Once you finish Course 5 in the Humber salesperson program, you become eligible to register with RECO. The clock starts: you have 12 months to register before your eligibility expires and you would need to retake Course 5.
Step 1 is choosing a brokerage. Most students interview 2-4 brokerages during Course 5 and have an offer in hand by the time they finish. Brokerages vary on commission split (60/40 to 95/5 are common), training, lead provision, mentorship, technology, and culture. Bring a written checklist to each interview — don't pick on commission alone.
Step 2 is the RECO application through MyWeb. You submit proof of Humber completion (Humber transmits this automatically), brokerage sponsorship details, a vulnerable-sector criminal record check from your local police, and the $590 registration fee. Some applicants need to complete a Statutory Declaration if their background screening surfaces issues.
Step 3 is approval. RECO typically reviews and approves within 1-3 weeks. You receive your registration certificate by email and become officially active on the date posted by RECO.
Step 4 is your first deal. Plan for 4-6 months from registration to your first commission cheque. The first months are spent building your sphere of influence, getting your first listings, and shadowing experienced agents. Most successful new agents budget $5,000-$15,000 for marketing, technology, and personal expenses to cover this gap.