You can transfer a real estate license from any other Canadian province to Ontario, but the process involves passing the Interprovincial Challenge Exam through Humber and registering with RECO. The Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) requires Ontario to recognize licenses from other provinces, but compliance with TRESA and RECO's rules is still required.
The Interprovincial Challenge Exam is an abbreviated version of the Humber salesperson program. Instead of taking all five courses plus simulations, you take a single comprehensive exam that tests Ontario-specific content: TRESA, RECO's framework, the OREA Form 100 APS, and Ontario condominium law.
You must hold an active real estate license in your origin province at the time of the exam, with at least 12 months of registered experience. Lapsed or suspended licenses don't qualify.
The exam costs around $500 plus the standard RECO registration fee of $590 once you pass. Total transfer cost is roughly $1,100-$1,300 — significantly less than the $7,500-$9,000 for a fresh applicant.
Timeline: most agents complete the transfer in 6-12 weeks. Two weeks for exam preparation, 1-2 weeks to schedule and take the exam, then 1-3 weeks for RECO registration once you pass.
After registration, you must complete RECO's mandatory 24-hour continuing education within your first compliance cycle, just like any Ontario salesperson. Some experienced credit may transfer if your origin province has comparable CE requirements.