Licensing Process
Getting your real estate license in BC takes dedication, focus, and preparation - but with the right guidance, the process becomes much clearer and more manageable.
By Meran (Founder & Head Instructor) - Last reviewed August 14, 2026
Watch our licensing process walkthrough or read the step-by-step guide below.
Licensing Process
A step-by-step guide to getting your real estate license in British Columbia.
Outlining everything from registration to getting licensed with an estimated framework of the timeline and cost.
9
Minutes
5
Steps
100%
Free
Watch our licensing process walkthrough or read the step-by-step guide below.
01
Confirm you meet BC's basic requirements before enrolling in coursework.
Age & work status
You must be at least 19 years old and eligible to work in Canada.
Background
A satisfactory personal and financial history is required. Contact BCFSA if you are unsure whether your background qualifies.
English
You need a degree from an accredited English-speaking institution, or achieve a minimum of a Level 7 in each component of the CELPIP-General exam.
02
Register for the Real Estate Trading Services Course through the UBC Sauder School of Business.
Textbook
A free digital PDF is available from your student account.
Calculator
You will need an HP 10BII+ Financial Calculator for math sections and the exam. You can purchase a physical version or download the app - if using the app, you must reserve a UBC tablet that has the app when booking your exam.
03
Work through video lessons, readings, and required assignments (around 400 questions).
Deadline
All assignments must be completed within one year of enrollment.
Pacing
A maximum of two assignments per week is allowed, so consistency matters.
04
This is often the hardest step and where focused prep matters most.
Format
100 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours.
Passing Score
70% is required to pass.
Attempts
You get two attempts within two years of completing the 20 coursework assignments.
This is where Excel Realty Academy makes the biggest difference with structured lessons, mock exams, and test strategy.
05
Bridge theory and practice through two phases of supervised work.
Phase 1
About two weeks of online study plus a two-day live Zoom session. Then you choose a brokerage and apply for your temporary license.
Phase 2
Complete one purchase and one sale transaction under brokerage supervision.
Full License
After both transactions are complete, you can receive your full BC Real Estate License, officially becoming a licensed real estate agent in British Columbia!
TIP: Start exploring brokerages early while taking the UBC course to find a strong fit.
What you need to know about the UBC Real Estate Exam.
Most students finish in 3-4 months with consistent weekly progress.
Course registration
3-4 days
Assignment completion
~10 weeks
Exam prep tutoring
3-6 weeks
Mock exam practice
2-3 weeks
Exam scheduling
1-2 weeks
Applied Practice Course
2-3 weeks
Brokerage/licensing
~3 weeks
3 - 4 months
estimated total · some students take up to a year at a slower, self-study pace.
Typical estimated licensing costs and board fees in British Columbia - fees are subject to change.
CELPIP-General English Exam
$280
UBC Real Estate Course
$1,450
Financial Calculator
$10-$100
Exam Fee (per attempt)
$200
Applied Practice Course
$920
Licensing Fee (first 2 years)
$1,700
Real Estate Board, BC Real Estate Association, and Canadian Real Estate Association
$1,300-$1,800
Other expenses you may incur during your real estate career - fees are subject to change.
Exam Prep Tutoring (Highly Recommended)
~$1,300
Brokerage New Agent Fee
Up to $300
Brokerage Desk Fees
$150-$800/mon
Brokerage Commission Split
~80%/20%
Per-transaction Fee
$200-$400
Website, Business Cards, etc.
Varies
BCFSA/Board Courses
$500-$1,500/2 yrs
~$8,500
estimated total costs · includes licensing fees, board fees, and other expenses.
FAQ
This course prepares you for the UBC Sauder School of Business Real Estate Trading Services Licensing Exam, which is required to become a licensed real estate agent in British Columbia, Canada.
You get 6 months of full access to all video content and study materials from the date of purchase. This gives you plenty of time to work through the material at your own pace.
We offer a pass-or-repeat-free guarantee. If you complete the full program and don't pass the exam, you can repeat the course at no additional cost. Conditions apply — see our Terms and Guarantees page for the full details.
Self-Paced is ideal if you want flexibility and prefer to study on your own schedule. Live Online + Self-Paced adds interactive Zoom sessions, giving you the ability to ask questions and stay accountable. In-Person + Self-Paced is our most hands-on option, featuring face-to-face instruction in Vancouver with small groups of up to 8 students for maximum support and focus.
You must meet the BC Financial Services Authority English language requirement, and register for the UBC Real Estate Trading Services Licensing Course. Our course is designed to take you from zero knowledge to exam-ready.
Excel Realty Academy has helped thousands of students pass since 2010 with a 5.0-star rating from 369+ reviews. We offer simplified study materials in plain language, small class sizes, and a pass-or-repeat-free guarantee that our competitors don't match.
Live Zoom classes are conducted in real-time to allow for interactive Q&A and personalized attention. While live sessions are the primary format, speak with our team about accessing supplementary recordings.
Yes, you will need an HP 10BII+ calculator for the UBC Real Estate Exam. You can purchase the calculator or download the HP 10BII app from your app store. When booking your exam, you may request a tablet with the HP 10BII app provided at the exam centre instead of using your own device, as personal electronic devices are not allowed in the exam room. Becoming comfortable with this calculator is important for the math portion of the exam.
Yes, many new REALTORS® start by balancing real estate with their current job. As they build a client base and real estate income, many eventually transition fully into the profession.
Yes, many students come to us after an unsuccessful attempt and benefit from clearer explanations, structured preparation, and more focused exam guidance.
Payments can be made by cash, e-transfer, or credit card (online registration only), tuition fees are fully payable upon registration, and to secure your seat, register at least 15 days before classes begin. Payments may also be made in installments through our third-party payment processor; however, installments must be paid when due regardless if a student drops out, puts their studies on hold, etc.
Please see our Terms and Guarantees page for our full refund policy.
We understand that emergencies and scheduling conflicts can happen, if you miss a class, we will do our best to help you make up the missed material at no extra cost. For full details, see our Terms and Guarantees page or contact us directly.
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Pass or Repeat Free Guarantee — Conditions Apply
Sign up for a free trial class to see if we are the right fit for you. Or join thousands of successful BC real estate agents who passed their licensing exam with our help. Your future in real estate starts here.
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Pass or repeat for free — conditions apply, see our Terms and Guarantees. All plans include 6 months of online access.