How to Get Licensed (First Time Applicants)
Forms for this Section
Salesperson and Associate Broker Licence Application Form
Follow the steps below if you are applying for either an initial licence to trade in real estate or are returning after terminating their licence for two years or more.
Step 1: Confirm you meet the eligibility requirements
You must:
- Be at least 19 years old
- Be eligible to work in Canada (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or valid work visa holder)
- Have completed high school, with proof (e.g., diploma, degree, transcript, or post-secondary credential), or hold an equivalency approved by the Registrar. (View the Acceptable Equivalents to High School Diploma/GED Policy for more info.)
- Be proficient in English
If you have a past issue that could affect your eligibility (e.g., criminal record, bankruptcy, or prior discipline by another regulator), contact the Commission’s This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before applying. (View the Criminal Records Policy for more info.)
Step 2: Meet the English Language Proficicency Requirement
All students must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement (ELPR) requirement before registering in the Salesperson Licensing Course (no exceptions.) You are responsible for registering for the CELPIP-G test and paying the applicable test fee.
The ELPR is satisfied by achieving a level 7 or higher on each of the four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) of the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program -General (CELPIP-G) test on the same test score report. You will be required to upload your score report PDF during the course registration process.
Please note that if you have taken the CELPIP-G test in the past, a score report can only be used for two (2) years from the date of the test to meet the ELPR.
For more info, click HERE.
Step 3: Complete the Salesperson Licensing Course (SLC) and pass the exam
To become licensed, you must complete the SLC and pass the licensing exam.
The course is available in two formats: fully online, or a hybrid option that includes an in-class component over four months. You have up to six months to complete the course.
Both versions are administered by the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR). For registration or course information, contact NSAR at www.nsrealtors.ca, 902-468-2515, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
After completing the course, you have one year to pass the licensing exam, with a minimum score of 70.4%. You are allowed a maximum of two attempts. If you are unsuccessful both times, you must wait one year from your last day of class before reapplying to take the course again. Once you pass the exam, you have six months to apply for a licence. For more information about exams, click HERE.
If you require exam accommodations due to a disability, you must submit a request in writing to the Registrar before registering for the exam. This includes identifying your disability, outlining the accommodations requested, and providing supporting documentation, such as medical evidence. View the policy on Accommodation of Applicants with Physical and Mental Disabilities for more info.
Step 4: Talk to Brokerages
The Commission recommends interviewing several brokerages to find the best fit for you. Your licence application must be signed by the broker or managing associate broker of the brokerage you will be joining.
You may contact the Commission’s Compliance Department to request the discipline history of any broker you are considering.
Step 5: Obtain a criminal record check
You must obtain a criminal record check as part of your application.
The Commission provides access to criminal record check applications via MyBackCheck. Use this link which offers a reduced rate of $33 plus tax (regular rate is $55).
The Commission also accepts criminal record checks from the RCMP, Halifax Regional Police, Commissionaires, and municipal or town police services. See the Criminal Record Check Providers Policy for more info.
Step 6: Submit your Licence Application
Complete the licence application carefully and submit it with all required supporting documents. Incomplete or illegible applications will be returned unprocessed.
Your application must also be signed by the Broker or Managing Associate Broker of the brokerage where you will be licensed.
Required documents:
- Completed Salesperson and Associate Broker Licence Application Form (or Broker Application)
- Copy of driver’s licence or government issued photo ID
- Copy of birth certificate, Canadian passport, citizenship card or PR card
- Original criminal record check (from an approved provider in Step 4)
- Proof of high school completion or approved equivalent
All documents must be in English, or accompanied by a certified translation. If you cannot obtain a required document due to circumstances beyond your control, see the Accepting Alternative Information to Required Documentation Policy.
Submit your application to:
Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission
601–1595 Bedford Hwy
Bedford, NS B4A 3Y4
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fax: 902-468-1016
Once your complete application is received and approved, you will be invoiced by email. After receiving the invoice, you must log into the NSREC Licensee Portal to pay your licensing fees.
If your application is denied due to suitability concerns, you may request a review by the Licensing Committee. A $100 fee applies, which is refunded if the review is successful. View the Communicating Licensure Decisions Policy and Reviews of Licensure Decisions Policy for more info.
Step 6: Purchase Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance and provide proof
After submitting your licence application, you will be issued a restricted licence to obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.
E&O insurance is mandatory for all licensees in Nova Scotia and must be purchased through the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR). For information on rates and how to obtain coverage, contact NSAR at 902-468-2515.
Once you provide proof of insurance to the Commission (a copy of your NSAR receipt), the restriction will be removed and you will be authorized to trade in real estate.
