Licensing guide · Nova Scotia

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Nova Scotia

Last checked October 10, 20267 sources checkedNOC 63101

Do you need a licence?

Licence required

You must be registered with the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission to work as a real estate agent in Nova Scotia or to use a protected title.

Protected titles: Not listed in the sources checked

Show the source

“Brokerages and individuals must be licensed by the Commission and comply with the Real Estate Trading Act and Commission Bylaw to trade in real estate.”

From nsrec.ns.ca/consumers/getting-started/choosing-a-licensee, checked October 10, 2026.

At a glance

Licence status: Licence required See the source
Routes: Trained in Canada: 6 steps, listed one-time fees $114

Licensed in another province: 3 steps

Trained outside Canada: 5 steps
Annual fees: Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission

Your roadmap

Every route is listed. Follow the one that matches where you trained.

Trained in Canada

Listed one-time fees: $114
5 steps without a listed fee
Listed time: 6 months (only 1 of 6 steps state a time)

Confirm eligibility requirements
Confirm that you meet the eligibility requirements, including being at least 19 years old, eligible to work in Canada, having completed high school or an approved equivalency, and being proficient in English.

Source
“Be at least 19 years old”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants
Meet English language requirement
Register for and pass the CELPIP-G test, achieving level 7 or higher on each of the four components, before registering in the Salesperson Licensing Course.

Source
“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.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants
Complete course and pass exam
- exam fee: $114
  Source
  “You will be invoiced by email to pay the $114 exam fee.”
  nsrec.ns.ca/licensing-exams
Time: 6 months
Time source
“You have up to six months to complete the course.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants

Source
“To become licensed, you must complete the SLC and pass the licensing exam.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants
Talk to brokerages
Source
“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.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants
Submit licence application
Submit the completed licence application with required documents, including a criminal record check and proof of high school completion, to the Commission.

Source
“Completed Salesperson and Associate Broker Licence Application Form (or Broker Application)”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants
Purchase E&O insurance
After submitting your application you receive a restricted licence, purchase E&O insurance through NSAR, and provide proof of insurance to the Commission to be authorized to trade.

Source
“After submitting your licence application, you will be issued a restricted licence to obtain Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $114

One-time fees listed for Trained in Canada, by type
Fee type	Amount	Share
Exams	$114	100%
One-time total	$114	100%

5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Official page for this route

Licensed in another province

3 steps without a listed fee

Obtain licensing history
Request that your current or most recent regulatory authority send an original licensing and discipline history directly to the Commission, and obtain a current criminal record check.

Source
“Request that your current (or most recent) regulatory authority send an original licensing and discipline history directly to the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-province
Submit application with documents
Complete the appropriate licence application signed by the broker of the brokerage where you will be licensed, and submit it with required documents including identification, criminal record check, proof of high school completion, and the Out of Jurisdiction Certification Form.

Source
“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.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-province
Pay and obtain insurance
If approved, pay the invoice through the NSREC Licensee Portal, receive a temporary licence, purchase E&O insurance through NSAR, and provide proof of insurance to be authorized to trade.

Source
“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.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-province

Listed fees for this route

No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission

3 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Official page for this route

Trained outside Canada

5 steps without a listed fee

Plan ahead
Ensure you are legally able to work in Canada and have a broker who agrees to hire you.

Source
“To be licensed in Nova Scotia, you must be legally able to work in Canada and have a broker who agrees to hire you.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-country
Pass the Challenge exam
Apply for, write, and pass the Challenge Exam with a minimum score of 70% if you are transferring from an international jurisdiction with an occupational standard.

Source
“Applicants transferring from an international jurisdiction with an occupational standard must apply, write, and pass the Challenge Exam with a minimum score of 70%.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-country
Obtain licensing history
Contact your current real estate regulator to have your original licensing and discipline history sent directly to the Commission.

Source
“Contact your current real estate regulator to have your original licensing and discipline history sent directly to the Commission.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-country
Submit application and documents
Complete the appropriate licence application signed by the broker of the brokerage where you will be licensed, and complete the Forms Course and the Agency Course.

Source
“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.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-country
Review, payment, and licensing
After your application, licensing history, and criminal record check are reviewed and approved, pay the invoice, receive a temporary licence, purchase E&O insurance through NSAR, and provide proof of insurance to be authorized to trade.

Source
“Your application, licensing history, and criminal record check will be reviewed for suitability and completeness.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-country

Listed fees for this route

No one-time fees listed by the regulator for these steps Check with Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission

5 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Official page for this route

Other listed fees

The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.

Licensing Committee review fee: $100 (refunded if the review is successful)
Source
“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.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants
criminal record check via MyBackCheck: $33
Source
“Use this link which offers a reduced rate of $33 plus tax (regular rate is $55).”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/becoming-a-broker
criminal record check regular rate: $55 (regular rate)
Source
“Use this link which offers a reduced rate of $33 plus tax (regular rate is $55).”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/becoming-a-broker
reinstatement within 30 days: $200 (if reinstating within 30 days)
Source
“If reinstating within 30 days: $200 + HST”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/licence-changes
reinstatement after more than 90 days: $385 (if reinstating after more than 90 days (full licensing fee))
Source
“If reinstating after more than 90 days: $385 + HST (full licensing fee)”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/licence-changes

Requirements

Conditions the regulator sets on top of the roadmap steps.

Education

You must have completed high school, with proof, or hold an equivalency approved by the Registrar.
Source
“Have completed high school, with proof (e.g., diploma, degree, transcript, or post-secondary credential), or hold an equivalency approved by the Registrar.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants

Experience

To be eligible for broker-level licensing, you must have at least 3 years' experience as a salesperson or equivalent experience approved by the Commission.
Source
“Have at least 3 years' experience as a salesperson (or equivalent experience approved by the Commission);”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/becoming-a-broker

Police check

You must provide an original criminal record check from an approved provider as part of your application.
Source
“Original criminal record check (from an approved provider in Step 4)”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants

Insurance

E&O insurance is mandatory for all licensees in Nova Scotia and must be purchased through NSAR.
Source
“E&O insurance is mandatory for all licensees in Nova Scotia and must be purchased through the Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS® (NSAR).”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants

Other

You must be at least 19 years old.
Source
“Be at least 19 years old”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants
You must be eligible to work in Canada as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or valid work visa holder.
Source
“Be eligible to work in Canada (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or valid work visa holder)”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants
You must be proficient in English.
Source
“Be proficient in English”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants
To apply for a broker-level licence, you must already hold a broker-level licence.
Source
“To apply for a broker-level licence, you must already hold a broker-level licence.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-province

Already licensed in another province?

Direct transfer

An applicant already licensed in another Canadian province submits their licensing history, application, and documents, and no entry-to-practice exam or competence assessment is required.

Source

“If you are already licensed in another Canadian province (or were licensed there within the past 12 months) and want to become licensed in Nova Scotia, follow the steps below.”

nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-province

Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission

Check a move between two provinces

Credential assessment

Not stated by the regulator Check with Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission

Exams

Challenge Exam

Source
“Applicants transferring from an international jurisdiction with an occupational standard must apply, write, and pass the Challenge Exam with a minimum score of 70%.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-country
broker exam

Source
“To become licensed, you must complete the BLC and pass the broker exam.”
nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/becoming-a-broker

Language tests

Minimum scores the regulator lists.

Test	Overall	Listening	Reading	Writing	Speaking	CLB	Source
CELPIP-G	—	7	7	7	7	—	Source “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.” nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants

Exemptions: All students must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement before registering in the Salesperson Licensing Course, with no exceptions.

Source

“All students must meet the English Language Proficiency Requirement (ELPR) requirement before registering in the Salesperson Licensing Course (no exceptions.)”

nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants

Compare scores across provinces and professions

Canadian experience

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or valid work visa holder.

Source

“Be eligible to work in Canada (Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or valid work visa holder)”

nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants

Supervised practice

Not required

The pages do not state a supervised practice requirement.

Source

“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.”

nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants

Demand and pay

Job Bank figures for NOC 63101, Real estate agents and salespersons. Wages for 2021 in Canadian dollars a year; outlook for 2025-2027.

Job Bank wages and outlook in Nova Scotia and Canada
Where	Low	Median	High	Outlook
Nova Scotia	$35,128	$51,600	$152,000	Moderate (3 of 5)
Canada	$32,867	$58,400	$178,000	—

Wages by region and job outlook in Nova Scotia

Wages in every province and territory

Real estate agents in other provinces and territories

Regulated in 6 of the other 12 jurisdictions checked so far. The rules differ from one place to the next.

British Columbia Licence required
Alberta Not confirmed yet
Saskatchewan Licence required
Manitoba Licence required
Ontario Licence required
Quebec Licence required
New Brunswick Licence required
Prince Edward Island Not confirmed yet
Newfoundland and Labrador Not confirmed yet
Yukon Not confirmed yet
Northwest Territories Not confirmed yet
Nunavut Not confirmed yet

Compare real estate agent licensing across Canada

Sources checked

Pages read on October 10, 2026.

Choosing a Real Estate Licensee - Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission nsrec.ns.ca/consumers/getting-started/choosing-a-licensee · fetched October 10, 2026
How to Get Licensed - Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/first-time-applicants · fetched October 10, 2026
Exams - Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission nsrec.ns.ca/licensing-exams · fetched October 10, 2026
Licensing from Another Province - Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-province · fetched October 10, 2026
Licensing from Another Country - Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/transferring-from-another-country · fetched October 10, 2026
Becoming a Broker - Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/becoming-a-broker · fetched October 10, 2026
How to Terminate, Reinstate, Change Brokerages or Change Classes - Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission nsrec.ns.ca/licensees/licensing/licence-changes · fetched October 10, 2026

Frequently asked questions

Do you need a licence to work as a real estate agent in Nova Scotia?

Yes. Registration with the Nova Scotia Real Estate Commission is required to practise in Nova Scotia.

Which exams are required?

Challenge Exam, broker exam.

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