Steps to follow to become a broker

To be able to practice the profession in Québec, candidates must successfully go through the following steps: However, before moving on to the first step, you must think of the area of practice desired: residential real estate brokerage or commercial real estate brokerage.

Step 1: Successfully complete a basic training program recognized by the OACIQ

Several educational institutions in various regions of Quebec offer this mandatory training.

Step 2: Prepare for the OACIQ certification examination

The OACIQ certification examinations simulate a real estate transaction and are designed to validate a candidate’s ability to use the various resources at his disposal and to apply and adapt them to different professional contexts. The candidate will prepare according to the examination that concerns him, based on his skills (residential real estate brokerage or commercial real estate brokerage).

Skills-based approach

The skills-based approach is a way for the OACIQ to ensure that each individual who is issued a licence is capable of bringing a real estate transaction to fruition and to act in accordance with professional standards in the fields of real estate brokerage.

Competency Frameworks

The competency frameworks are guides to help future brokers understand what competencies must be developed and mastered in order to act ethically and responsibly in their brokerage practice.

Each skill included in the frameworks was based on an analysis of professional situations followed by a validation process with practitioners and professionals in each of the areas, in order to ensure that the frameworks reflect reality while meeting the requirements of the profession.

A professional situation represents the responsibility that befalls the broker in the course of his activities. These situations lead to professional actions being taken to bring them to fruition.

In turn, the professional actions taken require proficiency with the use of professional resources. These resources are essentially the knowledge that a candidate must master to take the professional actions required in an expert and efficient manner.

The examinations are based on competency frameworks designed* to reflect the professional activities of real estate brokers and agency executive officers. Check them out (on the right) for a better preparation for the exam.

Note

The development process for the competency framework for residential real estate brokerage was proposed by Mr. Jacques Tardif, professor at the Université de Sherbrooke.

Step 3: Apply for an OACIQ exam

After consulting the exam calendar to see the date that suits you, fill out the ''Examination Application'' form found on the Examination Forms page. It is important to sign the form and attach all required documents (proof of identity, transcript, and payment). Email everything to examen@oaciq.com in a single email no later than the last day of the registration period specified in the calendar of examinations, under Details. Otherwise, you will not be registered for the desired session. You will then have to choose a new session based on the spaces available on the calendar.

Step 4: Notice of examination

The OACIQ will confirm the time and place of the examination by email, at least twenty days before the scheduled date.

Step 5: Mailing of results

The OACIQ will send you an email when your exam results are available. You may then check them out by logging on to Brokers' Area, in the My record section / Examination results.

Note that your login information was sent to you when you applied for the exam. If you cannot find it or are experiencing problems logging in to Brokers' Area , use the “Forgot password?" function or contact Info OACIQ via the Contact Us page.

Please note that no results will be given over the phone.

To obtain your certification, you must successfully complete all competencies outlined in the framework. If you fail one or more competencies, you will have to retake and pass the entire exam.

The regulations give you up to three supplemental exams to continue your certification process. You have 12 months after your initial examination to take these supplemental exams.

To take a supplemental exam, please complete the form Application to take a supplemental examination .

You may also request a grade review using the Request for examination grade review form, where you will find all the information pertaining to this process.

This form must be sent no later than 15 days after the date the exam results were issued.

Please Note that a grade review request means a rescoring of your exam. Your result may stay the same or change. Grade review does not provide access to your exam papers.

Fees and delays apply.

Step 6: Application for issuance of your licence

If you passed the examination, you will have 12 months from the date your results were sent to you to apply for a licence. To do so, you must complete and send the duly signed Application for issuance – Real estate broker licence (PDF) to the Certification Department at certification@oaciq.com, along with the applicable fee.

The appropriate "Application for issuance" form can be found on the Certification Forms page.

Step 7: Receiving the licence

That’s it! If your licence application has been properly completed and all licence requirements are met, you will receive a licence issuance confirmation by email. You may print it and present it to your clients. Note that you will have to renew your licence every year, pay the applicable fees and complete the Mandatory Continuing education Program (MCEP) to keep your knowledge current for your own benefit and that of your clients. For more information, please read the Guideline – Licence Issue and Maintenance.

See Brokers' Area to find your receipts and your electronic licence.