESL/EFL)*
- Completed at least one academic year of recognized, full-time post-secondary education (not language training) in English in Canada or in another country where English is the primary/official language*
- Graduated from a Canadian university or public college ESL Pathway Program or English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Certificate Program
*Applicants with international credentials must provide proof of equivalent credentials through World Education Services (WES) or ICAS Canada.
Equivalent Credential:
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate or a Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) completed in English
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate completed in English
Standardized English Language Proficiency Test:
| English Proficiency Tests** | Minimum Required Scores |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 80 and no component under 20 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic | Overall 6.0 and no band below 5.5 |
| Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) | Overall 60 |
| Cambridge English Qualification – General & Higher Education | 169 and no component below 162 |
| Duolingo Language Test | 105 |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | 53 and no component below 45 |
** To be accepted as proof of English proficiency at the time of admission, the test must have been taken within the 24 months prior to applying to the program.