Breaking Down Barriers: The Push for Interprovincial Real Estate Licensing in Canada
June 20, 2025
By Allwyn Dsouza, Senior Analyst, Research and Insights, REIC/ICI
By Allwyn Dsouza, Senior Analyst, Research and Insights, REIC/ICI
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For years, Canadian REALTORS® who moved between provinces faced costly and time-consuming hurdles—retaking exams, repeating courses, and enduring long licensing delays. In 2024, the Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC) called for greater standardization across jurisdictions. Now in 2025, that vision is gaining traction. Provinces like Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Alberta are actively dismantling internal trade barriers, making it easier for licensed professionals to practice across provincial lines.
Ontario’s Bill 2, the Protect Ontario Through Free Trade Within Canada Act[1], leads this shift. Passed through second reading by June 2025, the bill allows real estate agents from cooperating provinces—initially Nova Scotia and New Brunswick—to start working in Ontario without repeating exams or education. |
Once approved by the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), they can operate immediately, even remotely.
This is a sharp departure from previous requirements, where agents faced lengthy equivalency reviews. Bill 2 embraces reciprocity: if another province deems an agent qualified, Ontario will too[2].
The province now claims zero exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), positioning itself as a champion of mobility—so long as other provinces reciprocate[3]. Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick have already taken similar steps, easing licensing and onboarding.
While some worry about maintaining Ontario’s high standards, advocates argue mobility paired with local onboarding protects consumers while empowering agents. A new era of national licensing is emerging.
Atlantic Canada Leads on Real Estate Mobility
The movement to streamline real estate licensing across provinces began not in Ontario, but in Atlantic Canada. In 2024, Nova Scotia led the way with its Free Trade and Labour Mobility Within Canada Act, granting full recognition to out-of-province real estate licenses—provided the originating province reciprocates. A REALTOR® in good standing from Ontario, for example, can now register with the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission (NSREC) without redoing exams or courses. Basic registration, local insurance, and adherence to NSREC’s rules suffice.
Prince Edward Island followed quickly. In early 2025, PEI introduced its own Interprovincial Trade and Mobility Act, directly modeled on Nova Scotia’s. Premier Rob Lantz called the province “punching above its weight,” and PEI signed a mutual recognition MOU with Ontario.
New Brunswick, while avoiding sweeping new legislation, implemented equally bold changes. In April 2025, it signed an MOU with Ontario and amended its Fair Registration Practices Act to allow incoming professionals to start working while their license is processed. This “work while you wait” approach is among Canada’s most permissive.
While Ontario’s Bill 2 garners attention, it largely mirrors Atlantic Canada’s pioneering efforts. Nova Scotia already delivers effective onboarding via short modules, setting a high standard Ontario now seeks to meet.
Out West, Alberta and British Columbia have long practiced streamlined mobility through the New West Partnership. Alberta’s Labour Mobility Act mandates full recognition without credential reassessment. BC waives licensing exams for most out-of-province agents.
Quebec, however, remains cautious. It recently scrapped its “physical office” requirement but still mandates passing a legal exam and demonstrating French proficiency due to its civil law framework.
In short, Atlantic Canada catalyzed Canada’s real estate mobility revolution—proving that mutual recognition and strong consumer protection can go hand in hand. Creating a more efficient, competitive, and unified real estate marketplace. Ontario is joining that wave—not creating it.
National Coordination: RERC’s Role in Harmonizing Real Estate Licensing
As provinces dismantle interprovincial licensing barriers, the Real Estate Regulators of Canada (RERC)—or ARCIC in French—has emerged as a vital unifying force. Though RERC doesn’t issue licenses, it brings together all Canadian real estate regulators to align on standards, ethics, and mobility.
In 2021, RERC launched national competency profiles, defining the core knowledge and skills every real estate licensee should possess. These include contract law, valuation, negotiation, and ethical practice—benchmarks that ensure agents from any province meet a shared standard. If everyone agrees on what “competent” means, mobility becomes a matter of trust, not requalification.
RERC also facilitates inter-regulator communication to prevent bad actors from slipping through the cracks. As mobility agreements grow, formal data-sharing systems are expected—so an agent’s record in one province is reviewed upon registration in another.
The industry supports this direction. Groups like TRREB and CREA welcome increased mobility, so long as consumer protection is preserved. In fact, competition across provinces may raise—not lower—standards, as no regulator wants to be the weak link.
In short, RERC is helping build a future where real estate licensing is more portable, more consistent, and more professional coast to coast.
Comparative Snapshot: Licensing & Mobility Policies by Province
To summarize the provincial differences and recent mobility policies, the table below highlights key points for major provinces:
This is a sharp departure from previous requirements, where agents faced lengthy equivalency reviews. Bill 2 embraces reciprocity: if another province deems an agent qualified, Ontario will too[2].
The province now claims zero exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), positioning itself as a champion of mobility—so long as other provinces reciprocate[3]. Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick have already taken similar steps, easing licensing and onboarding.
While some worry about maintaining Ontario’s high standards, advocates argue mobility paired with local onboarding protects consumers while empowering agents. A new era of national licensing is emerging.
Atlantic Canada Leads on Real Estate Mobility
The movement to streamline real estate licensing across provinces began not in Ontario, but in Atlantic Canada. In 2024, Nova Scotia led the way with its Free Trade and Labour Mobility Within Canada Act, granting full recognition to out-of-province real estate licenses—provided the originating province reciprocates. A REALTOR® in good standing from Ontario, for example, can now register with the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission (NSREC) without redoing exams or courses. Basic registration, local insurance, and adherence to NSREC’s rules suffice.
Prince Edward Island followed quickly. In early 2025, PEI introduced its own Interprovincial Trade and Mobility Act, directly modeled on Nova Scotia’s. Premier Rob Lantz called the province “punching above its weight,” and PEI signed a mutual recognition MOU with Ontario.
New Brunswick, while avoiding sweeping new legislation, implemented equally bold changes. In April 2025, it signed an MOU with Ontario and amended its Fair Registration Practices Act to allow incoming professionals to start working while their license is processed. This “work while you wait” approach is among Canada’s most permissive.
While Ontario’s Bill 2 garners attention, it largely mirrors Atlantic Canada’s pioneering efforts. Nova Scotia already delivers effective onboarding via short modules, setting a high standard Ontario now seeks to meet.
Out West, Alberta and British Columbia have long practiced streamlined mobility through the New West Partnership. Alberta’s Labour Mobility Act mandates full recognition without credential reassessment. BC waives licensing exams for most out-of-province agents.
Quebec, however, remains cautious. It recently scrapped its “physical office” requirement but still mandates passing a legal exam and demonstrating French proficiency due to its civil law framework.
In short, Atlantic Canada catalyzed Canada’s real estate mobility revolution—proving that mutual recognition and strong consumer protection can go hand in hand. Creating a more efficient, competitive, and unified real estate marketplace. Ontario is joining that wave—not creating it.
National Coordination: RERC’s Role in Harmonizing Real Estate Licensing
As provinces dismantle interprovincial licensing barriers, the Real Estate Regulators of Canada (RERC)—or ARCIC in French—has emerged as a vital unifying force. Though RERC doesn’t issue licenses, it brings together all Canadian real estate regulators to align on standards, ethics, and mobility.
In 2021, RERC launched national competency profiles, defining the core knowledge and skills every real estate licensee should possess. These include contract law, valuation, negotiation, and ethical practice—benchmarks that ensure agents from any province meet a shared standard. If everyone agrees on what “competent” means, mobility becomes a matter of trust, not requalification.
RERC also facilitates inter-regulator communication to prevent bad actors from slipping through the cracks. As mobility agreements grow, formal data-sharing systems are expected—so an agent’s record in one province is reviewed upon registration in another.
The industry supports this direction. Groups like TRREB and CREA welcome increased mobility, so long as consumer protection is preserved. In fact, competition across provinces may raise—not lower—standards, as no regulator wants to be the weak link.
In short, RERC is helping build a future where real estate licensing is more portable, more consistent, and more professional coast to coast.
Comparative Snapshot: Licensing & Mobility Policies by Province
To summarize the provincial differences and recent mobility policies, the table below highlights key points for major provinces:
Table 1.0: Licensing & Mobility Policies by Province
| Province | Regulator (Agents) | Pre-Licensing Requirements | Mobility & Reciprocity (2025 status) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | RECO (105,000+) | Comprehensive college-level program (~400hr) + exams; 18+ age, background check. Post-licensing courses in the first 2 years. | Bill 2 pending – will accept NB & NS licensees without exam. Historically it required exam or equivalency assessment for others. Aims for full reciprocity with reciprocating provinces. |
| British Columbia | BCFSA (26,000+) | UBC Sauder course (~100hr) + provincial exam; English proficiency; applied practice training post-exam. | Under NWPTA, recognizes AB, SK, MB, etc. No exam required if licensed in most other provinces (just apply and meet good standing). High mobility for Canadian licensees; must learn BC’s unique rules (e.g., dual agency ban). |
| Alberta | RECA (12,500+) | Courses via accredited providers (roughly 9–12 months typical) + exams; 18+ age, good character requirement. | Labour Mobility Act in force – automatic recognition of any Canadian license. Out-of-province applicants get fast-tracked (no extra training/exam). Must provide proof of certification and meet any minimal local requirements (e.g., join a brokerage, carry insurance). |
| Quebec | OACIQ (17,000+) | College diploma in Real Estate or equivalents (can be ~300hr of courses) + OACIQ exam (civil law focus); French language test if applicable. | No new mobility law yet. CFTA applies, but Quebec maintains several exceptions. Plans to remove some barriers (e.g., local office requirements). Still requires full licensing process for outsiders, though may consider easing exam process for experienced agents. |
| Nova Scotia | NSREC (1,900+) | NSREA licensing course (~120h) + exam; 19+ age; mandatory mentorship after licensing. Annual renewal by June 30. | Free Trade & Mobility Act in effect – full reciprocity for any reciprocating province. Out-of-province licensees recognized as if licensed in NS; must register with NSREC and meet local insurance & good standing conditions. Very open policy. |
| New Brunswick | FCNB/NBREA (1,000+) | NBREA course (approx. 6–8 weeks) + exam; 19+ age; mandatory field training component. Co-regulated by association and government. | Legislative amendments 2025 to ease mobility. MOU with Ontario signed. Will allow immediate practice during application processing. Intends reciprocal recognition with provinces removing barriers. Historically already recognized other provinces under CFTA, with requirement to pass exam now likely waived. |
| Prince Ed. Island | Justice Dept (250+) | Short pre-licensing course (~40hr historically) + exam; distinction between salesperson and agent (broker). | Interprovincial Trade & Mobility Act introduced – commits to eliminating barriers with reciprocating jurisdictions. Will recognize equivalent licenses from other provinces (esp. NS, ON) with no extra exam. MOU with Ontario to solidify mutual recognition. |
| Manitoba | Securities Commission (2,400+) | New Real Estate Services Act (2022) modernized framework. Pre-licensing via U of Manitoba or private college courses + exam; 18+ years. | Part of NWPTA – recognizes licenses from the West. Also signed MOU with Ontario in 2025 (as per news) to explore removing barriers. Generally, honors CFTA: out-of-province agents can challenge exam; likely to waive some requirements under new agreements. |
| Saskatchewan | SREC (1,650+) | Course Phase 1 & 2 (total ~120h) + exams; 18+ years. Recent change: must choose specialty (residential, commercial, farm) and train accordingly. | NWPTA province – accepts AB, BC, MB licensees readily. Exam challenge option for others. Expressed support for mobility (SK signed trade-enhancing MOUs with Ont. as well. Expect continued reciprocity under any pan-Canadian framework. |
Sources: Provincial regulator websites and legislation. Key data and policies from realestatemagazine.canews.novascotia.calinkedin.comfieldlaw.com.
Canada’s fragmented real estate licensing rules limit labor mobility, delay talent flow, and raise barriers for professionals and brokerages. A unified or harmonized licensing framework enhances economic productivity, improves professional standards, and builds trust in real estate transactions nationally.
A Vision for Seamless Interprovincial Licensing in Real Estate
As provinces like Nova Scotia, Alberta, and Ontario push forward with real estate licensing reforms, a national framework built on best practices is within reach. The goal: ensure that licensed professionals can move and work across provinces without redundant barriers, while maintaining strong consumer protections.
1. Mutual Recognition as the Default:
Any real estate agent licensed and in good standing in one province should be able to register in another without redoing education or exams. Nova Scotia’s “recognize first” model sets the standard. This principle would treat Canada as a single labour market, allowing agents to bring their expertise to new regions without delay.
2. Streamlined Registration & Data Sharing:
All provinces should adopt clear application timelines (e.g., Alberta’s 20-day window) and enable agents to begin working upon submission, as New Brunswick does. A pan-Canadian digital portal could simplify registration, letting regulators verify credentials and disciplinary records electronically.
3. Local Knowledge Orientation:
Rather than new exams, provinces can require short online modules on local laws and practices—especially around consumer protection and agency rules. This ensures agents are aware of local differences without imposing heavy burdens.
4. National Standards & Exam Blueprint:
Using RERC’s competency profiles, regulators could align education and exams around a shared national core, with province-specific add-ons. This would help ensure trust in mobility and simplify pre-licensing credit transfer.
5. A National Reciprocity Compact:
Provinces committed to mutual recognition, competency alignment, and strong consumer rules could form a “Blue Seal” compact—modeled on the Red Seal trades program—signaling cross-provincial readiness.
6. Shared Continuing Education & Ethics:
Cross-recognition of CE credits and harmonized ethical codes would support multi-jurisdictional practice without duplication. CREA’s REALTOR® Code already offers a foundation for such alignment.
7. Consumer Protection in a Mobile Market:
Require Canada-wide liability insurance coverage and develop public education campaigns to reassure consumers that out-of-province agents are held to the same standards.
8. Accommodating Quebec:
Tailored pathways like provisional licenses or Quebec-specific training could allow entry while respecting the province’s legal and language protections. Over time, these gaps can be narrowed.
9. RERC as National Coordinator:
RERC should guide implementation, update standards, and host annual mobility reviews. A shared governance body ensures quality, consistency, and continuous improvement.
Together, these actions would modernize real estate regulation, strengthen professional integrity, and unlock mobility for thousands of agents across Canada—without compromising on trust or quality.
The ideal interprovincial real estate licensing framework borrows the best from across the country:
A Vision for Seamless Interprovincial Licensing in Real Estate
As provinces like Nova Scotia, Alberta, and Ontario push forward with real estate licensing reforms, a national framework built on best practices is within reach. The goal: ensure that licensed professionals can move and work across provinces without redundant barriers, while maintaining strong consumer protections.
1. Mutual Recognition as the Default:
Any real estate agent licensed and in good standing in one province should be able to register in another without redoing education or exams. Nova Scotia’s “recognize first” model sets the standard. This principle would treat Canada as a single labour market, allowing agents to bring their expertise to new regions without delay.
2. Streamlined Registration & Data Sharing:
All provinces should adopt clear application timelines (e.g., Alberta’s 20-day window) and enable agents to begin working upon submission, as New Brunswick does. A pan-Canadian digital portal could simplify registration, letting regulators verify credentials and disciplinary records electronically.
3. Local Knowledge Orientation:
Rather than new exams, provinces can require short online modules on local laws and practices—especially around consumer protection and agency rules. This ensures agents are aware of local differences without imposing heavy burdens.
4. National Standards & Exam Blueprint:
Using RERC’s competency profiles, regulators could align education and exams around a shared national core, with province-specific add-ons. This would help ensure trust in mobility and simplify pre-licensing credit transfer.
5. A National Reciprocity Compact:
Provinces committed to mutual recognition, competency alignment, and strong consumer rules could form a “Blue Seal” compact—modeled on the Red Seal trades program—signaling cross-provincial readiness.
6. Shared Continuing Education & Ethics:
Cross-recognition of CE credits and harmonized ethical codes would support multi-jurisdictional practice without duplication. CREA’s REALTOR® Code already offers a foundation for such alignment.
7. Consumer Protection in a Mobile Market:
Require Canada-wide liability insurance coverage and develop public education campaigns to reassure consumers that out-of-province agents are held to the same standards.
8. Accommodating Quebec:
Tailored pathways like provisional licenses or Quebec-specific training could allow entry while respecting the province’s legal and language protections. Over time, these gaps can be narrowed.
9. RERC as National Coordinator:
RERC should guide implementation, update standards, and host annual mobility reviews. A shared governance body ensures quality, consistency, and continuous improvement.
Together, these actions would modernize real estate regulation, strengthen professional integrity, and unlock mobility for thousands of agents across Canada—without compromising on trust or quality.
The ideal interprovincial real estate licensing framework borrows the best from across the country:
Table 2.0: Best Practices
| Best Practice | Leading Province(s) | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Mutual Recognition | Nova Scotia, Alberta | Removes duplication, enables real-time agent mobility |
| Fast Processing Timelines | Ontario (Bill 2), Alberta | Agents can begin within 10–30 days |
| Nationally Aligned Education Programs | Ontario, BC, Alberta | Ensures core competencies are recognized everywhere |
| Province-Specific Onboarding Modules | Nova Scotia, BC, Alberta | Guarantees consumer protection without barriers |
| Clear Regulatory Guidance & Transparency | Nova Scotia, Alberta | Enhances trust, ensures agents understand requirements |
The benefits are tangible. For agents, it means freedom to grow—whether launching in a new province, relocating for personal reasons, or seizing cross-border market opportunities. A REALTOR® in Halifax could be licensed in Calgary within days, not months. For brokerages, mobility fuels national expansion, shared training models, and broader talent pipelines. And for consumers, it unlocks more choice, more competition, and greater access to specialized expertise—without sacrificing accountability or oversight.
This isn’t deregulation—it’s smart regulation. Agents remain subject to the rules and ethics of the province where they operate. The difference is that redundant exams and requalification barriers are replaced with trust, efficiency, and modest onboarding measures tailored to local practices.
As of mid-2025, that vision is becoming reality. Ontario’s Bill 2, Nova Scotia’s Free Trade Act, and PEI’s Mobility Act signal a shift from regulatory silos to a coordinated system grounded in mutual recognition. New Brunswick, Alberta, and BC have made policy or legislative moves that reinforce this trend.
Real estate is now leading Canada’s push toward seamless labor mobility—a cornerstone of a more integrated national economy. The emerging model is one of reciprocity, respect, and readiness: regulators trusting each other, professionals adapting responsibly, and governments clearing the path. The patchwork is being stitched together—and a “One Canadian Economy” is no longer just a slogan. In real estate, it’s becoming a policy.
The Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC) supports the growing momentum toward interprovincial licensing reform as a critical step in modernizing the profession. In 2024, REIC advocated for harmonized standards that preserve local oversight while enabling agent mobility across Canada. Standardized licensing criteria, mutual recognition, and national competency frameworks help ensure consistency, professionalism, and consumer trust—no matter where an agent practices. REIC believes this evolution not only reduces regulatory friction but also elevates the industry by aligning education, ethics, and skills across jurisdictions, positioning Canada as a leader in real estate professional standards.
This isn’t deregulation—it’s smart regulation. Agents remain subject to the rules and ethics of the province where they operate. The difference is that redundant exams and requalification barriers are replaced with trust, efficiency, and modest onboarding measures tailored to local practices.
As of mid-2025, that vision is becoming reality. Ontario’s Bill 2, Nova Scotia’s Free Trade Act, and PEI’s Mobility Act signal a shift from regulatory silos to a coordinated system grounded in mutual recognition. New Brunswick, Alberta, and BC have made policy or legislative moves that reinforce this trend.
Real estate is now leading Canada’s push toward seamless labor mobility—a cornerstone of a more integrated national economy. The emerging model is one of reciprocity, respect, and readiness: regulators trusting each other, professionals adapting responsibly, and governments clearing the path. The patchwork is being stitched together—and a “One Canadian Economy” is no longer just a slogan. In real estate, it’s becoming a policy.
The Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC) supports the growing momentum toward interprovincial licensing reform as a critical step in modernizing the profession. In 2024, REIC advocated for harmonized standards that preserve local oversight while enabling agent mobility across Canada. Standardized licensing criteria, mutual recognition, and national competency frameworks help ensure consistency, professionalism, and consumer trust—no matter where an agent practices. REIC believes this evolution not only reduces regulatory friction but also elevates the industry by aligning education, ethics, and skills across jurisdictions, positioning Canada as a leader in real estate professional standards.
Allwyn Dsouza is REIC’s Senior Analyst, Market Research and Insights. He can be reached at [email protected]. Media enquiries can be directed to [email protected]