How Long Does it Take to Become a Realtor in Nova Scotia? Your Complete 2025 Guide

Are you considering a career in real estate in Nova Scotia? Here's everything you need to know about the timeline, requirements, and process to get your real estate license.

The Quick Answer: 4-8 Months Total

The complete process to become a licensed realtor in Nova Scotia typically takes 4-8 months from start to finish, depending on which course option you choose and how quickly you complete each step. Here's the breakdown:

• Licensing Course: 4-6 months
• Exam Preparation & Writing: 2-4 weeks
• License Application Processing: 1-2 weeks
• E&O Insurance Setup: 1 week

Step-by-Step Timeline Breakdown

Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements (Before You Start)

Before enrolling in any courses, ensure you meet these prerequisites:

• Age: 19 years or older
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Work Authorization: Legally able to work in Canada
• Clean Record: Pass a criminal record check
• Nova Scotia Address: Must maintain a service address in the province

Timeline: Immediate (if requirements are already met)

Step 2: Complete the Salesperson Licensing Course (4-6 Months)

This is where you'll spend most of your time. The Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission requires completion of the Salesperson Licensing Course administered by the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR), which involves completing an online course within a six-month time frame.

You have two course options:

Option A: Online Course (Up to 6 Months)

• Duration: Six-month time frame to complete, self-paced
• Cost: $3,448.85 (including tax and textbook)
• Format: Completely online with virtual learning components
• Best for: Those who need flexibility or prefer self-directed learning

Option B: Classroom Course (4 Months)

• Duration: 16 weeks
• Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9 AM – 4 PM
• Cost: $4,023.85 (including tax and textbook)
• Best for: Those who prefer structured learning and face-to-face instruction

Important Course Updates for 2025:

All students who enroll starting August 1, 2024 are in the new Salesperson Licensing Course. The new course is longer, will provide enhanced education to better protect the public interest by ensuring higher standards of knowledge and professionalism in the real estate industry.

Step 3: Write and Pass the Licensing Exam (2-4 Weeks)

Once you complete your course, you have one year from the day you finish the licensing course to pass the examination, with a pass mark of 70%.

Exam Details:

• Pass Mark: 70%
• Attempts: Maximum of two attempts to pass the licensing exam
• Time Allowed: Three hours to write the salesperson exam
• Format: Online exam using ProctorU platform (for students enrolled after August 1, 2024)
• Booking: Must be booked a minimum of 72 hours in advance and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

What happens if you fail?

• Students who fail both attempts have one year from their last day of class until they can apply to retake the course

Timeline: 2-4 weeks (including study time and exam scheduling)

Step 4: Submit License Application (1-2 Weeks)

After passing your exam, you'll need to submit your license application to the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission (NSREC).

Required Documents:

• Completed license application form
• Proof of course completion and exam results
• Criminal record check
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Application fees

Fees to Budget For:

• License application fees (contact NSREC for current rates)
• Criminal record check fee
• Recovery Fund fees (collected upon first-time licensing)

Timeline: 1-2 weeks for processing

Step 5: Secure Errors & Omissions Insurance (1 Week)

After you submit your license application to the Commission you will be issued a restricted license to obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance. E&O is mandatory for all licensees in Nova Scotia and is purchased through the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®.

What You Need to Know:

• E&O insurance is mandatory
• Must be purchased through NSAR
• Contact NSAR at 902-468-2515 for rates and information
• Once proof of E&O is provided to the Commission (copy of the NSAR receipt), the restriction will be lifted and you may trade in real estate

Timeline: 1 week

Step 6: Find a Brokerage (Ongoing)

In Nova Scotia, you must have a brokerage sign off on your license application, agree to supervise you and your real estate transactions, trust accounting, and provide guidance and advice.

Important: You cannot operate as a "rogue" agent without a brokerage in Nova Scotia – unless you are the broker of a single person brokerage (yourself). Century 21 Optimum Realty is always looking for Agents that want to grow and excel their business. You can reach us optimumrealty@century21.ca

Timeline: This can be done concurrently with other steps

Accelerated Timeline Options

Want to get licensed faster? Here are some strategies:

1. Choose the Classroom Option: The 16-week classroom course provides a more structured timeline compared to the 6-month online option
2. Start During Optimal Times: Plan your course start date to align with exam schedules
3. Prepare Documents Early: Gather all required documentation before starting your course
4. Network Early: Begin connecting with brokerages during your course

Cost Breakdown

Total Investment: $4,000 - $5,000+

• Course Tuition: $3,449 - $4,024 (depending on format)
• License Fees: Contact NSREC for current rates
• Criminal Record Check: ~$50-100
• E&O Insurance: Annual premium (rates vary)
• Exam Fees: Included in course cost

Important: The licensing course is not approved by federal or provincial student loans. The course needs to be paid in full at the time of registration.

What Comes After Getting Licensed?

Ongoing Requirements:

• Annual License Renewal: All licensees are required to renew their licences by June 30th every year
• Continuing Professional Education (CPE): Licensees are required to take annual continuing professional education (CPE)

Career Advancement:

Want to become a broker? You must have three years experience as a real estate salesperson before you are eligible to become a broker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I start the course if I'm not a Canadian citizen? A: You can complete the course, but you'll need permanent resident status or Canadian citizenship when applying for your license.

Q: What if I fail the exam twice? A: Students who fail both attempts have one year from their last day of class until they can apply to retake the course.

Q: How long do I have to write the exam after finishing the course? A: Students have one year from the day they finish the licensing course to pass the examination.

Q: Are there accommodations for disabilities? A: Yes, the Commission has an Accommodation of Applicants with Physical and Mental Disabilities Policy. Requests must be made in writing to the Registrar before registering for the exam.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Information:

Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (for courses):

• Website: www.nsrealtors.ca
• Phone: 902-468-2515
• Email: education@nsrealtors.ca

Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission (for licensing):

• Address: 601-1595 Bedford Hwy, Bedford NS B4A 3Y4
• Phone: 902-468-3511 or 1-800-390-1015
• Email: licensing@nsrec.ns.ca

Final Thoughts

Becoming a realtor in Nova Scotia requires dedication and investment, but the 4-8 month timeline is manageable for most people. The key is choosing the right course format for your lifestyle and staying organized throughout the process.

Remember, this timeline can vary based on your personal circumstances, course choice, and exam scheduling. Start planning early, budget appropriately, and don't hesitate to reach out to the relevant organizations with specific questions about your situation.

The real estate market in Nova Scotia continues to evolve, making it an exciting time to enter the profession. With proper preparation and commitment, you could be helping clients buy and sell homes in the Maritimes within half a year.

Last updated: September 2025. Requirements and fees may change. Always verify current information with the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission and Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS®.