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Real Estate Course & License in Ottawa, Ontario
The Humber real estate course is the only path to a license in Ottawa (and anywhere else in Ontario) — a province-wide program followed by RECO registration. What’s different in Ottawa is the local market, exam-centre access, and which board you join.
$620K-$700K
2026 estimated band, all property types
Ottawa
Meazure Learning testing centre
1.02M
Ontario, Canada
Ottawa real estate market snapshot
Ottawa's real estate market is more stable than the GTA. Federal government employment buffers price swings. Median home prices in 2026 are around $650K, with detached homes in central neighbourhoods like Westboro and the Glebe well above the city average.
Why license in Ottawa
Ottawa has a smaller, less competitive agent pool than the GTA and consistent transaction volume from federal-government job mobility (transfers, retirements). Bilingual (English/French) agents have a clear advantage, particularly in Vanier, Orleans, and Gatineau-adjacent neighbourhoods.
The licensing path from Ottawa
- 1
Complete the Humber pre-registration program
Courses 1-5 plus Simulations 1 and 2. Delivered fully online — no campus attendance required. Humber programs are delivered fully online; Ottawa students rarely if ever travel to a Toronto campus.
- 2
Pass each exam through Meazure Learning
Take exams online with remote proctoring or in person at the Ottawa centre. Each course exam is 100 multiple-choice questions, 150 minutes, 75% to pass.
- 3
Register with RECO and join OREB
Submit your RECO application with brokerage sponsorship ($590 fee, 1-3 weeks for approval). Most Ottawa brokerages will then enrol you in Ottawa Real Estate Board and OREA membership.
- 4
Maintain registration with continuing education
RECO requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years. Your brokerage typically tracks compliance and offers in-house CE.
Practice for the Humber exams from Ottawa
ExamAce gives you 4,700+ exam-style questions across every Humber course, AI tutoring on every answer, and a pass-probability score. Free trial includes 3 courses; subscribe to unlock everything for $29.99/month.
Other Ontario cities
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to get a real estate license in Ottawa?
Total cost is roughly $4,500-$7,500 CAD — same as anywhere in Ontario. Breakdown: Humber pre-registration program (~$3,400-$5,000), RECO registration (~$590), insurance (~$420 first year), background check (~$35), brokerage onboarding fees. Cost-of-living during the 6-9 month study period varies by city; Ottawa's $620K-$700K median home price gives a rough sense of local cost pressure.
How long does it take to get licensed in Ottawa?
The Humber pre-registration program takes 6-9 months for most candidates working a day job (10-15 study hours/week). Full-time students can finish in 3-4 months. After completing the program, RECO registration typically takes 2-4 weeks. The license is valid throughout Ontario, not specific to your city.
Where do I write the real estate exam if I live in Ottawa?
The nearest Meazure Learning testing centre is Ottawa. Humber program exams and Simulation Sessions are administered through Meazure's network across Ontario. Bring photo ID and arrive 30 minutes early. Some candidates choose centres in nearby cities for scheduling convenience.
Which real estate board serves Ottawa?
Ottawa agents typically join the Ottawa Real Estate Board (OREB). Board membership is required to access MLS and most listing tools. Membership is separate from RECO registration; you must hold both. Joining a brokerage in Ottawa usually walks you through the board membership step at onboarding.
Is the Humber real estate program the only option for Ottawa candidates?
Currently, Humber Polytechnic is the primary RECO-approved provider for the Ontario Real Estate Salesperson Program. As of late 2025, RECO authorized additional providers (Algonquin College, Fleming College, Career College Group) but Humber remains the dominant choice. The exam content and license outcome are identical regardless of provider.
Can I work as a real estate agent in Ottawa without joining a brokerage?
No. Ontario law requires every registered salesperson to operate under a registered brokerage's supervision. You cannot trade in real estate directly with the public as a sole practitioner. The brokerage handles trust accounts, supervises transactions, and provides E&O insurance coverage. You must find and join a brokerage within 12 months of completing the Humber program or your registration lapses.