Licensing From Another Country
Revised May 5, 2026
Forms for This Section
Salesperson or Associate Broker Licensing Application
Broker or Managing Associate Broker Licensing Application
Out of Jurisdiction Certification Form
Licensing from Another Country
If you are already licensed to trade in real estate in another country and want to apply for a licence in Nova Scotia, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Plan ahead
To be licensed in Nova Scotia, you must be legally able to work in Canada and have a broker who agrees to hire you.
Step 2: Pass the Challenge exam
Applicants transferring from an international jurisdiction with an occupational standard must apply, write, and pass the Challenge Exam with a minimum score of 70%. For information about the exam, view our Examination Challenge booklet.
An occupational standard means the original jurisdiction includes pre-licensing education, an entry exam, legislation governing standards of practice, mandatory continuing education, and a regulatory body.
If you require accommodations due to a disability, you must self-identify, request specific accommodations, and provide supporting medical documentation in writing to the Registrar before registering for the exam. View the police on Accommodation of Applicants with Physical and Mental Disabilities.
Step 3: Obtain licensing history
Contact your current real estate regulator to have your original licensing and discipline history sent directly to the Commission. View the Acceptable Licensing Histories Policy.
If you receive it yourself, it must arrive in the original sealed envelope from the original regulator. View the Acceptable Licensing Histories Policy.
Step 4: Complete and submit application with required documents
Complete the appropriate licence application for your class of licence (either salesperson/association broker or broker/managing associate broker), signed by the broker or managing associate broker of the brokerage where you will be licensed. Incomplete or illegible applications will be returned unprocessed. To apply for a broker-level licence, you must already hold a broker-level licence.
You must also provide the following documents:
- Copy of driver’s licence or government issued photo ID
- Copy of birth certificate, Canadian passport, citizenship card or PR card
- Current criminal record check, issued within the last 6 months. For more info, click HERE.
- Proof of high school completion or approved equivalent
- Out of Jurisdiction Certification Form
All documents must be clear copies. 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.
Applications can be submitted by mail, fax or email:
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
Step 4: Complete the Forms Course and the Agency Course
After you submit a complete licensing application, but before licensing, you must complete:
- The Mandatory Forms Course - You will receieve an enrollment email from the course platform, TalentLMS, to get started. The course is online and takes approximately 4 hours.
- The Agency Course - Either 'Moving to Common-law Agency' or 'Moving to Designated Agency' depending on your brokerage model. This course is provided by the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register.
Step 5: Review, payment, and licensing
Your application, licensing history, and criminal record check will be reviewed for suitability and completeness.
If approved, you will be invoiced by email. Once you pay through the NSREC Licensee Portal, you will receive a temporary 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.
If your application is refused due to suitability concerns, you may request a review by the Licensing Committee. A $100 fee applies and will be refunded if the review is successful. View the Communicating Licensure Decisions Policy and Reviews of Licensure Decisions Policy.
